Media | Local News

Kingaroy Hospital upgrade behind budget

8th July 2019

Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington, says figures from the 2019/20 State Budget show the Kingaroy Hospital upgrade is running 53% under budget.

Mrs Frecklington said the Budget papers revealed that while Labor budgeted to have spent $28 million by 30 June 2019, they have only spent $10.538 million on the upgrade.

“These budget figures are concerning. I am calling on the Health Minister, Steven Miles to explain why we have such a huge underspend, and whether the project will be delivered on time.

“Since February 2018 I have asked three Questions on Notice to the Minister about the project and completion dates.

“The Minister has never provided an opening date, instead only providing a vague expected timing of sometime in 2021.

“We all know about Labor’s horrible record of budget blowouts on major projects, particularly health projects.

“Our community simply cannot be expected to endure any more time waiting for this new hospital.

“I have been fighting for this upgrade for six years and I am determined to keep this Labor Government to account on the redevelopment of the Kingaroy Hospital.

“We all expect to see works fully underway as soon as possible following this long period of inactivity,” Deb said.

 

* 2018/19 budget – https://s3.treasury.qld.gov.au/files/BP3-2018-19.pdf

* 2019/20 budget – https://budget.qld.gov.au/files/BP3.pdf