High Productivity Vehicle Network

The Hon. B.R. HOOD (14:34): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking a question of the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport regarding the High Productivity Vehicle Network.

Leave granted.

The Hon. B.R. HOOD: The latest state budget states that the state government will contribute $125 million to the High Productivity Vehicle Network stage 1, with the federal government's contribution of $500 million. At the federal Senate estimates earlier this year, Infrastructure Australia stated that stage 1 of the High Productivity Vehicle Network, which we also know as the Greater Adelaide Freight Bypass, would cost $1.05 billion. My question to the minister is: given the state and federal contribution is approximately $350 million short of the total cost of stage 1, what sections of the project will not be delivered?

The Hon. E.S. BOURKE (Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Minister for Autism) (14:35): I thank the member for his question. The High Productivity Vehicle Network is a critical initiative that is focused on improving freight productivity on existing corridors by moving more freight with fewer vehicles, which creates safer road usage for many. Many may remember how the former Marshall Liberal government abandoned its signature GlobeLink policy, a policy which, I am reminded by many, I think was there to redirect all traffic to the city. It was a policy that I am advised included a 24-hour airport that was going to be at Monarto and potentially removing freight lines. It was a policy that was also not supported by the industry. Importantly, it was a policy where, again, the homework was not done.

Unlike the former Marshall Liberal government, we are doing the necessary planning. I am advised that the strategic business case for the High Productivity Vehicle Network project was submitted to the Australian government in February of this year. I am further advised that Infrastructure Australia reviewed the potential investment options and described the options as rigorous, and this has been published on the website. I am advised that the department is progressing with a detailed, individual project business case for stage 1 of the Swanport Bridge, the Greater Adelaide Freight Bypass and the Truro bypass.