Another Palaszczuk Labor Government Minister has been caught up in a major budget blowout, as Queenslanders are set to fork out $201 million more than originally forecast.
Rookwood Weir in Central Queensland is the latest project to run over-budget, in another sign the chaos and crisis in the Palaszczuk Labor Government has affected the construction of dams across Queensland.
Shadow Minister for Water and the Construction of Dams Deb Frecklington grilled Water Minister Glenn Butcher over the 54% budget blowout during Estimates Hearings.
Ms Frecklington said the budget blowout has left Mr Butcher blushing.
“Rookwood Weir is costing Queenslanders $201 million more because for the gross incompetence of the Palaszczuk Labor Government,” Ms Frecklington said.
“When a project runs more than $200 million over budget, other projects are put on the chopping block.
“Because Glenn Butcher can’t balance the budget for Rookwood Weir, other water infrastructure projects like HipCo Irrigation, Urranah Dam and Hells Gates dams proposals are pushed aside.
“Glenn Butcher still hasn’t answered whether he asked his Labor Federal colleagues to contribute 50% towards the blow out amount of $201 million, or whether he was too embarrassed of his own complete mismanagement.
“Water means jobs, but after eight years of the Palaszczuk Labor Government this is fact is yet to sink in.
“Regional Queensland communities are sick of being treated like second-class citizens.
“After eight years and three terms in office, the Palaszczuk Labor Government has stopped listening to Queenslanders.
“Labor’s record on dams is appalling and Queenslanders deserve better.”
