SA Civil Contractors Federation sees infrastructure move as boosting state
With a backdrop of an underperforming South Australian economy, the state branch of the Civil Contractors Federation has urged progress be made on the Strzelecki Track.
In the state’s north-east, the road links Lyndhurst with Innamincka and the project value is put at $450 million.
The federation believes it would be an “economic shot in the arm” for the state but warns that waiting on federal spending risks a decade’s delay.
“The Weatherill Government’s own economic analysis indicates that upgrading the Strzelecki Track has a high value for money ratio and an annual economic benefit to the state in the order of $1.3 billion,” federation CEO Phil Sutherland says.
“But although the SA Government has identified the project as essential – and a high order economic stimulus and job creation project – it is looking to the Federal Government for the estimated $450 million to fund the project,” he said.
“The comprehensive upgrade to the Strzelecki Track would be a game changer to the economic value to the state, especially to the many businesses and economists who saw the $800 million gas pipeline project as the spark desperately needed to light a fire under the state’s economy.
“That hope is now lost forever with the NT Government’s decision to approve a pipeline route through Queensland.
“There is no point – nor is there time – to sulk or stew over what could have been.
“Decisive leadership and decision making is required for major infrastructure projects that specifically tackle the state’s growing jobs crisis and economic malaise.”