Ellis submits 2024 Budget Wish List

Ahead of his seventh State Budget since his election in 2018, Member for Narungga Fraser Ellis MP feels confident his consistent direct advocacy with the Premier and his cabinet for local projects over many months will bear fruit in coming weeks as funding allocations are announced.

“Atop the wish list, as it was last year, are the Kulpara to Arthurton and the Bute to Port Broughton sections of Upper Yorke Road, as well as the Minlaton to Yorketown Road.

“I also this year, as per my recent Chamber speech, have formally called for a Turning Lane Fund to improve safety on our highways for those decelerating off our highways to turn into coastal communities such as Hardwicke Bay and Port Vincent,” Mr Ellis said.

He said having lodged the health petition to Parliament in November carrying 10,000 signatures, it will also come as no surprise that a significant portion of his submitted wish list falls under the Health portfolio.

“We need the guaranteed provision of medical professionals across our electorate so that those who choose to live in regional South Australia have access to a basic level of health care for which they as entitled as taxpayers”, Mr Ellis said.

“Further, we need capital investment in our regional hospitals. Wallaroo Hospital is the major facility for our region and, inexplicably, is only a 21-bed facility. This needs to change.

“Significant investment is required to bring that hospital up to a standard befitting its status as a major hospital for our region and similarly, Maitland and Yorketown Hospitals need upgrades to their Accident and Emergency departments with the planning for such projects well advanced.

“I have also highlighted in my submission that while we appreciate the upcoming investment of a paramedic crew for Wallaroo and acknowledge the significant impact it will have on our community; we need further improvement. At a recent community meeting organised by SAAS we heard how perilous the volunteer levels are on the Southern Yorke Peninsula with only 11 volunteers now servicing this whole area. Planning for staffing ambulances must commence,” Mr Ellis said.

Mr Ellis has also specifically called for expanded criteria for applicants to the Patients Assistance Transport Scheme and implores more concerted efforts to increase private and public housing stock.

“There is currently a two-year wait for a category one housing applicant and we haven’t had a real increase in public housing stock for decades.”

Jetty funding is also sought, and especially for tourism, Mr Ellis advises he has additionally called for funding for a feasibility study on the merits of a Glenelg to Port Vincent vehicle and passenger ferry service.

“SeaLink has indicated interest to me in the past in commencing a ferry service for our patch and I still believe this game changer for our largely untapped tourism sector in Narungga is worthy of consideration and continued advocacy,” Mr Ellis said.

“With anticipation, I await the roll out of budget announcements expected in coming weeks.”