Public Works Committee: Thomas Foods Facility Supporting Roadworks

Mr CREGAN (Kavel) (11:57): I move:

That the 48^th report of the committee, entitled Thomas Foods Facility Supporting Roadworks, be noted.

Witnesses presented to the Public Works Committee at a public hearing on 13 February regarding the proposed Thomas Foods Facility Supporting Roadworks project. In January 2018, the existing Thomas Foods International meat processing facility, located in Murray Bridge, was, as you know, Mr Speaker, extensively damaged by fire. Thomas Foods International has since committed to constructing a new meat processing facility to be located six kilometres north of Murray Bridge along Mannum Road.

The new meat processing facility is expected to employ up to 2,000 staff and plans to use higher productivity vehicles to serve the transport requirements for livestock and goods entering the site. The South Australian government worked with Thomas Foods to facilitate the state government's input and support for this new development. I particularly acknowledge the member for Hammond, who has been a strong and consistent advocate for this project and closely understands the needs of his community and the need to ensure that this project proceeds.

The proposed supporting roadworks project will deliver local road access to the new Thomas Foods facility. The Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure has identified requirements for a new access road and associated junction on Mannum Road for a safe connection to the existing Mannum Road. It is estimated that the total cost for the supporting roads project will be approximately $14 million, with the project jointly funded by the Australian and South Australian governments in a fifty-fifty split. The proposed project will include the construction of a new local access road, approximately 2.2 kilometres in length, and a new junction, as I mentioned, at Mannum Road.

The proposed supporting roadworks are expected to support the several hundred million dollar investment in new infrastructure at the site. DPTI has advised that the new road will become a local road under the care, control and responsibility of the local council. The project will be delivered over two consecutive financial years, and construction of the facility and access road is expected to commence in the first half of 2020.

The committee examined written and oral evidence in relation to this project and received assurances by DPTI officials that the appropriate consultation relating to this project has been undertaken. The committee is satisfied that the proposal has been subject to the appropriate agency consultation and meets the criteria for the examination of projects as described in the Parliamentary Committees Act 1991. Based on the evidence considered and pursuant to section 12C of the Parliamentary Committees Act, the Public Works Committee reports to parliament that it recommends the scope of the proposed public works.

Motion carried.