Road and Money Problems in Two Australian States

May 13, 2026, 06:43

Introduction

Some roads in New South Wales are broken. South Australia has problems with money and factories.

Main Body

In New South Wales, a part of the Great Western Highway is closed. The old stone bridge is not safe. Two companies are planning how to fix it. The government is spending 50 million dollars to help people travel and help local shops. In South Australia, a big steel factory in Whyalla is not working. The government spent a lot of money to save it, but the factory is still closed. The government wants to sell the factory to a new owner. Also, the government wants to build a new road in Adelaide. This road costs 1 billion dollars. The state and federal governments disagree about who pays the money. Because of this, the project has no money now.

Conclusion

Roads in the Blue Mountains need more time to fix. South Australia still has problems with its factories and road money.

Learning

💸 Money Words & Action

In this text, we see how to talk about money and spending. This is a key skill for A2 level.

The Pattern: Who is doing what with the money?

Spending $\rightarrow$ The government is spending 50 million dollars. (Use this when money is going out now).
Spent $\rightarrow$ The government spent a lot of money. (Use this for the past).
Costs $\rightarrow$ This road costs 1 billion dollars. (Use this to say the price of something).
Pays $\rightarrow$ Who pays the money? (Use this for the person giving the money).

Quick Vocabulary Map

Word	Simple Meaning
Closed	Not open for business/travel
Fix	To make something work again
Owner	The person who has the thing
Disagree	To have a different idea

Vocabulary Learning

bridge (n.)

a structure that spans a gap or obstacle, such as a river

Example:The bridge (n.) over the river is very old.

broken (adj.)

not working or damaged; not in good condition

Example:My phone is broken (adj.) and needs repair.

highway (n.)

a main road for long-distance traffic

Example:The highway (n.) is closed for construction.

closed (adj.)

not open or available for use

Example:The shop is closed (adj.) on Sundays.

safe (adj.)

free from danger or harm

Example:The new bridge is safe (adj.) for drivers.

plan (v.)

to decide in advance how to do something

Example:We plan (v.) to fix the bridge next week.

fix (v.)

to repair something that is broken

Example:Can you fix (v.) the leaking faucet?

government (n.)

the group that runs a country or state

Example:The government (n.) announced new policies.

spend (v.)

to give money to buy something or use resources

Example:She will spend (v.) her allowance on books.

million (n.)

a number equal to one thousand thousand

Example:The project cost 10 million (n.) dollars.

federal (adj.)

relating to the national government of a country

Example:The federal (adj.) government provides aid.

project (n.)

a planned activity that has a goal or purpose

Example:The road project (n.) will start in June.