2026 Pre Election Priorities

A Resources Sector Roadmap

SACOME conducted consultation with member companies in October 2025 to consolidate priority issues for advocacy during the 2026 South Australian election period. The following four election priorities are presented as component parts of an overarching Resources Sector Roadmap, comprisin​g activities required to meet sector development, energy transition and industrial transformation goals. SACOME submits that development of a Resources Sector Roadmap for South Australia as a strategic policy, planning and implementation measure should be a priority action and seeks commitments from political representatives accordingly.

1. Energy, Reliability & Affordability

Energy reliability and affordability, including the role of gas and gas supply for energy security is of paramount importance and a first-order priority for SACOME.
Clear, staged transition planning is needed to improve energy reliability and affordability; and to position the South Australian resources sector as a national leader in low-carbon mining, energy and processing.

2. Resources Sector Infrastructure Corridors

Unlocking South Australia’s abundant resources reserves requires infrastructure networks that link remote locations to domestic and global supply chains.  The cost and complexity of constructing infrastructure is a continued barrier to sector growth. SACOME calls for work to define and declare infrastructure corridors for enabling utilities and transport.

3. Critical Minerals & Metals Supply Chain Strategy

SACOME acknowledges the significant momentum at Federal and State level for the development of critical minerals and metals supply to meet both energy transition, advanced manufacturing and defence sector supply chain demand, and economic growth and security objectives. Federal and State policy alignment, together with funding mechanisms present a window of opportunity to catalyse development of South Australian critical mineral supply chains.

4. Northern Water Project

SACOME reiterates the importance of the Northern Water Project, recognising significant the progress made over the last electoral term.  This progress has been realised through bipartisan support for the project, coupled with strong industry-government partnership.