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SA’s outback set for a wide range of community infrastructure upgrades

Thursday, 2 February 2023

Communities across South Australia's outback are about to receive a wide range of infrastructure upgrades and new facilities, thanks to new funding from the Australian Government.

The Department for Infrastructure and Transport (the Department) and the Outback Communities Authority (OCA) have successfully applied for funding for a combined total of 11 outback infrastructure upgrade projects under the third phase of the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.

The nine OCA projects include a wide range of community infrastructure upgrades valued at approximately $3.8 million.

These include construction of a new $2 million purpose-built remote area health clinic at William Creek (in partnership with the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) which is contributing $1 million), the installation of public wi-fi at selected remote sites, various upgrades to Andamooka Recreation Centre and new toilet waste disposal points in several outback communities.

Meanwhile, the Department has received $3.43 million in funding to deliver major floodway upgrades on Kempe Road and Anne Beadell Highway and $1.5 million to install public toilets at various locations across the outback road network.

The floodway upgrades will be undertaken at multiple creek crossings at Lora Creek and Arckaringa Creek on Kempe Road; and two floodways on Anne Beadell Highway near Coober Pedy.

The new toilet facilities including signage will be constructed on the Stuart Highway (at Bon Bon and Ranges View), the Eyre Highway (at a parking bay approximately 100km from the WA border), and three locations on the Strzelecki Track (the Strzelecki Crossing, Montecollina Bore and the Dog Fence).

Department for Infrastructure and Transport projects

Project nameDescriptionFunding
Public toilets at various outback locations To install eight public toilets on the outback road network. Includes landscaping, signage. $1.5 million
Floodway works Works on major floodways to improve resilience and safety and prevent damage when the Creeks flood following wet weather. $3.43 million

Office for the Outback Communities Authority projects

Project nameDescriptionFunding
Traveller Dump Points in William Creek, Oodnadatta, Pimba and Innamincka To install portable toilet waste disposal solutions where the OCA has existing effluent management systems. Includes landscaping and traffic management. $300,000
Blinman Caravan and Camper Services Area Project To install caravan and camper service area inclusive of water dispenser, waste disposal and effluent waste disposal. Includes landscaping, signage, etc. $250,000
Racecourse Upgrade Project Innamincka Sporting Club Supply and install new female and male showers and toilets, upgrade existing bathroom for disabled access, upgrade exiting electrics and supply cool room for kitchen. Project will transition the Innamincka Sporting Club to a multi-use venue capable of supporting local sporting events and fundraisers, for example car rally type events. $436,000
Public Wi-Fi Project Supply and install public Wi-Fi at 20 remote sites around the outback. $500,000
William Creek RFDS Clinic To contribute to the development of a new purpose-built remote area health clinic at William Creek in partnership with the RFDS (which is contributing $1 million to the $2 million project). $1 million
Port Le Hunte Shark Net New Shark Net for swimming area at Port Le Hume (Penong) $150,000
Andamooka New Recreation Centre Enhancement Project To relocate two transportable buildings, tie them into the precinct with a joining verandah, erect shade shelters along the walking trail/creek line and improve car parking are outside of new Recreation Centre along with paved footpaths, safety signage and solar street lighting. $70,000
Fowlers Bay Playground Upgrade Shade and soft fall at new playground at foreshore. $30,000
Blinman Hall Airconditioning To install an air conditioner in the town hall so that it can be used more during hot/cold weather. $40,000