QLD Taxpayers Foot the Bill for $6.7 Billion Road Disaster

by Dylan Anderson

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Founder @ CarExplore

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March 17, 2025

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4 min read

The full extent of Queensland’s road and transport budget crisis has been revealed, with the Crisafulli Government exposing a staggering $6.7 billion in project blowouts under the previous Labor administration. Years of financial mismanagement, delays, and hidden costs have left Queenslanders footing the bill for infrastructure projects that spiraled out of control.

Labor’s Hidden Budget Disaster

The Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program (QTRIP) has been plagued by cost overruns across its entire portfolio of road, rail, maritime, and public transport projects. Despite promises of transparency, the former Labor Government failed to disclose these massive budget overruns before the election, leaving taxpayers in the dark.

One of the most shocking revelations includes a single road project in the Mackay region that has blown out by more than $1 billion. Nineteen projects remain tied up in commercial negotiations, further delaying much-needed infrastructure improvements.

The Crisafulli Government’s Commitment to Accountability

Transport and Main Roads Minister Brent Mickelberg has vowed to put an end to Labor’s reckless spending and restore respect for taxpayer dollars.

“It’s important for Queenslanders to know the true cost of Labor’s failures, and we are laying it bare for all to see as we forge a path forward,” Minister Mickelberg stated.

The Crisafulli Government is taking immediate action, including:

Pausing Labor’s CFMEU Tax, which has been inflating project costs and reducing productivity.
Securing an 80:20 funding agreement with the Federal Government for a $9 billion Bruce Highway safety upgrade, ensuring Queensland receives its fair share of federal investment.
Improving project management processes to prevent future cost blowouts, including better business case estimates, more accurate risk assessments, and early industry engagement for collaborative project planning.

A New Era of Transparency

Mickelberg emphasized the government’s commitment to transparency, highlighting Labor’s lack of accountability in handling taxpayer money.

“Labor was not transparent. They blew their budget by billions, and it’s costing every Queenslander,” he said. “We are committed to delivering the road and transport infrastructure needed to get Queenslanders home sooner and safer.”

What’s Next for Queensland Infrastructure?

With the Crisafulli Government now in control, a comprehensive review of all ongoing and planned infrastructure projects is underway. The goal is to ensure projects are delivered on time and on budget, without the financial mismanagement that characterized the previous administration.

Queenslanders deserve better. The days of hidden budget blowouts and secret cost overruns are over. Under the new leadership, taxpayers can expect a clearer, more responsible approach to road and transport infrastructure investment.