Please see a summary of key initiatives and priorities for the 2024/25 State Budget and the Civil Contractors Federation SA's (CCF SA) ongoing efforts to support the Civil industry.
These initiatives align closely with CCF SA's strategic priorities, emphasising workforce development, efficient project delivery, equitable commercial frameworks, and inclusive community benefits.
Rebecca Pickering, CEO, CCF SA will attend the 2024/25 State Budget exclusive lock-in session tomorrow, 6 June 2024, where she will dissect key issues impacting the civil infrastructure industry.
Key priorities for the Civil industry and this year's upcoming budget are:
- Road Maintenance: Pursuing sustainable asset management with a focus on delivering an Asset Sustainability Ratio of 1 (circa $400m per annum), a substantial improvement from the current 5-year average ratio of 0.15. Current budget spend, circa $160m. CCF SA is advocating for transparent road maintenance plans accessible through a digital platform.
- 25,000 More Homes (HIPDU Support): Ensuring robust support for the Housing Infrastructure Planning Development Unit (HIPDU) to expedite civil construction, enhance productivity, and foster transparent communication of housing infrastructure plans. CCF SA continues to engage with stakeholders to drive effective policy outcomes.
Wins so far:
- Creation of the new Housing Super Portfolio under Minister Nick Champion
- Appointment of David Reynold as HIPDU Chief
- Establishment of the DTI Ministers Liaison Group (MLG), with CCF SA representation.
- Several HIPDU industry forums held to date with industry leaders and associations
- SA Water: Allocating funds for critical water and sewer infrastructure projects, prioritising projects like the Mount Bold safety upgrade, and streamlining procurement frameworks for enhanced efficiency. CCF SA is actively engaging with SA Water and stakeholders to ensure efficient project execution.
Wins so far:
- May 26 announcement: Malinauskas Labor Government will expedite $59 million in water and sewer infrastructure upgrades in Adelaide's northern suburbs
- Activation of HIPDU (refer above)
- Strengthened CCF SA CEO and SA Water CE affiliation 4. Workforce Building – Civil Apprentice Funding: Urging the government to bridge funding gaps for civil apprenticeships and provide essential trade support loans. CCF SA is advocating for policies that promote workforce development and industry sustainability.
Wins so far:
- Activation of both Department Innovation and Skills and Department Industry, Innovation and Science to complete a Workforce Planning Study for South Australian major infrastructure projects.
- CCF SA CEO meet with the Federal Review the Honourable Ian Ross AO here in Adelaide in regards to the Federal Government's Strategic Review of the Australian Apprenticeship Incentive System. Civil Apprenticeships and Careers Ltd (CACL) invited to, and submitted, a direct submission.
5. Torrens to Darlington procurement to be announced in the third quarter of 2024
- This is one of the biggest projects in our state's history and we need to get started on it in the third quarter of this year.
What we have heard already for the upcoming 2024-25 Budget
- The Malinauskas Labor Government will accelerate $59 million in water and sewer infrastructure upgrades in Adelaide's northern suburbs to ensure new homes can be delivered as quickly as possible.
- This initial investment is a small portion of the significant money required to address urgent needs in Adelaide's growing outer suburbs.
- The Malinauskas Labor Government will reveal details of the extensive investment and master-planning for future water and sewer infrastructure at a special Housing Roadmap event on Tuesday, June 25.
- The Housing Roadmap will reveal the Government's plan to increase land supply, expedite the planning process, tackle infrastructure challenges currently limiting development and bolster skills in the construction and planning sectors with the single focus - getting more South Australians into their own home.
- Road safety maintenance will receive $35 million over three years, with $3.8 million over the same time for the construction of a new heavy vehicle rest area along the Princes Highway at Salt Creek.
- An additional annual $5 million will be delivered from 2027 to 2028 for the maintenance and repair of jetties in South Australia.
- The new funding extends the $20 million which was announced in last year's state budget, locking in the four-year SA Jetties Renewal Program in perpetuity, the government said.
About us:
ABOUT THE CIVIL CONTRACTORS FEDERATION SA
The Civil Contractors Federation South Australia has more than 500 company members who in turn employ up to 30,000 South Australians.
Members are involved in a variety of projects and activities including the development and maintenance of infrastructure such as roads, bridges, sewer, water and drainage pipelines, dams, wharves, commercial and housing land development. Members are also involved in the preparatory works for mining and other resource developments.
South Australia's prosperity is dependent upon functional, efficient and cost-effective civil infrastructure. Healthy, well-functioning and productive countries depend on infrastructure that civil contractors construct and maintain. Civil contractors play a prime role in working with both public and private sector clients in infrastructure delivery. The business of civil construction plays a pivotal role in the growth and prosperity of South Australia.
CCF SA will continue to advocate for the civil and allied industries, to ensure ongoing business and State's sustainability:
· Every South Australian Civil business is engaged in state infrastructure projects
· Projects procured and delivered in a timely manner
· Timelines and budgets that are realistic
· Pipeline of works that gives the industry an opportunity to invest for the future.
· Fair and equitable contracts that do not disadvantage SME's
