The Civil Contractors Federation South Australia (CCF SA) welcomes the South Australian Government’s continued commitment to infrastructure investment, with a record $27.3 billion allocated over the forward estimates in the 2025–26 State Budget.

The record pipeline of infrastructure funding provides important opportunities for civil contractors and reinforces the Government’s ambition to grow the state through strategic infrastructure delivery.

The $15.4 billion River Torrens to Darlington (T2D) Project to build a non-stop South Road and the $3.2 billion Women’s and Children’s Hospital are once in a generation investments for our State which CCF SA fully supports.

However, CCF SA highlights that the success of these investments and the broader infrastructure pipeline will ultimately depend on the capacity of the industry to deliver through a skilled and sustainable workforce.

While the Budget includes important funding for new and existing projects, additional investment is needed to address the critical skills shortages in key economic growth sectors.

New Infrastructure Investments in the 2025–26 Budget:

•  $656.3 million for High Productivity Vehicle Network – Stage 1, upgrading freight routes between the South Eastern Freeway and Sturt Highway (funded 80:20 with the Commonwealth).
• $250 million for the Curtis Road Level Crossing Removal, easing congestion in Adelaide’s northern suburbs (jointly funded).
• $80 million for Main South Road Safety Upgrades between Myponga and Yankalilla, including overtaking lanes and bridge widening (jointly funded).
• $15 million for the Port Augusta Wharf upgrade to improve public access and amenity (80:20 funded with the Commonwealth).

Major Existing Projects Funded in the Budget:

• $601 million – Princes Highway Corridor upgrades
• $495.9 million – Flinders Medical Centre upgrade and expansion
• $400 million – Marion Road Upgrade (Anzac Highway to Cross Road)
• $365.6 million – New Mount Barker Hospital
• $350 million – South Eastern Freeway upgrade
• $330 million – Eyre Peninsula Desalination Plant
• $185.9 million – New Technical Colleges
• $133.8 million – New Ambulance Headquarters

CCF SA commends the South Australian and Australian Governments for maintaining the 80:20 funding model on key infrastructure and freight routes. These partnerships represent best practice in the delivery of nationally significant projects and ensure that South Australia can meet its infrastructure objectives without compromising fiscal responsibility.

While the Budget continues to support skills development through significant investments in new technical colleges, Fee-Free TAFE and the Industry Accelerated Apprenticeship Pilot, CCF SA will continue to advocate for further investment in workforce capacity. A clear focus on training pathways, industry partnerships and job-ready initiatives will be essential to ensure the civil construction sector can meet growing delivery demands.

CCF SA also renews its call for a transparent, adequately funded road maintenance regime to safeguard the state’s existing infrastructure assets and ensure long-term value for money.