Minister Stephan Knoll and Labor Leader Peter Malinauskas pitch infrastructure solutions
New analysis shows road projects under construction can boost the economy by billions. But Labor has put forward some new projects that should be discussed.
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New and old infrastructure projects are being spruiked to help fill 48,000 South Australian jobs losses caused by COVID-19.
New State Government modelling shows 18 key road projects will generate 1300 jobs over the next 18 months and a $5.7bn boost in economic activity.
Meanwhile the State Opposition are pushing for priority projects including a southern suburbs rail link, an extension of the O-Bahn and duplication of a major regional highway.
New job statistics released to be released on Thursday will further highlight the economic challenges ahead for the country as Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg prepares to release a mini-budget next week.
Using a benefit cost ratio analysis from parliament’s public works committee, Transport Minister Stephan Knoll said 18 projects – including the Regency to Pym Street project and Port Wakefield highway duplication and overpass, and Joy Baluch AM Bridge upgrade projects – will cost about $1.68bn but will generate up to $5.7bn in economic benefit.
“Many of these projects ... provide a massive boost to freight productivity and benefit the transport industry,” Mr Knoll said.
“Many other projects help to improve road safety, bust congestion and reduce travel times for all South Australians using these roads.”
Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Peter Malinauskas has named three projects he wants the government to put on the drawing board, stressing the importance of infrastructure to repair the economy post-COVID-19.
Falling just short of making election commitments, Mr Malinauskas told The Advertiser that continuing the rail line from Seaford to Aldinga, extending the O-Bahn, and duplicating the Augusta Highway should be put forward to the federal agency that determines the nation’s best projects. Mr Malinauskas said the three projects would create jobs, boost productivity and increase public transport patronage.
“I believe that these projects we have to have a serious conversation about,” Mr Malinauskas said. “These projects deserve to be on the agenda.
“We will of course be taking a comprehensive policy to the election aimed at the economic recovery of the state and Labor has always believed that infrastructure is central to that.”
A spokesman said the government was in the process of developing a submission to Infrastructure Australia for the 2021 infrastructure priority list. “We will have more detail once this submission is finalised,” he said.
On Wednesday, expressions of interest were released for the troublesome Goodwood, Springbank and Daws roads intersection, as well as another at Main North, Kings and McIntyre roads. They are priced at $60 million and $13 million respectively.
According to the Transport Department, an average of 60,000 vehicles a day travel through the Springbank Road intersection.
There were 50 crashes at the location from 2014-18, 20 of which resulted in at least one injury.