PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE: GREATER EDINBURGH PARKS TRANSPORT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (STAGE 1)

Mrs VLAHOS (Taylor) (11:29): I move:

That the 398^th report of the committee, on the upgrade of Commercial Road as part of the Greater Edinburgh Parks Transport Improvement Program (Stage 1), be noted.

This program, stage 1, is of particular relevance to my electorate so I will speak on it. The development of an improved road network to cater for the current and future transport demands of this development is intended to contribute to the achievement of three of the six South Australian Strategic Plan criteria, namely, growing prosperity, improving wellbeing, and attaining sustainability.

The GEP program proposal, as it is known, will generate a significant amount of employment during the construction phase through on-site labour and construction materials supply. More broadly, the move of 1,200 army personnel plus their dependants to Adelaide will generate significant long-term economic benefits to the community by increasing local spending on goods and services. The roadworks upgrade will improve transport movements and support the associated economic growth in this precinct. The scope of this project is outlined below:

duplication of the existing Commercial Road between Purling Avenue and Salisbury Highway, noting that this will require an upgraded existing rail crossing where Commercial Road intersects with the Gawler to Adelaide Metro line;

installation of a pedestrian-actuated crossing at Commercial Road in front of the Phoenix Society; and

improvements and widenings at the intersection of Commercial Road, Salisbury Highway and John Rice Avenue.

A $24 million budget was approved by cabinet earlier this year for a package of transport improvements, which we have mentioned. Funding of $16.5 million for the upgrade of Commercial Road between Purling Avenue and Salisbury Highway is anticipated. Based on the evidence presented to it, and pursuant to section 12C of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1991, the Public Works Committee reports to parliament that it recommends the proposed public work.

Mr HAMILTON-SMITH (Waite) (11:31): I rise to signal the opposition's full support for this report. This is a very vital investment for growth in the defence precinct surrounding Edinburgh. I was out there just last week for the 90^th birthday of the Royal Australian Air Force, and I can say that the road complex around the Edinburgh RAAF base and this precinct at present is poor, confused and urgently in need of work. This is an important step in the right direction, and I look forward to its swift passage.

Motion carried.