Local projects across the Murraylands, Adelaide Hills and South Coast are set to receive hundreds of millions of dollars in previously promised funding under the 2026 SA State Budget – with health, education, transport and policing among the key focuses.
Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis handed down the 2026-27 Budget on Thursday, forecasting operating surpluses across the next four years totalling $1.4B, while state debt is projected to rise beyond $50B by 2029-30.
The Labor State Government says the Budget delivers on major election commitments with no new taxes and continued investment in infrastructure and frontline services.
Education
Among the biggest local commitments is $87M for the redevelopment of Mount Barker High School as part of a wider $210M statewide public school upgrade package.
A further $25M will go towards expanding TAFE SA facilities in Mount Barker, while Murray Bridge is set to receive a new technical college.
Health
The Murray Bridge Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital will receive $15M over four years for upgrades including an expanded maternity and birthing unit, increasing beds from six to eight, along with a new renal unit increasing dialysis capacity from four chairs to six.
The government has also committed $5.6M over four years for a dedicated transfer team in Murray Bridge aimed at easing pressure on volunteer emergency crews.
Regional health access was another focus, with $16M allocated statewide to expand the Patient Assistance Transport Scheme.
The changes include increased accommodation subsidies for country patients travelling for specialist treatment, including renal and oncology care.
It also responds to long-standing gaps for some South Coast of the Fleurieu residents, who in recent years have missed out on PATS support due to their relative proximity to Adelaide despite significant travel burdens for specialist appointments.
In Mount Barker, funding has been confirmed for one of three new 24-hour pharmacies to be established across South Australia under a $13.2M initiative.
Transport
Road funding includes $90M for South Eastern Freeway safety upgrades and an $80M package for the Adelaide Road and Hawthorn Road intersection upgrade at Mount Barker.
No additional funding has been allocated towards the proposed Greater Adelaide Freight Bypass.The State Government has so far committed just over $200M to the billion-dollar project, while the Federal Government’s latest offer is a 60-40 funding split.
A $3.5 million dollar battery-powered passenger train trial on the Belair line has also been funded, with an aim to test quieter and lower-emission rail services.
While the RAA has welcomed the targeted investment in transport projects across the State Budget, including upgrades to key regional roads, expanded public transport access to Murray Bridge, and the Belair line trial, the organisation has warned that South Australia’s estimated $2.1B road maintenance backlog remains a major concern, saying current funding levels are still below what is needed to bring the network up to standard.
Other inclusions
The Budget also includes measures aimed at responding to broader statewide challenges including drought support, fuel security and the ongoing algal bloom affecting South Australian coastal communities, including parts of the Fleurieu Peninsula and South Coast.
The government has allocated $5M over two years for planning work on new police stations at both Murray Bridge and Mount Barker.
Premier Peter Malinauskas said maintaining budget surpluses allowed the government to respond to major events while continuing to invest in growth.
Opposition Leader Ashton Hurn criticised the rising debt levels, describing them as unsustainable for future generations.
