David Johnston (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the honourable senator for his question and acknowledge his interest in infrastructure in his home state of South Australia. The government has made a significant commitment of $500 million to upgrade South Road—half a billion dollars to that project to which he refers. On 19 October 2013, the Prime Minister announced the Australian government's commitment to complete both the Darlington and the Torrens projects and ultimately the full north-south corridor. We have indicated that the Darlington section at the southern end of South Road is our highest priority, in accordance with our election commitment. We have asked the South Australian government to develop a comprehensive business case proposal for the Darlington project. The Australian government will provide funding for the business case and expects that work will be underway by the end of this year.

However, the government also recognises the critical importance of the full length of South Road and the need also to upgrade the Torrens Road to River Torrens section. Recognising this, we are also asking South Australia to continue with the planning for the Torrens project using $20 million in Australian government funding that has already been provided. We will work with the state government on ways to ensure that this important project is completed as well and in a very timely way. In addition, the Australian government will work with the South Australian government to develop a plan to ensure that the upgrade of the north-south road corridor is completed within a decade. That is the commitment of this government.