Budget boost for Kangaroo Island roads

Friday, 16 June 2023

The state budget will see the South Australian Government increase road maintenance funding to Kangaroo Island Council by a further $1.5 million per annum (indexed), to help improve and maintain roads across the popular tourist destination.

Since 2011, the South Australian Government has provided $2 million per annum to improve unsealed roads managed by the Kangaroo Island Council, a figure that will now increase to around $3.5 million per annum (indexed).

Kangaroo Island roads and road signage have been damaged in the past by bush fires, floods, and storms. More recently, there has been an increase in overall traffic movement on the island from the rebounding tourism numbers and a burgeoning agricultural sector, with rapidly increasing freight movement of produce and livestock which has placed even greater stress on the largely unsealed road network.

The increased funding to Council will contribute to a variety of works including:

* More resurfacing of the island’s unsealed road network to meet growing demand created by primary industry and tourism growth.

* Undertaking upgrades of the unsealed network to improve safety and freight accessibility.

* Replacing and improving road signage for major route and key destinations.

* Improving warning signage for wildlife hazards, dangerous intersections, and terrain.

The increase in funding will commence in the 2023/2024 financial year.