Cheltenham Parade Intersection

Mr SZAKACS (Cheltenham) (14:30): My question is also to the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure. Minister, despite funding being allocated for this project in February 2018, why is it today that you are still unable to furnish the house with details in respect to this much-needed upgrade for the residents of the western suburbs of Adelaide?

The Hon. J.A.W. GARDNER: Point of order: the construction of the question was in no way in order with standing order 97.

The SPEAKER: It's a valid point of order. I am feeling merciful. I am going to allow the minister an opportunity to answer the question.

The Hon. S.K. KNOLL (Schubert—Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Local Government, Minister for Planning) (14:30): By the member's own question, when he says that the money was provided for in February 2018, what he is saying is that it was made as a commitment before the election. That money was confirmed in the 2018-19 budget. What has been going on over the past 12 months essentially with that project is that we have been scoping up what the most appropriate form is.

The member's concern, not to put words in his mouth, would be very much about the local residents who find it difficult to use that road. That's a very valid concern; in fact, I hear this right across the electorate, where Cheltenham Parade, for instance, and West Lakes Boulevard are two busy roads, but not as busy as Port Road. Local residents want to get around a lot more easily, and so their concern primarily is about turning movements on and off of West Lakes Boulevard and Cheltenham Parade.

But what we have to be mindful of, especially with major arterial roads like Port Road, which in certain sections is the busiest road in South Australia, is that we have to make sure that whilst we are improving outcomes for side roads we don't make traffic worse for the main arterial thoroughfare. That is why in this case—we are talking about a road that in certain parts takes over 70,000 cars a day—we have to get the treatment right.

I understand that there has been a lot of internal discussion with various stakeholders about the most appropriate treatment. We are there now. As soon as I get the information, I will provide that to the member. What I can say is that this project is funded. This government has chosen to confirm this project going ahead, and it will be delivered in this term under the Marshall Liberal government.