The South Australian Government has announced an initiative to streamline building and construction projects that are in the pipeline and valued over $20 million.

 

Premier Jay Weatherill announced the initiative, which will aim to intensively case manage projects to fruition in a bid to support the state’s construction industry through the ongoing slump in the sector.

 

Mr Weatherill asked the Economic Development Board, Urban Renewal Authority and the Department of Planning to provide a list of ‘shovel ready’ projects that are valued over $20 million that are currently seeking approval.

 

“Where additional work is required for approval to be granted, we will appoint a case manager for each project to help expedite the relevant approvals,” Mr Weatherill said.

 

Mr Weatherill was quick to assure that the proposed changes would not compromise the state’s environmental, planning and safety approval framework.

 

“But there is a sense of urgency about the circumstances of the building and construction sector,” Mr Weatherill said.

 

“That’s why we are taking this extraordinary step to ensure that our construction industry is supported.”