Queensland residents draw to the attention of the House the Labor State Government’s 2017/18 budget stated that the Cross River Rail project’s total capital cost is forecast to be $5.409 billion.

The 2017/18 budget committed $1.95 billion over the forward estimates, in addition to the $850 million already funded in previous Budgets. The LNP Opposition supported the budget that included this expenditure. This project will save Brisbane commuters just 6 to 15 minutes travel time.

Infrastructure Australia CEO said, “we have reached the conclusion that the benefits of the proposed project, as set out in the business case, are significantly overstated, and that the costs of the project as currently presented are likely to exceed its benefits”.

On 23 October 2017 evidence to the Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Legislation Committee indicated that the cross river rail wasn’t an immediate problem that needs to be solved.

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to ensure that the $5.4 billion is used to benefit the entire State of Queensland, and prioritising:

• $1.5 billion towards a 1000MW Coal Fired Power Station in North Queensland – Securing power for Queensland.
• $1.95 billion towards dams, weirs and raising dam walls – Providing water security for farming and industry in North Queensland.
• $700 million towards the Borumba Dam – Drought proofing South-East Queensland.
• $850 million towards the duplication of the Beerburrum to Nambour rail line – essential infrastructure for the Sunshine Coast.
• $400 million upgrade of the Mount Lindesay Highway – Improving a neglected highway in South-East Queensland.