The South Australian Liberals have announced a $211 million commitment to co-fund the Greater Adelaide Freight Bypass to deliver a billion-dollar freight solution for South Australia, joining with the Federal Coalition’s $840 million pledge.
This transformative project will deliver a safer and more efficient route for freight vehicles travelling through South Australia, bypassing the Adelaide Hills and eastern suburbs, and removing thousands of trucks from the congested South Eastern Freeway.
Leader of the Opposition, Vincent Tarzia, said an elected Federal Coalition and State Tarzia Liberal Government’s $1 billion investment will ensure South Australians finally see the Greater Adelaide Freight Bypass built and delivered.
“Labor walked away from this project just months before construction was due to begin—despite years of planning by the former State and Federal Liberal Governments,” Mr Tarzia said.
The Greater Adelaide Freight Bypass will deliver major upgrades along the Monarto to Sturt Highway corridor, including a Truro township bypass, the duplication of Swanport Bridge, upgrades to the Monarto Interchange and level crossing, and critical safety improvements along the freight route.
It will divert up to 60 per cent of heavy freight away from the South Eastern Freeway, cutting congestion and improving safety for local drivers.
Shadow Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Ben Hood said the State Liberals were stepping in where the Malinauskas Government has stubbornly refused to lead.
“Labor has abandoned South Australians under this plan, with the Prime Minister demanding the State Government cough up half of the funding, which Peter Malinauskas and his Minister won’t commit to,” Mr Hood said.
“That makes Federal Labor’s plan nothing but smoke and mirrors and if Peter Malinauskas doesn’t back Peter Dutton’s Plan, then he doesn't back Team South Australia."
“In stark contrast, we’re making a genuine commitment in partnership with the Federal Coalition to see this project brought back to life and delivered in full.”
“It’s a clear choice: the Liberals are ready to deliver the Greater Adelaide Freight Bypass. Labor is still reviewing, delaying, and cutting,” Mr Hood concluded.
The bypass isn’t just about moving freight more efficiently, but also taking pressure off suburban roads, supporting primary producers, and building the infrastructure that a growing South Australia needs.
Member for Schubert, Mrs Ashton Hurn said Truro locals have been calling for action to get heavy vehicles off the main street for years.
“Hundreds of B-Doubles and road trains travel along the Main Street each and every day, and it causes great distress, not just for the local community, but for the truckies as well,” Mrs Hurn said.
“My local community was disappointed by Labor’s decision to scrap the freight route, but the Liberals have committed to put the money on the table to get it done.
“We also remain committed as part of this project to investing in the Truro township with $1 million to enhance the amenity of it and maintain it as a great place for tourists to visit.“
In Adelaide’s eastern suburbs, Member for Bragg, Jack Batty MP has long advocated for the project which he says will get thousands of trucks off Portrush Road.
“Three years ago, I promised to fight every day to get trucks off Portrush Road – because our local roads are not appropriate freight routes,” Mr Batty said.
“I drive down Portrush Road every day. It is lined with schools, shops, nursing homes and pedestrians - not things that should be mixing with B Doubles.
“My local community should not have to wait another decade or for another tragedy before we see action on this issue.”
Liberal Candidate for Dunstan, Anna Finizio called it a game-changer for her community.
“We’ve been fighting to get trucks off Portrush Road for years now, and this project will do exactly that.”
“This project will deliver less congestion and cleaner air as trucks are rerouted away from suburban bottlenecks and most importantly away from our local schools, homes and businesses.”
Member for Unley, David Pisoni, said “our local community has run the truck gauntlet on Cross Road for too long and this project will be essential to making the daily commute safer and more efficient for all."
