Department for Infrastructure and Transport

Department for Infrastructure and Transport. It is a key agency within the Government of South Australia, responsible for the state's integrated transport networks, major infrastructure projects, and strategic land planning. Formed in 2018, it consolidates functions from previous departments to deliver a cohesive approach to state development. The department plays a central role in shaping the future of South Australia through its management of roads, public transport, and planning policy.

History

The department was established in 2018 following a machinery of government change under the Steven Marshall ministry, succeeding the former Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure. This reorganization aimed to streamline service delivery and better align infrastructure planning with transport outcomes. Its formation continued a long evolution of state agencies managing these portfolios, which have historically included entities like the South Australian Railways and the Highways Department. Key historical projects that shaped the state's network include the construction of the Adelaide Airport and the development of the Adelaide O-Bahn.

Responsibilities

The department holds a broad mandate covering the state's transport systems, including the management and maintenance of the South Australian road network and the operation of Adelaide Metro services. It is also the lead agency for planning and delivering major infrastructure projects, such as the North-South Corridor. Further responsibilities include administering the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016, overseeing freight strategy, and regulating vehicle standards and registration through Service SA. It works closely with federal bodies like Infrastructure Australia and local governments including the City of Adelaide.

Organisational structure

The department is led by a Chief Executive, currently Michael Deegan, and is organized into several key divisions. These typically include groups focused on infrastructure delivery, transport services, planning and land use, and corporate services. It operates and maintains assets through units like the South Australian Road Transport Centre. The agency also encompasses specialized offices such as the Office for Design and Architecture SA (ODASA) and works in conjunction with other state entities like the South Australian Tourism Commission and the Environment Protection Authority.

Key projects and initiatives

A flagship project is the completion of the North-South Corridor, a major motorway link involving works like the River Torrens to Darlington project. Other significant initiatives include the Adelaide Tram Network expansion, the Joy Baluch AM Bridge duplication in Port Augusta, and the Regency Road to Pym Street project. The department also leads the AdeLINK tram network proposal and manages upgrades to regional roads such as the Augusta Highway and the Dukes Highway.

Ministers and leadership

The political head is the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport (South Australia), a portfolio held by Tom Koutsantonis of the Australian Labor Party as of the 2022 South Australian state election. Previous ministers have included Corey Wingard and Stephan Knoll from the Liberal Party. The administrative head is the Chief Executive, who reports to the minister and oversees the department's operations, engaging with stakeholders like the Local Government Association of South Australia and Business SA.

Category:Government departments of South Australia Category:Transport in Adelaide Category:2018 establishments in Australia