The Queensland government has accused the former Labor government of “sitting on” $6.7 billon of secret transport and road project blowouts in the lead-up to this year’s state election.
The current government says Labor allowed every project in the Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program to “secretly run-up” additional costs.
This wasn’t disclosed prior to the election, with the Liberals saying one road in the Mackay region was estimated to be running at more than $1 billion over budget.
The projects span the program of road, rail, maritime, public transport and active transport infrastructure across Queensland’s freight, commuter, and recreational networks.
Nineteen projects remain under commercial negotiations, with Queensland transport minister Brent Mickelberg saying the current government is focused on rectifying these issues.
“It’s important for Queenslanders to know the true cost of Labor’s failures, and we are laying it bare for all to see as we forge a path forward,” he says.
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“The full QTRIP is estimated to cost an additional $6.7 billion to complete, which Labor failed to disclose before the election.
“The Queensland government is acting fast by pausing Labor’s CFMEU Tax that’s been driving up costs for Queenslanders and driving down productivity.
“Already we have secured 80:20 funding with the federal government for a $9 billion jointly funded program for safety upgrades on the Bruce Highway to ensure Queenslanders get their fair share.
“I have a clear focus to deliver projects on time and on budget by improving business case estimates and risk assessments, improving design accuracy and engaging industry early for a collaborative approach to projects.
“We will continue to be transparent. Labor was not transparent, they blew their budget by billions, and it’s costing every Queenslander.
“We are committed to delivering the road and transport infrastructure needed to get Queenslanders home sooner and safer at the end of a long day.”
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