The South Australian Chamber of Mines & Energy (SACOME) has welcomed the State Government’s $1 billion spend on regional infrastructure.
The South Australian Government has committed the funding to upgrading and maintaining regional and remote roads that are used daily by the resources sector.
This includes:
- The Augusta Highway duplication, 28km stretch between Port Wakefield and Lochiel ($260m)
- Augusta Highway improvements to four key junctions between Redhill and Winninowie (part of $190m Princes Highway Corridor Program)
- Augusta Highway improvements to two key junctions south of Crystal Brook (part of $266.3m Princes Highway Corridor Upgrade)
- The installation of overtaking lanes on Horrocks Highway, between Wilmington and Gawler (part of $105m Horrocks Highway Corridor Upgrade)
- Olympic Dam Highway repairs following flood damage (part of $75m to improve national supply chain resilience).
“As the backbone of the State’s economy, the growth of the resources sector is dependent on reliable supply chain routes, safe and efficient transport corridors, and the funding of critical infrastructure to enable greater access to the State’s mineral provinces,” SACOME chief executive officer Rebecca Knol said.
“It is vital that the momentum of infrastructure and road maintenance funding is maintained to ensure the improved safety and reliability of supply chain routes for all industries.
“While regional and remote roads are primarily a safety, logistics and efficiency issue for the resource sector, they also impact a wide range of other sectors and communities including pastoralists, freight operators and tourists.”
