Federal Member for Barker Tony Pasin MP has renewed calls for the duplication of Sturt Highway between Gawler and the States border following another serious accident on the road late last week.
Mr Pasin, in his capacity as the Federal Coalition’s Assistant Shadow Minister for Infrastructure and Transport has been outspoken about the need to duplicate the major transport route to improve safety, efficiency, and productivity.
“As the local Federal Member representing the Riverland, I regularly travel along the Sturt Highway and I see first-hand the volume of traffic using the route. This season’s grain harvest has seen an increase of heavy vehicles and is another reason why the government needs to commit to make this duplication a priority,” Mr Pasin said.
“Recent crash statistics should be enough to kick the State and Federal Government’s into gear on this issue,” Mr Pasin said.
Mr Pasin has previously spoken in the Federal Parliament about Sturt and Dukes Highways being critical components of the National Land Transport Network and their inability to carry high productivity vehicles was an impediment to productivity, efficiency, and safety.
“Upgrading the Sturt Highway to allow for High Productivity vehicles capable of carrying over 30 per cent more freight per vehicle, would mean less vehicles required on the roads to transport the same amount of freight. Not only does this reduce costs to transport operators but it increases safety for all road users,” Mr Pasin said.
“Completing the duplication of the Sturt Highway in South Australia must be prioritised, not just the section between Berri and Renmark,” Mr Pasin said.
“The South Australian and Federal Governments need to start making significant investment in the Riverland road corridor before more lives are lost. Government needs to start looking beyond the election cycle when formulating policy and start investing in the long term future of our regional communities.”
Media Contact: Charlotte Edmunds 8724 7730
