The need for a total re-build of the Southern Ports Highway was highlighted to the 80 people who attended a community forum at the Beachport Bowling Club on Monday night.
The forum was jointly organised by local resident Heather Burdon, Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Roads Ben Hood and Member for Barker Tony Pasin.
Ms Burdon said she wanted to thank those who braved the rough weather to attend the Southern Ports Highway Forum.
“It was said indeed a very informative, positive and productive meeting,” Ms Burdon said.
“Of course, we need to keep up the pressure on South Australia’s Labor Party, SA Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Tom Koutsantonis and the Department of Infrastructure and Transport and anyone else who will listen.
“The unanimous message that came out of the meeting, was a new road from Beachport to Southend needs to be built, as the old highway is way past its ‘use by’ date.
“The road is very dangerous to travel on, the ongoing band-aid repairs are a waste of taxpayers’ money, do not last any time at all and we want a fair share of our taxes spent back in regional South Australia on new infrastructure!”
Mr Hood said the community forum was well-received.
“It is clear the state of Southern Ports Highway is having a seriously detrimental effect on the communities of Beachport, Southend and Millicent,” Mr Hood said.
“The situation has now passed the need for just maintenance and requires new road infrastructure.
“Vince Tarzia, Tony Pasin and I will continue advocating on behalf of these communities to the State Government to ensure that this highway is made safe for all road users.”
Minister Koutsantonis told State Parliament last week that a further 30km of the Southern Ports Highway either side of Beachport is now part of the State and Federal Government’s National Road Safety program.
The proposed upgrade works will include lane widening, shoulder sealing, targeted pavement rehabilitation, audio tactile line marking of edges and centrelines, delineation, safety barrier installation and vegetation removal.
The sections to be upgraded are 14.7km of road from Beachport to the Southend access road, and 15.4km from Robe to Clay Wells Road.
Scoping and site investigation work is under way, with main construction expected to commence in the third quarter of 2025.
Work is expected to be completed by mid-2026.
Independent MP for MacKillop Nick McBride said he was pleased the State Government is listening to the concerns of the community.
“These upgrades (worth approximately $18.3m) are significant investments and will be welcome news to the many thousands of people of use this road every year,” Mr McBride said.
“The Southern Ports Highway links the towns of Robe to Beachport and Millicent.
“It is not only an important freight route but is a vital road link for tourists who visit the region.”
The other politicians in attendance were Opposition Leader Vince Tarzia, Upper House Opposition Leader Dr Nicola Centofanti and retired MP Don Pegler.
Wattle Range Council was represented by Mayor Des Noll, chief executive Ben Gower, engineering service director Peter Halton and ward councillors Richard Cassidy and Sharon Cox.
Mayor Noll also commended the Beachport community for turning out in good numbers to the forum.
“We have to continue to put the heat on the State Government to re-build that road,” he said.
“I will continue with my private push for the re-instatement of Highway Department depots in regional areas.
“These workers would have an intimate knowledge of the roads in their areas.”
A number of locals reported to the forum their vehicles had been damaged by potholes.
