This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
South Australian construction companies are set to benefit from a much-needed boost in infrastructure work funded by the federal government.
The $400 million promised for the acceleration of road upgrades across the state comes only a month after the Civil Contractors Federation (CCF) warned that low tender rates meant SA was descending into a "valley of death" that could bring about the loss of 10,000 jobs.
Some of the projects benefiting from the funding are the Port Augusta to Perth Road corridor, Victor Harbour Road duplication, Horrocks Highway, Flinders Link and the Darlington Upgrade, which as part of the North South Corridor was called the most urgent infrastructure project in the state by the South Australia Freight Council.
"We are very pleased both the Federal and State Government have heard our call for additional road funding and for this to be spent sooner than later," says Phil Sutherland, CEO of the CCF.
He adds, however, that for the funding to deliver the highest value it can, every effort must be made to invite tender bids for the work immediately and for the funded projects to be disaggregated to the fullest extent so that the dollars reach as many SA companies as possible.
"Our message to government – don’t bundle the work up into big contracts and put the work beyond the reach of the smaller SA firms. We want all SA firms – regardless of size – to benefit from this government investment."
Image: Karsten Würth via Unsplash.com