AN underground rail link connecting Gawler to the south and the expansion of Northern Adelaide Irrigation Scheme to the Barossa have been identified as key infrastructure projects for the future of the state.

Infrastructure South Australia (ISA) – an independent advisory board set up by the State Government in 2018 – released its first 20-year infrastructure strategy for SA last week, outlining a number of proposed and underway projects vital to meeting expected population and economic growth.

It featured a proposed underground rail link between the Gawler and Seaford train lines, which would provide northern commuters a way to bypass the Adelaide CBD without switching carriages.

According to the report, a planning study is yet to be undertaken for the proposal and the project “would be costly”.

“An underground rail link between the northern and southern train lines could enhance the efficiency of the rail network and provide greater connectivity for commuters; however, this may be costly and would require justification,” the report read.

“A planning study would be required to identify options for project scope, define system benefits and determine wider functional impacts on the CBD.

“If it proceeds, this project would likely be implemented in the longer term. ISA will review project documentation when this becomes available.”

Water infrastructure in the Barossa was also noted as a specific focus project to help create jobs and meet the “global demand” for the region’s produce.

“This project has potential to secure water supplies for a region where there is proven global demand and capacity for expansion,” the report read.

“Key economic growth opportunities in South Australia are constrained by access to secure, affordable and fit-for-purpose water.

“A South Australian sustainable water resources framework should identify augmentation of water supply and provide a transparent process for developing appropriate infrastructure to unlock economic projects that are otherwise constrained.”

ISA also identified the completion of the $440 million electrification of the Gawler line in the reporting, noting its importance to the “high-growth northern area”, and the removal of level crossings across metropolitan Adelaide.

Premier Steven Marshall, speaking after the report’s release, said it provided a “road map” to grow the economy and support population growth.

“With ISA’s 20-year strategy as our guide, we will continue to develop a long-term infrastructure pipeline to build a stronger and better South Australia,” he said.

“We will build on our massive investments in roads, schools and hospitals, as well as build better tourism and digital infrastructure to ensure we remain competitive against other smart cities.”