The current Queensland government has accused the former Labor government of failing to disclose $6.7 billion of road and transport project blowouts.
The projects in question span a variety of sectors, including road, rail, maritime, public and active transport infrastructure across the state’s freight, commuter and recreational networks.
One road in the Mackay region is estimated to be running over $1 billion overbudget.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg lashed out at what he calls a lack of transparency by the former government.
“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 (Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program) is estimated to cost an additional $6.7 billion to complete, which Labor failed to disclose before the election.
“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.”
A published list of estimated cost pressures published by Minister Mickelberg details the reported blowout for a range of projects across the state.
According to the listed projects, the Mackay Port Access, Bruce Highway to Mackay project has ballooned from a $350 million budget commitment to an estimated total cost of almost $1.5 billion.
Projects like the Bruce Highway, Cairns Southern Access Corridor (Stage 5) are also being reported to be costing double what was committed in initial projections.
Overall, the 19 projects that are currently subject to commercial negotiation in the state have been costed $2.2 billion.
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