ROAD MAINTENANCE, FAR NORTH

188 Dr McFETRIDGE (Morphett) (21 October 2008).

1. When will the state government undertake maintenance works and grading of the road between Mount Serle and Arkaroola?

2. How many road gangs are currently operating in the far north of this state?

3. How much funding is currently provided for road gangs operating in the far north, what projects are currently being undertaken and what maintenance works will be undertaken next year?

4. Is there a future plan to increase the number of workers and road gangs in the far north to keep up with the level of maintenance and road works urgently required in these areas?

The Hon. P.F. CONLON (Elder—Minister for Transport, Minister for Infrastructure, Minister for Energy): I provide the following information:

1. The Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure (DTEI) maintains the access road from the Copley-Balcanoona Road past Mount Serle to the Umberatana Homestead. This road is graded on average once per year or when urgent repairs are needed.

The road from Umberatana Homestead to Arkaroola is not maintained by DTEI.

2. There are currently 20 road gangs operating in the far north region of this State, including contract and departmental day labour gangs.

3. In 2008-09 the State Government has budgeted $19 million for periodic and routine maintenance in the far north region.

In addition, the following projects are currently being undertaken:

Strzelecki Track upgrade, total cost $13.7 million

Blinman—Wilpena Road upgrade, total cost $10.5 million

Marree—Lyndhurst Road upgrade, total cost $3.9 million

Road Condition Sign Automation, total cost $1 million

Outback concrete floodway construction, total cost $3.4 million; and

Shoulder Sealing $800,000.

4. The government will continue to manage the far north region road network in a responsible manner and manage needs as they arise.