Looking to put an end to road rage

WITH less than 100 days to the South Australian State Election Member for MacKillop Nick McBride has set out his long-term plan to deliver safe, reliable and resilient road infrastructure across the Limestone Coast.

Mr McBride travels more than 70,000kms a year across his 34,000 km electorate, one of SA’s largest geographically, talking with local residents and businesses about what’s needed and what to prioritise.

“As we are in the busy harvest season and heading into the summer holidays, our focus turns to keeping our people and visitors safe on our roads by outlining for government what needs to be done to keep MacKillop safe and moving ahead,” Mr McBride said.

“The electorate of MacKillop and the place I’ve lived, worked and advocated for across more than 50 years is a powerhouse for South Australia’s economy—contributing $9.5 billion statewide and driving growth through agriculture, energy, and resources. Our region is not just a food bowl; it’s a major engine for jobs, investment, and exports.

“Our roads are the lifelines of our communities, industries and economic growth. Today, I’m outlining a transparent, prioritised maintenance plan to take to government so people of Limestone Coast can see where they sit in the government’s priorities, and when upgrades will happen.

“Across South Australia, road maintenance has fallen behind, and temporary patch jobs are no longer enough. MacKillop needs durable fixes, common construction standards, and clear timelines aligned to local needs and freight realities.

“People understand things take time and that we are working hard for them—but they deserve to know where they are in the queue. I’m pushing for less patching and more permanent fixes, common standards, and clear timelines so MacKillop families and businesses can plan.”

“Our plan is built from local insight and measurable data. It’s about making every dollar work harder for MacKillop and keeping our region moving.”

In consultation with his community and infrastructure data from the experts, Mr McBride believes the priorities should be improvement to the:

• Riddoch Highway (Keith–Mount Gambier, 210 km) – surface upgrades to support freight demand and reduce accidents

• Southern Ports Highway (Kingston–Millicent via Robe & Beachport, 119 km) – full road upgrade due to base failure and heavy freight

• Dukes Highway (Tailem Bend–SA/VIC Border, 192 km) – continued support for Federal duplication to improve safety and efficiency

• Naracoorte–Bordertown & Frances Road, Naracoorte–Lucindale Road, and Princes Highway – targeted reliability and additional safety improvements needed

• Mount Burr to Kalangadoo Road, and the Kangaroo Flat Road – undulating surfaces

Roads have long been a touchstone for the Memmer for MacKillop with an extensive list of funding for projects already garnered for his electorate during his tenure as an MP.

He secured $45 million in upgrades for the Riddoch Highway, reducing crash rates and improving freight efficiency; delivered critical road rebuild on the Southern Ports Highway, including -resurfacing and shoulder widening – an investment of $18 million; advocated successfully for speed limit reviews and signage improvements on high-risk rural roads, aimed at improving traffic movement in key corridors and championed vegetation clearance and verge maintenance programmes, improving visibility and reducing wildlife collisions.

Mr McBride believes the Intelligent Pavement Assessment Vehicle (iPAVe) data, due to be released soon, is vital to the future planning of maintenance and upgrades.

He wants to see less patching and more permanent fixes; priority safety treatments, including turning lanes, and timely vegetation management.

This roads plan forms just one element of Nick’s Strategic Roadmap for his team – the people of MacKillop – a full copy of his vision for the region can be found at www.nickmcbride.com.au