There has been another tragic fatality on the Augusta Highway and Member for Frome Geoff Brock MP is calling on both the Federal and State Governments to fast track their commitment to spend a promised $80 million towards duplicating a section of the road and to add to this funding.
“It is imperative we see no more road deaths on this highway, which has become notorious for taking lives,” Mr Brock said.

“We need to see both levels of government – State and Federal – get on board and commit to whatever funding it will take to improve this dangerous corridor.”
Mr Brock said he believed there should be a stimulus package, which could be rolled out over the next five years, as part of a regional growth strategy to duplicate the highway from end to end. Duplication of this highway will also provide the opportunity for economic growth to the Spencer Gulf and Eyre Peninsula regions.
“The Port Wakefield section is already being addressed, but we need to fast-track the duplication works and increase their scope to go from Port Wakefield to Port Augusta. This highway carries up to 10,000 vehicles a day and has a mix of vehicles including cars, caravans, b-doubles and trucks.

Geoff is pleased to see the government’s major roadworks at Port Wakefield and the Joy Baluch Bridge however it is now time to take a serious approach to the long term needs of this highway and agrees with Chief Executive of the Civil Contractors Federation of SA Phil Sutherland that this corridor is arguably one of the most important for tourist and freight in South Australia.

This project would be a nation building project, not only being a great stimulus but very importantly creating safer and far more efficiency for the ever expanding opportunities in the resource sector and renewable energy.    “The highway should have two lanes in both directions for its entire length, which will ultimately improve safety for all road users while still providing an arterial link for freight.”   Twenty-six people died on the Augusta Highway between Port Wakefield and Port Augusta in a four-year period between 2015 and 2019, with over 500 motor vehicle crashes, 100 very serious casualties plus an additional 300 minor injuries.