Infrastructure investment in our region
The Federal Budget was released this week, with significant funding earmarked for regional development. Among the highlights for our area are investments in key infrastructure projects that will improve safety, productivity, and sustainability.
The 2025-2026 Federal Budget delivers funding for two key infrastructure projects in or impacting the RDA AHFKI region:
$525 million for the High Productivity Vehicle Network (HPVN)
The HPVN will deliver upgrades for the Greater Adelaide Freight Bypass from Monarto on the South Eastern Freeway and a point east of Truro on the Sturt Highway. This will provide the necessary infrastructure to enable higher productivity vehicles (truck and trailer combinations) to bypass the trip up and down the South Eastern Freeway.
RDA AHFKI has advocated for many years for funding of this project. In 2021 we co-funded and led a consortium of stakeholders that produced “Freight Transport Solutions for the Adelaide Hills”, which outlined specific recommendations for short and long-term improvements to this freight route.
This budget announcement will result in greater freight productivity, reduced carbon emissions, improved safety, and will reduce freight on the South Eastern Freeway on the congested section between Mount Barker and Adelaide.
$40 million for Main South Road upgrade – Myponga to Yankalilla
The Main South Road upgrade between Myponga to Yankalilla will deliver critical safety improvement works. These safety improvements can’t come quick enough – we have seen some terrible accidents on this road in recent times.
The funding will implement:
- two new overtaking lanes
- targeted curve easing and road widening; and
- widening narrow bridges and culverts.
For a full wrap on what the 2025 Budget
delivers for the regions, check out the
Regional Ministerial Budget Statement
In the lead up to the federal election, RDA AHFKI continues to advocate for the economic development needs of the region.