2024 Policy Priorities
Infrastructure
Road, rail, water, and power infrastructure are critical for the development of resources projects.
SACOME has a strong and demonstrated record of infrastructure advocacy on behalf of the resources sector, informed by a collaboration with a broad range of stakeholders and resulting in State-wide benefit to other industry sectors and communities.
SACOME will continue to advocate for initiatives that resolve structural impediments to the development of the State’s resources provinces, recognising that access to water, power and suitable transport and logistics routes are required to underpin greater levels of investment and achieve the South Australian Government’s economic growth ambitions.
SACOME has a strong and demonstrated record of infrastructure advocacy on behalf of the resources sector, informed by a collaboration with a broad range of stakeholders and resulting in State-wide benefit to other industry sectors and communities.
SACOME will continue to advocate for initiatives that resolve structural impediments to the development of the State’s resources provinces, recognising that access to water, power and suitable transport and logistics routes are required to underpin greater levels of investment and achieve the South Australian Government’s economic growth ambitions.
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Rail Incentives
SACOME calls on the South Australian Government to fund rail freight incentive schemes, consistent with other Australian jurisdictions. SACOME submits that a stronger rail freight network reduces road congestion and the cost of road maintenance. Moreover, the transportation of freight by rail reduces carbon emissions by approximately two-thirds. Importantly, bulk freight transported by rail may result in exporters having more options in the consideration of suitable ports Further information here |
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Regional and Remote Road Maintenance
SACOME calls on the State Government to continue prioritising maintenance funding for regional and remote roads critical to the operation of South Australian resource projects. South Australia has a road network comprising some 10,000 km of road. SACOME believes that the maintenance and upgrade of these roads must be assessed in such a manner that considers their economic value to the State, rather than the use of a simple metric that quantifies vehicle movements. Further information here |
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Priority Transmission Infrastructure
SACOME calls on the Government to identify priority transmission infrastructure for the State, such as the MidNorth Expansion projects, to meet future industrial electricity demand. South Australia is experiencing a rapid and significant uplift in its electricity demand, with key drivers including the potential connection of large new customer loads, the development of large iron ore mining operations, and the development of hydrogen facilities and hydrogen hubs. Further information here |
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Digital Infrastructure taskforce
SACOME calls for the establishment of a South Australian Digital Infrastructure Taskforce, including representation from businesses and universities, to provide holistic advice to Government on the value and utility of Digital Infrastructure as a driver of economic and green growth across public and private sectors. The principal impediment to the uptake and implementation of digital infrastructure is a lack of understanding as to what is needed, what it involves, or how transformative embedding it within existing systems could be. Further information here |