DESPITE forewarning of a tough first budget, Treasurer Rob Lucas has reiterated the State Liberals’ election pledge to complete the Penola Bypass.
Mr Lucas said the long-awaited stage two works on the town’s main street detour was a priority of the new government and would be included in the upcoming state budget, to be revealed next month.
Last week, Mr Lucas announced a potential 75pc increase in government energy costs from $45m to $106m stemming from a “rushed deal” struck by the former Labor Government, but said it would not impact on the delivery of the Liberals’ election pledges.
“Completing the bypass was one of the election promises that was made and we will keep that election promise,” he said.
“There are issues around the timing of that, but we will announce the timing in the budget.”
Mr Lucas flagged projects and programs funded under the previous Labor administration would be under the axe.
Ahead of the state election, the Liberal Party committed to completing the project through a $4.9m contribution to the Federal Government’s existing $9m.
The first and southern stage of the bypass was completed in 2015, with the former Labor State Government funding the 2.5km section between Robe Road and the Riddoch Highway.
The Federal Government’s contribution for stage two, which was pledged in 2015 as part of the South Australian Regional Roads Package, was rejected by the previous State Government.
Wattle Range Mayor Peter Gandolfi said the funding contribution was a significant milestone in the progression of the bypass.
“It is good news the State Government has announced it will commit to completing the bypass and that work will start this financial year,” he said.
“It has been a long time coming, it has been hard fought for and it will improve the safety and amenity of those travelling through Penola and those living in the township.”
However, Barker MP Tony Pasin, who secured the Federal Government’s contribution, said he along with his country constituents would be “very disappointed” if the total amount pledged by his state colleagues was not included in the upcoming budget.
“I have ensured the federal funding component of $9m for this project, which I initially fought so hard to secure, has remained on the table despite the former State Labor Government’s refusal to accept it,” he said.
“The State Liberal Party made an election commitment to complete the bypass using this Federal Government funding.
“I expect as they are now in government, the state’s component of the funding will be included in the September state budget for the coming financial year.
“This is a project that has been discussed for over 50 years.
“To delay it any further would be bitterly disappointing.”
