“meaningful” support to keep Riverland communities viable was missing from the latest State Budget, according to a senior local politician.
Chaffey MP Tim Whetstone said last week’s State Budget lacked direct support for struggling local primary producers, and funding to improve safety conditions on the Sturt Highway.
“Our primary producers generate billions of dollars for our state’s economy, helping the government pay off their debt, (and) they deserve better,” Mr Whetstone said.
“Meanwhile, the Whyalla Steelworks is getting $319m to help with administration costs.
“We all rely on roads like the Sturt Highway that continue to go ignored.
“We need more than just road hazard signs to address the more than 47 fatalities we’ve had on the Sturt Highway since 2018. The government must start duplication to make it safer and more efficient for all South Australian road users.”
Mr Whetstone said increased investment in the long-term prosperity of regional areas was needed.
“It is unacceptable that this budget neglects the regions that South Australia is so reliant on for its prosperity,” he said.
“The government is racking up a debt of $53.7bn while regions like Chaffey are coming up short.
“It’s set to cost South Australians almost $10 million in interest every day.”
While Mr Whetstone welcomed an expansion of the Patient Assistance Transport Scheme, he also noted the growing number of health services centralised in Adelaide.
“Our local hospitals and healthcare services continue to be neglected while more and more locals are forced to make the 500km-round trip for the same level of care that others take for granted,” he said.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven said “this budget renews our commitment to build a better and brighter future for primary industries and regional communities in our state, because they are the key drivers of our economy”.
“From delivering much-needed support to our primary producers and upgrading the transport corridors that connect our state, to building new homes, more opportunities and a bigger health system, Labor is investing in all of South Australia – not just Adelaide,” Ms Scriven said.
Premier Peter Malinauskas said “this budget recognises that a strong South Australia depends on strong regional communities”.
This article appeared in Murray Pioneer, 10 June 2026.
