Re: 08/09 state budget announcements
Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2008 3:05 pm
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.