Linkfield Road funding – A major cost blow-out.

The Linkfield Road Overpass in Bald Hills is a critical piece of infrastructure in the Petrie Electorate. In 2018, Luke Howarth secured $100 million of the $125 million required under the previous Federal Coalition Government.

Since the Coalition Government’s commitment in 2018, the project has been hamstrung by delays from the Queensland State Labor Government and most recently the Federal Labor Government resulting in a major cost blow-out.

The Linkfield Road Overpass was subject to the Federal Government’s supposed 90-day ‘strategic review’ into infrastructure projects. Although the community has been rallying around this project for many years, this review only further impacted the timeline of this project.

The Federal Government’s review ultimately extended over 180 days, and only identified a major increase in cost for taxpayers to foot, caused by the Labor Government’s significant delays and disfunction.

This overpass remains a major safety hazard for motorists and truck drivers, having been hit three times in the last few years due to its height.

The Queensland State Labor Government and Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Bart Mellish have been missing in action on this project, and did not commit to upgrading the Linkfield Road Overpass 6 years ago when I announced Commonwealth funding.

Now, the cost has blown out from $125 million to $176 million.

Member for Petrie and Shadow Minister for Financial Services and the Shadow Assistant Treasurer Luke Howarth has responded to the recent announcement of a $10 million release by the Department of Transport and Main Roads.