Former WestConnex Chairman Tony Shepherd has been appointed as the inaugural Chair of Infrastructure SA.

“The establishment of Infrastructure SA was a key election commitment, and I’m delighted that we’ve secured the services of Tony Shepherd in this important role for our state,” SA Premier Steven Marshall says.

Infrastructure SA is an independent body that will combine the expertise of the private and public sectors to develop a 20-year state infrastructure strategy and five-year infrastructure plans.

“Planning and building infrastructure according to the geography of marginal seats and the timelines of electoral cycles has ended – Infrastructure SA will ensure we have better planning to support long term economic growth, more jobs, and better, more affordable services," Marshall says. 

“Tony Shepherd’s experience in the infrastructure sphere speaks for itself, with an extensive career in the public and private sectors, including as Chairman of the WestConnex Delivery Authority, overseeing one of Australia’s largest ever transport projects.

“We’re thrilled to have Tony take up the role of chair, as SA’s approach to infrastructure planning is overhauled to deliver better, more strategic outcomes and projects.”

Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Local Government Stephan Knoll says Infrastructure SA will help build a strong pipeline of productive infrastructure projects in the state. 

“The Marshall Government has been working from day one to build a strong pipeline of infrastructure projects to grow our economy and support local jobs,” Knoll says.

“Our first State Budget delivered a record level of infrastructure spend, with $11.3 billion of infrastructure works budgeted over the next four years alone.

“Infrastructure SA will help us build on this pipeline of works and ensure South Australia has a long term infrastructure plan for the coming decades.”