SA budget paves the way to get state back on track
19 September 2018
IPA: The Marshall Government’s first budget has delivered a 21 per cent boost to infrastructure funding, with more than $8.6 billion dedicated to new roads, rail, schools and hospitals right across the state, says industry think tank Infrastructure Partnerships Australia.
“The Marshall Government has come out of the blocks with a good first budget for infrastructure,” said Infrastructure Partnerships Australia Chief Executive Adrian Dwyer.
“The funding boost shows that the new Government is serious about building new infrastructure.
“The extra money for infrastructure will help SA deliver more schools, hospitals and roads, and provide the funds for a continued focus on completing the North-South corridor,” Mr Dwyer said
The SA budget has also highlighted the ongoing importance of the private sector to service delivery. It confirmed the South Australian Government will proceed with two school Public Private Partnerships in the north and south of Adelaide, worth a combined $261 million.
“State and territory governments right across Australia are fighting the dual challenges of more demand for services and fewer dollars to pay for them,” Mr Dwyer said.
“It is good to see that the SA Government has recognised this challenge and is looking at different ways it can deliver services to South Australians by partnering with the private sector.”
The Federal Government has brought forward money for a number of projects across the State, including the Gawler Line Modernisation. The budget also flags future priorities for the SA Government and how projects will be assessed.
“The infrastructure sector will be pleased to see that money has been set aside for a business case for the new Barossa Hospital and more projects under the North-South Corridor,” Mr Dwyer said.
“It is also good to see money allocated towards robust project selection and a focus on economic reform with the establishment of Infrastructure SA and the South Australian Productivity Commission.
“This budget lays the right
foundations for the state. The challenge now is to sustain this
investment in future years and deliver on longer term reform priorities
to support continued economic growth,” Mr Dwyer said
Infrastructure Partnerships Australia is the infrastructure sector’s
leading industry think tank, providing independent policy research
focused on excellence in social and economic infrastructure.
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Source: Infrastructure Partnership Australia - www.infrastructure.org.au
Contact: Media Contact: Mitch Dudley 0430 003 137; Michael Player 0424 698 189
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