Treasurer Stephen Mullighan said the state government had learned much from its visit to Yorke Peninsula, even if it wasn’t addressed in the budget.
“The purpose … is not just to ensure we take away a wish list of projects which immediately gets funded, and there are some outcomes from Country Cabinet on Yorke Peninsula (in this budget),” he said.
“We’re very conscious of problems with the Wallaroo Hospital and with the failed (Wallaroo) development there as a broader indicator of issues the construction firm Felmeri had.
“Those two issues, I know we’ve taken away, and while they don’t find their voice in the budget, they are issues which are getting a resolution from the government.
“I know in a state budget, whether you’re from a particular area in South Australia or particular interest group you look and find, what do we get new.
“But I don’t want people to think that just because something hasn’t been specifically funded, there isn’t effort going into that.”
Premier Peter Malinauskas said his government was determined to deliver a health and housing budget.
“It doesn’t matter where I go around the state, I constantly get asked about health and housing and in fact these challenges are … more acute in regional South Australia than they are in metropolitan Adelaide,” he said.
What they’ve said about it
“Peter Malinauskas’ Adelaide favouritism is unmissable in Labor’s budget, and should not be judged on the huge amounts of funding for the city, but rather the tiny breadcrumbs thrown at our regions, which are the engine room of South Australia.”
– Nicola Centofanti, Shadow Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development
“The state treasurer pointed out in his budget speech that we just had a record harvest but unfortunately none of that additional (government) revenue has filtered down to the agricultural sector. Overall, it has been a missed opportunity.”
– Brad Perry, Grain Producers SA CEO
“There’s a missed opportunity to work with local government and address funding calls for priorities like community infrastructure, regional health services and roads, but we’re pleased this budget shows some commitment to housing which is reaching a critical tipping point.”
– Dean Johnson, Local Government Assoc. President
“RAA is pleased to see important funding allocated to a road safety package … but we are concerned about the level of ongoing road maintenance funding, which should be a priority for South Australia given the state of our road network.”
– Charles Mountain, RAA senior manager safety and infrastructure
“For people in regional SA, it’s reassuring to see continuing funding for community transport; however, more investment is desperately needed, particularly in areas like the Yorke Peninsula.”
– Miranda Starke, Council On The Aging CEO
“This is missed opportunity for South Australia to continue to build on its profile as a great place to do business. Where households receive some respite in this budget, businesses do not.”
– Andrew Kay, Business SA CEO
This article appeared in the Yorke Peninsula Country Times, 20 June 2023.
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