Waite Electorate

Mr DULUK (Waite) (15:59): Of course, we all know there is an election happening next year in March—we assume in March—and it is incumbent on each and every one of us who wants to be re-elected to put our best foot forward and fight for the best outcome for our community. That is what I will be seeking to do between now and election day, as I have sought to do every day I have been in this place.

I would like to put on the record some of the key issues I think will be important locally in my electorate, and there are, of course, the statewide issues as well that dominate so much at the moment. That is what I will be doing out and about in the community, talking about the issues that are important to them and then delivering for my community back here in this place.

I want to work with the community and with all sides of politics to ensure we have better roads in our communities, that we see grade separation on the rail freight routes and train station upgrades. Road improvements are happening at the moment but more needs to be done. There are crucial health and education upgrades, and it was such a privilege to be at the Repat last weekend to see some of the great work happening there, and more to come.

There is ensuring that the ambulance crisis is dealt with, investing in our schools, reducing cost-of-living pressures on families and setting a holistic vision on where the state views economic matters as well around debt and tax reform. These are all issues that are very important to the community.

As you know, Deputy Speaker, I have spoken many times in this chamber about the need to fix the freight issue for South Australia, but by fixing that we fix a really big issue for my electorate of Waite. I recently spoke at a forum up at Mount Barker to discuss our state's current road congestion issues and the movement of freight throughout the state. Many people I spoke to at the forum, as well as over the past three years, have been disappointed that the government backtracked on GlobeLink, and more disappointed that no alternatives were offered at the time.

I am asking for major infrastructure investment to fund both a northern rail freight bypass and alternative road freight solutions. These are critical. These are important. There is another forum tonight at Scotch College, in my electorate, on this very issue. Unfortunately, I believe the question in the house yesterday in terms of the future of Cross Road was not adequately addressed by the minister.

These projects and investments would deliver significant environmental, economic and social benefits to South Australia and open up the Belair rail line for increased public transport use. Of course, a better public transport system provides many benefits and would encourage fewer commuters on our roads. I want to see local investment in train stations on the Belair line as part of the Station Refresh Program.

We are seeing a huge investment in the Gawler line. No doubt that will be of benefit for people using that line, but none of my residents use the Gawler line for their daily commute. They use the Belair line, and there are many stations on that line that need to be upgraded to improve public transport outcomes for my community.

Regarding more frequent bus services, we fought a huge campaign some two years ago to save bus services in our community. That was something I was able to do with my community as an advocate on their behalf. Investments in new technology such as tap-and-go and on-demand bus services as well are critical.

I mentioned the level crossing upgrades that will help reduce congestion on our roads and increase freight movement and efficiency: Glenalta Railway Station, Blackwood Railway Station and of course on Cross Road at the Hawthorn station. Infrastructure Australia has identified both of these at-grade level crossings in their 2021 priority list. As part of this, I ask the government to fund a boom gate maintenance program as well, to really put aside capital for the long-term upgrade of boom gates across the state. Longer boom gate closures create barriers and reduce amenity in our urban areas.

Of course, we have the roads as well. We need a road revitalisation program. Belair Road, Old Belair Road, and Main Road at Coromandel Valley all need to be resealed and they all need to be invested in. We need to have a proper solution to Laffers Road and Main Road, Belair, to Northcote Road and Shepherds Hill Road, to Kitchener Street and Clarement Avenue in Netherby. These are all matters I am passionate about and that I will fight for and deliver for our community.

Of course, there is protecting the environment, protecting open space and greening our suburbs and activating those spaces. In health, it is looking at how we can use suburban hospitals to take the strain off the health system. It is ensuring that Bellevue Heights Primary School has that new air conditioning that has been asked for, that Eden Hills Primary School their playing field and Coromandel Valley Primary School the Frank Smith revitalisation project. We need to help families who are the backbone of our community have the very best education outcomes for their schools.

Of course, cost of living, lowering fuel prices, working with the member for Florey on her campaign, expanding the sports vouchers scheme—so important that Scouts and Girl Guides have access to that scheme—and investing in our community organisations. I will continue to elevate the needs of my community as an invitation for the two major parties to commit to delivering these projects in Waite. It is so important that we work together to deliver the best for our communities.