New $3.8m truck stop built on 'crumbling' highway sparks safety outcry
A truck stop along one of South Australia’s biggest highways has become a battleground for a former federal Liberal MP who’s got the premier in her sights.
A former politician has slammed the misuse of $3.8m for a truck stop on the Princes Hwy just kilometres from existing rest areas, while the “crumbling” road is littered with potholes.
Former federal Liberal MP for the metropolitan seat of Boothby and “passionate” Kingston local Nicolle Flint has launched a satirical social media campaign to highlight the “dangerous” road condition, claiming “people could die”.
The ‘Premier Pete’s Pothole Pandemic’ campaign features damaged road along the Coorong in 17 videos – some attracting more than 122,000 views and nationwide feedback.
“I’m calling on the state government to massively increase their spending on road maintenance for public safety,” Ms Flint told The Advertiser.
“They built an extraordinary passing lane (in 2023) and yet have done zero road maintenance of the rest of the road infrastructure that is crumbling more day by day.”
South Australia’s road network faced a $2.1bn road maintenance backlog, with the RAA calling for a $1bn investment over four years.
Ms Flint said adding insult to road users was the addition of a new $3.8m truck stop, jointly funded 80:20 by the federal and state governments, 1.7km north of Salt Creek.
It will include five parking bays, a unisex toilet block, metal shade structure and picnic tables.
“There are two existing reasonable length rest stops on the Coorong they could’ve expanded,” Ms Flint said.
“People see it as a misallocation of taxpayer funds that should go into crumbling roads.”
An Infrastructure and Transport Department spokeswoman said it considered upgrading the informal rest area at Salt Creek, but insufficient sight distance and limited space meant it could not fit the required number of heavy vehicles.
“The location was selected to meet rest area spacing requirements and design guidelines for safe vehicle access and egress,” the spokeswoman said.
“Further, the department sought to minimise impacts on adjacent properties and areas of high environmental and cultural significance within the Coorong region”
She added the department had consulted with the Coorong District Council, Department for Environment and Water and Ngarrindjeri Aboriginal Corporation Board.
Two of Ms Flint’s posts on November 26 and 30 about potholes, including near Safari Rd, were patched by the department’s contractor within days.
The spokeswoman said the repairs were part of the contractor’s routine maintenance loop, who conduct “fortnightly inspections” to identify issues and do minor repairs.
“We prioritise improvements on roads with the greatest need, based on a variety of factors including traffic volume, safety, and pavement condition,” she said.
Kingston veterinarian Lew Schinckel said the Princes Hwy, between Meningie and Kingston, was “breaking up” with increased traffic and potholes added danger when dodging wildlife.
“If you’re dodging potholes you’re not looking for wildlife so you’re taking your eyes off where they should be to drive safely,” Mr Schinckel said.
Road maintenance issues needing urgent repair can be reported 24 hours a day to the Traffic Management Centre on 1800 018 313.
Originally published as New $3.8m truck stop built on 'crumbling' highway sparks safety outcry
