Welcome roads funding for Narungga

As part of a visit to Narungga electorate by Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Stephan Knoll MP yesterday, I was pleased to share the announcement of an additional $3.82 million of road funding for the region.

Announced was $3.45 million to resurface and reshoulder the entrance stretch of road into Kadina from Moonta (Martinga Road corner to Railway Terrace intersection, in collaboration with kerbing work undertaken by Copper Coast Council), and $370,000 for a section of Port Giles Road.

These investments bring the total tally of roads funding secured for the electorate since the Marshall Liberal Government was elected a year ago to almost $100 million. Previous announcements include the $90 million (joint Federal/State) Port Wakefield overpass and lane duplication project; $5 million for maintenance on the Adelaide Road near Dublin/Lower Light; and $700,000 for a stretch of the Maitland to Minlaton Road.

Yesterday’s itinerary began with meetings at Wallaroo with Copper Coast Council Mayor Roslyn Talbot and CEO Russell Peate, and Barunga West Council Mayor Leonie Kerley and CEO Andrew Cole. Topics included the preparation works for the cruise ships due to arrive in November at Wallaroo, local government reform, and specific roads and infrastructure needs in both council areas.

From there the Minister and I travelled to Hardwicke Bay to meet with Progress Association chairperson Ashley Gordon to discuss a road black spot at the town entrance.

YP Council Mayor Darren Braund and CEO Andrew Cameron then joined the tour for lunch at Ardrossan, where more valuable discussions were had prior to touring the Ardrossan jetty.

The day concluded with a visit to the Sunny Hill distillery at Arthurton.

All participating in the day appreciated the opportunity to meet with the Minister face-to-face, and to directly show him specific infrastructure needs.

Jetties and Coastal Erosion

Having highlighted in a speech I made in Parliament last week the many concerns I have with coastal protection issues at various locations around the electorate, there was extensive discussion throughout the day with Minister Knoll about our coastlines and associated infrastructure such as boat ramps, breakwaters and jetties.

Seeing first-hand the deterioration of Ardrossan jetty highlighted yet another problem the previous government chose to ignore. There are problems now with neglected, aging jetties across the State, and regardless of whose jurisdiction/responsibility these vital infrastructure and tourism assets fall under, urgent decisions are needed.

For Yorke Peninsula Council with its 485 kilometres of coastline and 13 jetties that are assets so pivotal not only to the growth and development of Yorke Peninsula’s tourism industry but to the economic survival of many YP seaside townships, the issue is significant.

At Ardrossan jetty alone, Council has gradually been undergoing repairs but there is urgent need to replace 120 piles at an estimated cost of $667,200.              

Discussions for financial solutions are underway, and the site visit with Minister Knoll was valuable in ensuring he is aware of the issues before us and how important it is that our coastal assets are safely maintained and preserved for use by future generations.