INFRASTRUCTURE REVIEW FINALLY COMPLETE  BUT PLANNED & ANNOUNCED PROJECTS NEED TO START NOW

16 November 2023: Civil Contractors Federation SA (CCFSA) responds with some relief today to the long-awaited Federal Government’s 90-Day Infrastructure Review, given a majority of the critical South Australian projects retained federal funding.

CCF SA CEO, Rebecca Pickering said most of the outcomes of the Federal Government Infrastructure Investment Program (IIP) 90-Day Review (The Review) are positive for South Australia, however the industry remains nervous as civil contractors who undertake major state government work remain quiet and need planned projects to start now.

The Federal Government declared at the start of May this year that an independent Strategic Review of the Infrastructure Investment Program (IIP) would start within a period of 90 days. This review sought to provide guidance to the Government on the alignment of federally-funded infrastructure projects with government policy objectives, as well as their potential benefits to the Australian public.

“Although many projects and programs remain funded, some funding was lost, many contractors and communities were counting of the projects to start during this unprecedented quiet period,” she said.

The conclusion of The Review is a positive as the ongoing silence was deafening for the Civil sector. “For too long civil contractors have been caught in ‘pause,’ which has delayed investment and growth across the board,” Pickering said.

CCF SA holds hope that its desperate calls are answered and that the expected release of the forward works plan, including dates, for the 13 crucial infrastructure upgrade projects across Adelaide designed to support the River Torrens to Darlington Project – collectively valued at a total of $850 million – is released urgently given the outcomes of the Review.

“These dates and projects are exactly what our sector and community need as we head towards the end of the year.

“Our industry’s focus now turns to getting on with projects, with civil contractors ready to dig.”

“We will continue to strongly advocate for more funding to support road maintenance and other critical infrastructure works including utilities,” Pickering said.

The South Australian Government and Minister Koutsantonis are thanked for their advocacy for SA’s civil construction industry and for pushing to maintain SA’s infrastructure projects.

“We look forward to collaborating with the South Australian Government and the Department of Infrastructure and Transport to establish a detailed and comprehensive infrastructure plan that incorporates the new federal funding policy.

“Such a plan will lay a solid foundation for our state’s future endeavours and will ensure the civil sector can continue its growth and strength to deliver infrastructure for all South Australians,” Pickering said.

Federal Government’s 90 Day Infrastructure Review - New Infrastructure Policy Statement

Infrastructure Policy Statement.pdf

All Jurisdiction Summary(project List).pdf

How are South Australian Projects \ Programs Impacted ?

Ms Rebecca Pickering is available for comment:

Rebecca Pickering | CCF SA Chief Executive Officer

M 0417 767 688 | E rpickering@ccfsa.com.au

For further media information please call littlelion PR:

Gabrielle Leonello | Director

M 0425 554 454 | E gabrielle@littlelion.com.au

ABOUT THE CIVIL CONTRACTORS FEDERATION:

The Civil Contractors Federation South Australia has more than 500 company members who in turn employ up to 30,000 South Australians.

Members are involved in a variety of projects and activities including the development and maintenance of infrastructure such as roads, bridges, sewer, water and drainage pipelines, dams, wharves, commercial and housing land development. Members are also involved in the preparatory works for mining and other resource developments.

South Australia’s prosperity is dependent upon functional, efficient and cost-effective civil infrastructure. Healthy, well functioning and productive countries depend on infrastructure that civil contractors construct and maintain. Civil contractors play a prime role in working with both public and private sector clients in infrastructure delivery. The business of civil construction plays a pivotal role in the growth and prosperity of South Australia.

CCF SA will continue to advocate for the civil and allied industries, to ensure ongoing business and State’s sustainability:

• Every South Australian Civil business is engaged in state infrastructure projects
• Projects procured and delivered in a timely manner
• Timelines and budgets that are realistic
• Pipeline of works that gives the industry an opportunity to invest for the future.
• Fair and equitable contracts that do not disadvantage SME’s