08/09 state budget announcements

[muzzamo]

http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/stor ... 01,00.html

THE $2 billion electrification and extension of Adelaide's rail network is the centrepiece of Treasurer Kevin Foley's seventh Budget, delivered this afternoon.

The 10-year rail program includes the extension of the tram network - also known as light rail - to Port Adelaide and Semaphore, via the Adelaide Entertainment Centre. This will eventually use hybrid tram/trains, capable of running on both light and heavy rail lines.

The plan also includes a light rail extension to West Lakes, servicing the upgraded AAMI stadium.

This year's Budget includes $245 million to start the electrification of the Outer Harbor rail line, including the purchase of extra trams for the extension to the Entertainment Centre and to relieve pressure on the existing line.

It also includes $209.7 million for electrification of the Noarlunga line and $193.7 million to upgrade rail infrastructure, including resleepering of the Gawler line.

The 10-year program will deliver 50 new electric trains, 58 existing trains converted for electric use, 15 hybrid tram/trains and extra trams.

This year's Budget also includes $377.9 million over four years for road and rail upgrades (including a $252.9 million federal contribution).

Health gets an extra $462.4 million, including $357.1 million to provide services for an extra 50,000 patients and $56 million for a new hospital at Berri and an upgraded Whyalla hospital.

The payroll tax rate will be cut from 5 per cent to 4.95 per cent - the second-lowest rate nationally - and thresholds increased from $504,000 to $552,000.

Public sector job losses appear certain, Mr Foley demanding long-term savings targets of up to $150 million in 2011-12.

Some easing of economic growth is expected, with the Budget papers predicting economic growth to be 2.75 per cent in 2008-09, in line with national growth.

A surplus of $160 million is expected for 2008-09 and this is forecast to grow to $424 million by 2011-12.

[cruel_world00]

lol where are you looking???

http://www.premier.sa.gov.au/index.php

[aussie2000]

my refresh button has lost its paint

[Shuz]

Yes! Yes! Yes!

I am literally squealing with delight.

[aussie2000]

lol where are you looking???

http://www.premier.sa.gov.au/index.php

OOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG THE PINCHING ISN'T WAKING ME UP, ITS TRUE!!!!!

[Norman]

*GOES NUTS*

ELECTRIFICATION! WOOOO!

[Shuz]

Celebratory drinks are in order!

Jeez, I can't contain my excitement. Like there is this huge smile on my face

[Will]

To be honest I was not expecting such great news. Being politicians I would have expected them to save the big announcements for next year's budget. Having said that, imagine what surprises will be in store in next year's budget!

Despite making some silly decisions lately, this budget shows that the state government still has got some vision for the state.

The electrification of the train system is a big step forward, and it removes one of the biggest embarrassments for Adelaide.

[muzzamo]

i guess this puts into context how long the resleepering project was taking, sounds like it was partially replaced.

[cruel_world00]

The conversion of trains means what exactly? It said they are buying new ones, and converting others... will they look all sparkly and pretty?

[muzzamo]

The conversion of trains means what exactly? It said they are buying new ones, and converting others... will they look all sparkly and pretty?

I would say it would mean converting the 3000 class to electric, and yes in my opinion its a certainly that they would get a rennovation when they are converted too - new windows/paint/seat fabrics etc, like the 2000 class trains that have recently been renovated.

[aussie2000]

IGNORE

[Shuz]

Well from what I understand right - is that two lines, Outer Harbor and Noarlunga will become the electrified ones - for the moment.

The order of 50 new electric trains would service these lines, and then from the existing fleet another 58 trains would be converted to electric, providing 108 trains to service these two lines.

I know our current rail fleet has 99 trains, which means that 41 trains will remain diesel (at present) to service the Gawler and Belair lines. The Gawler line gets $193m for re-sleepering, and as we know it the Belair line is being resleepered already - When they'll get electrified is probably going to be budgeted for next year. I would expect the remainder of the fleet would be either decommisioned or converted along with another substantial purchase of train rollingstock.

[cruel_world00]

How excitement.

[muzzamo]

Looks like the budget video is now up on adelaide now, although that site is shite for video streaming