The Queensland government has revealed that the previous Labor government had failed to disclose road and transport projects which had far exceeded their budgets in the lead up to last November’s state election.
According to a media release issued by the current government, projects involved in the Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program secretly ran up additional costs for Queenslanders, exceeding budgets to the tune of $6.7 billion.
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The former government failed to disclose the project blowouts to Queenslanders prior to the election, including one road in the Mackay region that is estimated to be running 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, with nineteen projects remaining under commercial negotiations.
Minister Brent Mickelberg says the current government is working towards “restoring respect for taxpayers’ money”.
“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,” Mickelberg says.
“The full QTRIP is estimated to cost an additional $6.7 billion to complete, which Labor failed to disclose before the election.
“If you want another example of Labor’s neglect, incompetence and deceit, here it is.”
Mickelberg says the current government had paused what he called “Labor’s CFMEU Tax” that had been driving up costs and driving down productivity in the state.
“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.
“The Crisafulli Government 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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