South Australian jetties, bridges, boat ramps and boating facilities will get a $40 million injection in the upcoming State Budget 2020-21 – boosting coastal and regional communities and creating jobs.
The initiative will see $20 million over three years to upgrade priority bridges across South Australia and $20 million over three years to upgrade jetties and boat ramps, creating 80 jobs
The first round of boat ramps and jetties which will be upgraded or improved under this program within the next two years, include Anxious Bay Boat Ramp, Cape Jervis Jetty, Streaky Bay Shelter, Coffin Bay Jetty, O'Sullivan Beach Boat Ramp. West Beach Boat Ramp is also part of the program.
Bridges which will be upgraded in the next 18 months include the Barrier Highway at Burra, Mawson Road at Meadows and Hindmarsh Tiers Road over Hindmarsh River.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Corey Wingard said upgraded bridge, jetting and boating infrastructure across the state would improve safety and boost regional economies.
"We know jetties and boat ramps are often at the heart of coastal communities and they play an important role in South Australians' way of life," Minister Wingard said.
"$20 million in the upcoming State Budget will see boat ramps and jetties get a face lift right across South Australia – from Streaky Bay on the West Coast to Beachport in the South East and the West Beach boat ramp in between.
"We know many South Australians love nothing more than getting out in the boat and dropping a line to try and catch a fish.
"Recreational fishing is critical part of our state's economy and these upgrades will hopefully encourage more people to get out on the water which has a significant flow on effect to local businesses.
"Importantly new and improved jetties and boat ramps will increase safety for those enjoying the wonderful coastline South Australia has to offer.
"We are also committing a further $20 million to upgrade priority bridges across South Australia to look after those travelling on our roads.
"For too long we know road maintenance, particularly in regional South Australia, was ignored by the previous government and this $20 million is on top of our record investment in regional road upgrades.
"This is all part of our record investment in infrastructure across South Australia.
"The Marshall Liberal Government is building what matters to keep South Australians safe and strong, back businesses and create jobs."
