SOUTH-WESTERN SUBURBS

Mr SIBBONS (Mitchell) (15:26): I rise to speak about the area of the south-western suburbs in general that also includes my electorate of Mitchell. I am repeatedly reminded about how much is happening in the area—from the soon to open state-of-the-art State Aquatic Centre and the GP Plus at the Marion Domain in Oaklands Park, to the electrification of the Noarlunga rail line, and the planning and reconstruction work for the duplication of the Southern Expressway. These pictures of progress stop you in your tracks, literally.

As well as that, the Marion shopping centre, the heart of the retail trade for the area for more than 40 years is soon to undergo further extensions and major upgrades. Also, as I have mentioned in this place previously, we can look forward to the redevelopment of the Tonsley Park site as an education and training hub.

My electorate and its surrounding districts are at the centre of projected growth outlined in the 30-Year Plan for Greater Adelaide 2010. We must adequately plan for the infrastructure and employment needs of our communities into the future for this growth to be sustainable. The creation of non-stop north-south corridors to move people and goods has been identified as a crucial element of such future planning. This is where the Darlington Transport Study comes in. This study is an investigation into future transport and land use option. It maps out a vision of requirements for all modes of transport through to 2031, and looks at the way they relate to urban regeneration.

We must also look to the future by finding solutions for the Oaklands crossing. This extremely busy intersection of Morphett and Diagonal roads with the Noarlunga train line has been touted as a candidate for road and rail separation since the 70s—and little wonder. It can be an absolute nightmare for motorists. I have used this crossing all my life. I totally understand the frustration of road users that get stuck at the junction, with traffic and railway lights seeming to conspire against them. Realignments of the roads and the upgrade of the Oaklands station have made great improvements but they have not addressed the underlying issue of the bottleneck. One constituent who lives 100 metres south of the crossing has said that it takes him 20 minutes to get to his house from the northern side, a total journey of no more than 200 metres.

The combination of road and rail at intersections can be a recipe for traffic trouble, just as separating them can reduce, and even prevent, gridlock. Indeed, traffic congestion at Oaklands crossing has actually eased since the Noarlunga train line closure early this month. However, the rail closure affecting the intersection is only a temporary measure while the line heading south is electrified. Congestion will most likely increase to the previous level when the line is reopened later this year.

The Oaklands crossing remains a big issue for everyone who uses it and I am committed to work towards a permanent fix to this problem. I will continue to push hard on this issue, as minister Conlon will no doubt attest. The Rann government and the department of transport know that a solution such as an underpass or overpass is needed for Oaklands crossing, and I am very confident this upgrade will go ahead sooner rather than later. I look forward to the announcement of more specifics of this overdue project and, finally, the start of work at the site. It will be a day to remember and certainly celebrate when this occurs.