• REVEALED: Full extent of North Coast (which includes the Somerset) road funding shambles
• ROADWORK BACKLOG: More than $1.1 billion and counting
• ROAD FUNDING: Millions cut from North Coast road infrastructure
The state government is losing control of road infrastructure projects on the North Coast.
Shadow Minister for Transport and Main Roads Steve Minnikin says Mark Bailey’s incompetence is costing the North Coast millions of dollars.
“Motorists are stuck in traffic because of Bailey’s budget blowouts,” Mr Minnikin said.
“Motorists aren’t getting new roads because of Bailey’s budget blowouts.
“The North Coast region has a deferred maintenance backlog of more than $1.1 billion.
“That’s more than a billion dollars of safety improvements, pot holes and signage that isn’t being fixed on local roads.
“The state government has also ripped out millions of dollars on North Coast road projects.
“Last year Labor promised they would spend $870 million in 2021/22, but this year that figure is down to $651 million.
“That’s $217 million dollars not being spent on the Sunshine Coast as originally promised.
“It’s not just the North Coast feeling the affects of Bailey’s budget blowouts.
“The state government’s biggest road project, the Coomera Connector on the Gold Coast has blown out by more than $600 million.
“All Queenslanders deserve to get home sooner and safer no matter where they live.
“North Coast locals deserve more than Bailey’s budget blowouts and broken promises on crucial road infrastructure projects.”
Deferred maintenance backlog on the North Coast Region- $1.114 billion.
• Data is from estimates this year
• North Coast region is from Pomona in the north to Strathpine (Brisbane) in the south
Reduction in 2021-22 budget spend of 25%
• Last year’s QTRIP said they would spend $870m in 2021/22. This year’s QTRIP shows they will only spend $651m.
• An example is the Beerburrum to Nambour rail duplication which is underspent by $10m and the 2021/22 spend has been reduced by $32m.
Source: QTRIP (Queensland 2020/2021 Budget)
