The Albanese and Malinauskas governments continue to deliver high-priority road and community infrastructure projects across outback South Australia.
As part of this, $7 million in federal funding is flowing to the Outback Communities Authority under Phase 4 of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.
More than $800,000 has been allocated to enhance town entry signage, incorporating the language of local Aboriginal groups and identifying local iconic landmarks.
New signage will be installed at more than 100 locations across the outback and will assist in preserving heritage, and improving visual amenity and wayfinding to community facilities for residents and visitors.
Several grassroots initiatives are also funded that will improve access to health services, support the mission to reach net zero, and benefit the social and personal wellbeing of people living in the remote areas.
These include:
• Resurfacing and upgrades to Parachilna and Andamooka Airstrips to assist the Royal Flying Doctor Service in delivering preventative and emergency healthcare.
• Upgrading the lighting at Western Uniting Tigers Football Club to enable players to train safely in the winter months.
• Installation of a new solar system and battery storage at the Fowlers Bay Community Hall to increase the number of events and social activities the hall can host year-round.
• Completing the construction of the Andamooka Community Recreation Centre, allowing more regular community activities which will enable more community groups to meet.
The State Government will also resurface Coorabie Road, at Coorabie, to provide more reliable and sustained access between the Eyre Highway, Coorabie and Fowlers Bay after rainfall events.
The Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program is an Australian Government initiative aimed at supporting all Australian councils to deliver projects, create jobs and long-lasting benefits for communities.
All projects under Phase 4 are expected to be completed by 30 June 2025.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, Kristy McBain MP:
"After visiting outback South Australia last year - where I spoke with remote communities about their infrastructure needs, including at Andamooka, Pimba, Roxby Downs and William Creek - I know that our $7 million investment will make a huge impact.
"Construction of the new Andamooka Community Recreation Centre was one project in particular that locals were really excited to complete, which is why I'm pleased our funding will support that.
"The Outback Communities Authority have a large footprint to manage, which is why we're partnering with them to deliver projects that will boost community engagement, improve access to a range of services, and stimulate local economies."
Quotes attributable to Federal Senator for South Australia, Karen Grogan:
"We've already delivered a purpose-built Royal Flying Doctor Service at William Creek through our LRCI funding - meaning locals and tourists no longer need to travel hours to their nearest health service.
"We're getting on with the job of delivering other high-impact projects with this $7 million funding boost - making local roads safer, installing modern and energy-efficient equipment at community facilities, and getting new shared spaces off the ground."
Quotes attributable to South Australian Minister for Local Government, the Hon Joe Szakacs MP:
"The Malinauskas Government and the Outback Communities Authority welcomes and appreciates the investment into outback SA from the Federal Government.
"Whether it's finishing the upgrades to the Andamooka Community Recreation Centre or the lights at Penong Sports Ground so the Western United Tigers can train safely - this funding will go the extra mile in improving liveability and town pride.
"I thank the Federal Government for this injection of funding into this unique region of our state and look forward to working with the Outback Communities Authority to deliver these projects."
Quotes attributable to Presiding Member, Outback Communities Authority, Jan Ferguson OAM:
"The positive impact that these types of projects have for our communities, and the outback SA region more generally, cannot be underestimated.
"The Authority's staff will now work with volunteers in the various Progress Associations to deliver these projects on time and within budget over the coming 12 months."
