THE LNP’s transport spokesman has spoken out against the state government’s handling of the Archer River bridge construction after it was revealed the project had blown out from $32.3m to $44.8m.
Responding to articles written by Cape York Weekly, the LNP’s Steve Minnikin put questions to the government last year and received a response last week.
In the statement, Transport Minister Mark Bailey said “significant geotechnical challenges were identified” at the site.
“To overcome these challenges, the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has had to make changes to the design and construction methodology, which will increase construction cost and delay completion.
“The scope of the Archer River Crossing and Archer River Crossing Southern Approach projects remains unchanged.”
Mr Minnikin said Cape York deserved better.
“This is yet another example of the Palaszczuk Government being unable to build infrastructure on time or on budget,” the Chatsworth MP said.
“The Transport Minister’s shopping list of excuses is a cop-out to Far North Queenslanders.
“The state government has been in power for eight years and the Transport Minister’s nauseating blame game shows how out of touch he is.
“The Archer River Crossing is a crucial project for the Cape York region and Mark Bailey needs to publicly outline how and when it will be completed.”
