THE South Australian leg of the Princes Highway will receive a major cash splash under Treasurer Josh Frydenberg’s first Budget with around $200m expected to flow to local roads.
The Federal Government will invest $1b to deliver a range of road upgrades along the Princes Highway corridor through three states, with the South Australian component expected to be around
$200m.
Speaking to The Border Watch from Parliament last night, Mr Pasin said upgrades to the Princes Highway corridor in South Australia are expected to improve safety, reliability, freight efficiency and support local industry and tourism along the route.
Mr Pasin said a specific South Australian figure would be determined following consultation with the State Government.
He said projects would be funded on a 80:20 basis with the State Government.
“Improving our roads has been one of my number one priorities and I have argued the Princes Highway needs to front of mind when allocating national infrastructure priorities,” Mr Pasin said.
“It is arguably one of the most dangerous roads in Barker and has been crying out for significant Federal investment for years.
“As someone who drives thousands of kilometres a year on the Princes Highway, I understand the safety concerns people have with this road.
“I have also had first hand experience travelling the road in a heavy vehicle, thanks to Gary Hinton of Holla-Fresh which made me even more determined to fight for funding to see this important freight route upgraded.”
The funding will allow a range of upgrades along the major road stretching from NSW through to South Australia to support the implementation of the Princes Highway Corridor Strategy.
Investment is expected to include safety upgrades such as road widening, overtaking lanes and duplication along key sections.
Billions of dollars for new roads and infrastructure will flow to projects across the country as the government’s 10-year $75b infrastructure plan continues.
Over the border, Victoria’s South-West region will share in a multimillion dollar package for road and rail projects, including along the Warrnambool line.
Mr Pasin said the government’s “good economic management” had allowed for the significant investment in infrastructure.
“The reality is, the former State Labor Government were not interested in investing in our regional roads,” he said.
“With a Liberal Government now controlling the purse strings in South Australia, both levels of Government are committed to investing in our regions.
“The only thing standing in the way of more funding announcements like this one is a Bill Shorten Government.”
