The South Australian Government has introduced a $1 billion economic stimulus package, in an initiative to support local jobs and businesses from the economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.
The state government announced that $120 million of new infrastructure projects will be fast tracked and support 165 jobs, including:
- $52 million for targeted regional road network repair and improvement, including on the Stuart Highway, Yorke Highway, Dukes Highway and Riddoch Highway
- $35 million to rehabilitate and resurface the South Eastern Freeway between the Tollgate and Crafers
- $15 million for Heysen Tunnel refit and safety upgrade
- $12 million for a higher capacity North-South Freight Route by-passing Adelaide
- $6 million to seal Adventure Way and Innamincka Airport Road
The $120 million infrastructure spend builds on the $21.5 million worth of construction contracts recently released to upgrade almost 200km of Cleve Road and Browns Well Highway.
Premier Marshall said the state government has a strong plan that is being swiftly implemented to protect South Australians from the economic and health impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.
“The state government is fast tracking new infrastructure projects to help keep more South Australians in a job, and support local businesses during these unprecedented times,” Premier Marshall said.
“We are acting decisively to support South Australians and safeguard our economy as we all grapple with the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.
“By fast tracking infrastructure projects, providing tax relief for households and businesses and delivering business and community support funding, we are aiming to keep as many hard-working South Australians in a job as possible.”
South Australian Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Local Government, Stephan Knoll, said tenders had already been released for the $15 million Heysen Tunnel refit and $6 million Adventure Way and Innamincka Airport Road sealing to get these projects underway as soon as possible.
“We are trying to get these projects out the door as quickly as possible to support more South Australian jobs and businesses as we deal with the impacts of the coronavirus,” Mr Knoll said.
“These projects will help fix hundreds of kilometres of roads and highways, improve road safety and help save lives on our country roads.”
