The Marshall Government will spend $50 million on a pair of tram projects in Adelaide, but will not make any major investments to expand the city’s tram network.
In its first Budget since winning the state election in March, the Liberals followed through on their vow to cancel Labor’s AdeLINK program.
AdeLINK is the light rail expansion program Labor has tied itself to at both the state and federal level.
The City Tram Extension, which will open soon after signalling issues delayed the initial opening date, was the first project under the AdeLINK program.
While the Marshall Government’s first Budget doesn’t include funding for more AdeLINK projects, it does include $37 million to deliver a right-hand turn for the tram line at the intersection of King William Street and North Terrace.
The project, which will see trams turn right at one of Adelaide’s busiest intersections, will allow access to the old Royal Adelaide Hospital site.
The Budget also includes $11.7 million in City South tramline renewal and stop upgrade funding.
Elsewhere, the forward estimates include $578 million for the electrification of the Gawler Line – a project Lendlease is already contracted to deliver by late 2020. The funding includes $220 million from the Commonwealth – funding the state transport minister, Stephan Knoll, says the Labor Party couldn’t secure.
“The Marshall Government … moved quickly to secure $220 million in Commonwealth Government funding to deliver the Gawler Electrification Project,” Knoll said.
“Commonwealth funding for this project was not secured by Labor and is another example of the new Marshall Government cleaning up the mess that Labor left behind.
“By electrifying the Gawler Line, the State Government is delivering a faster, safer and better service for the tens of thousands of South Australians who use this service every day.”
The Budget also includes a $2.5 million allocation to establish the South Australian Public Transport Authority.
“[SAPTA] will inform the development of a comprehensive public transport strategy that is customer focused, more reliable, accessible and better suits the needs of South Australians,” Knoll said.
“The Marshall Liberal Government has a strong plan to improve the public transport network and deliver a better service for South Australians.”