THE FORECAST FOR CIVIL 2022-2026 WITH INFRASTRUCTURE MINISTER
COREY WINGARD DATE
TIME
VENUE
3 March 2022
4:30pm – 7:30pm
The Gallery, Waymouth Street
The late afternoon event saw an audience who had come in earnest to hear what the future could hold for the civil construction industry. “We’re here to see what incentives are on offer,” said Rebecca Pickering, CEO of CCF SA. “There are Board Members present and Event Sponsor, MEH Plant & Equipment Hire.” She went on to introduce our special guest, Hon Minister Corey Wingard MP (Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Recreation, Sport and Racing). MEH’s Business Manager, Andrew Linscott, gave a short speech, adding he was looking forward to hear about the state government's plans for the next four years, before talking about MEH ‘s superior products and the sort of customer service that offers the best attention and advice.
THE INSIDE SCOOP
Having operated in the South Australian political arena and media jungle long enough, Corey Wingard is a familiar face, more so with the state election looming.* And since being promoted to the Infrastructure and Transport portfolio of the Liberal Government in mid-2020, his prominence has only grown, conversely to his receding hairline, which he is selfdeprecating of. Looking around and spotting familiar faces he has seen in industry settings, he thanked the people who have dived in to deliver infrastructure projects such as the Port Wakefield and Port Augusta Projects. We were reassured that he is talking to people in the industry about the projects they are working on, and told he reminds the treasurer every day about the $17.9 billion allocated to infrastructure investment (including better roads, hospitals, schools and community facilities over a 4-year period) that will open a pathway into the state’s future by building what matters. 62
The Minister touched on how the Liberal government has taken on initiatives and planned to build a better future for the state. With canapes and drinks flowing throughout the lively question time, it was clear many of the people present could not wait to be back on 10 March to hear what Tom Koutsantonis, MP (the Labor Shadow Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Mining and Energy, Government Accountability and Leader of Opposition Business in the House of Assembly) would have to counteroffer. A big Thank You to MEH Plant & Equipment (Event Sponsor) for making the occasion a success!
According to the Minister: 1 The current SA Budget includes around $8 billion in road infrastructure, and public transport, over 4 years. 1 There’re 6 new projects being released to grow the network across the state. 1 The key for the Liberals is to work with the federal government on some of the projects eg The Greater Adelaide Bypass and The Stuart Highway. 1 The long-term problem – there’s a backlog on road maintenance – will include targetting areas across the state like the ring route, and metropolitan spots like Springbank, Magill, and around Portrush Road. In doing so, jobs will be created, and better services delivered close to home. What about the Election? Wingard is confident with the momentum going the way it is – the party is leading. So confident it will double down and move forward sans handbrake to spend $5.4 million to address the critical requirement of additional recyclables processing capacity in the Southern Adelaide region.
At the same time, the Liberal party is worried about the excess spending Labor tends to indulge in.
“WE WILL FIX THAT AND DO ALL THINGS FOR ALL PEOPLE,” promised the Minister. On COVID-19, Wingard pointed out there is a silver lining. Thanking South Aussies for the way they have worked through the pandemic, he expressed his pride with the way we have collaborated with industry and the health sector to respond and massage through the situation to leave the state in a good position. Confidence is high. The economy is fast growing. And there are opportunities for everyone. “We’re creating opportunities for people to thrive… and thrive. “So, we can’t risk going back! We’re getting projects going – there’s a pipeline of them! “Have a beer and a chat and thank you for coming. As far as infrastructure projects are concerned, there’s $9.9 billion in the kitty for the T2D project co-funded by the federal government. This puts us in the big league involving you so I’m very happy and very confident.” CIVIL CONNECT
