The future of a major infrastructure project is at a cross-roads, with the Malinauskas Labor Government still yet to fully commit to the Greater Adelaide Freight Bypass.
Ahead of the State Budget, the Opposition is joining commuters, parents, school children, residents and local business owners calling for the Malinauskas Government to step up to confirm whether this nationally significant project will receive State Government funding.
Leader of the Opposition, Vincent Tarzia said there is clearly a major gap in the funding needed and the funding committed by Federal Labor that the State Government is scrambling to fill.
“We know that the Federal Labor Government has scrapped this project once already, who’s to say that history won’t repeat itself again,” Mr Tarzia said.
“The need for safer, more efficient freight movement is critical — with locals in fear that there will be another incident on this road, with the last one occurring just a few short weeks ago.
“The State Government needs to stop stalling, start listening and commit to this project in the upcoming State Budget.”
Shadow Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Ben Hood said the State Liberal Party and Federal Coalition had a plan to fully fund the $1.2 billion project with the State contribution in that plan just $211 million in an 80:20 funding split.
“In contrast Federal Labor has only committed half of the funding, meaning South Australians will pay more for this project under Labor, if it happens at all,” Mr Hood said.
“Labor’s silence and inaction is not good enough and South Australians are tired of waiting.
“This isn’t just another infrastructure proposal — it’s a nationally significant upgrade that will improve safety, boost productivity, and future-proof the state’s freight network.
“Premier Malinauskas’s delays are costing the community time, confidence, and potentially lives.”
The Greater Adelaide Freight Bypass would remove up to 70 per cent of heavy freight from suburban roads like Cross Road, Glen Osmond Road, and Portrush Road - improving road safety and reducing congestion in Adelaide’s eastern suburbs.
