Rebekha Sharkie (Mayo, Nick Xenophon Team) Share this | Hansard source

The federal budget establishes $10 billion in national rail programs, yet it does not commit any new funding to South Australian rail projects. The South Australian Liberal Party has recently made a very ambitious election promise for a freight rail bypass from the Murray lands, taking freight out of the Adelaide Hills. It also includes a regional freight airport in the Murray lands. Was an examination of this proposal considered during the establishment of the National Rail Program? If so, why was it not funded or money at least put aside in the forward estimates? Was this proposal even put forward to the federal government by the Liberal opposition?

The South Eastern Freeway, in South Australia, which goes through the heart of my electorate, provides a crucial transport link between the Adelaide metropolitan area and dozens of towns across the Adelaide Hills, and extends beyond to Murray Bridge. It is also the only freight link out to Melbourne and Sydney. Can the minister provide an analysis of when the freeway is likely to reach its capacity? Has any consideration been given to potential upgrades to the freeway to reduce its congestion? The minister would know that we have had a number of deaths on that freeway and a number of trucks have caused significant chaos. It is really just too congested.

I would like to talk about the Building Better Regions Fund. The Treasurer spoke specifically about investing in the regions, before announcing a $200 million fund for a further round of the BBRF. Under the current eligibility criteria, cities such as the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Geelong are considered regional, while townships such as my area of Charleston in South Australia, with a population of just 530 people is not considered regional. It is an isolated area, with in Charleston having no health services and no public transport. It is a true regional area but it is not considered regional, yet the Gold Coast is. What analysis was undertaken to determine the significant urban area maps, and what was the best determinant for eligible regions? Are there any plans to review this spend to address this clear anomaly, where the Gold Coast is deemed to be an eligible area for a regional grant but towns in my community like Charleston and Echunga, towns that are truly isolated, are not considered?

The budget papers detail that the Australian government will continue the Regional Development Australia committee program by providing $74 million for the period 2017-18 to 2020-21. However, it also indicates that the current funding arrangements have been extended only until 31 December 2017. Minister, will Regional Development Australia continue beyond 31 December 2017 or will it face the axe? If it is to continue, could the minister please elaborate on the capacity in which it will continue?

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