Hugh Schuitemaker, Murray Pioneer

A Riverlander says it is imperative the State Government is reminded about the need for a heavy vehicle bypass to be constructed at Truro, following the recent Federal Election result.

Labor’s victory at the 2025 Federal Election earlier this month means the State Government will need to provide 50 per cent of funding for the proposed Greater Adelaide Freight Bypass, which would include the Truro bypass project.

Waikerie man, and long-time advocate for the Truro bypass’ construction, Vin Dowd – in a letter to the editor within today’s edition of the Pioneer – said maintaining attention on the bypass’ importance was key.

“That subtle pressure is an absolute must,” Mr Dowd said.

“Without that, nothing will happen.

“I think if we keep the pressure up, we’ll get preferential treatment for the project.”

Mr Dowd said construction of a dual-lane bypass would generate the highest safety and efficiency benefits for Riverland motorists travelling to Adelaide.

SA Minister for Transport Tom Koutsantonis said the State Government would “continue to work collaboratively with the re-elected Albanese Government to ensure the best outcome” regarding the project.

“The former Coalition Federal government and Marshall State Liberal government dramatically underscoped and underfunded previous plans for a Truro bypass, and then complained when they got into Opposition that it was only a single-lane bypass,”

“It was the Malinauskas State Government that did the necessary proper planning work and sent detailed strategic business cases to Infrastructure Australia for a properly configured Greater Adelaide Freight Bypass – including a dual carriageway Truro bypass.

“We have done the heavy lifting to get this project funded by the Commonwealth, with the Albanese Labor Government securing funding in the 2025-26 federal budget. Importantly, we have also had the foresight to secure the corridor to enable this dual carriageway to be built.

“The State Government has said we will, appropriately, consider funding arrangements for all federal partnerships as part of our normal budget process.” 

This article appeared in the Murray Pioneer, 14 May 2025.