‘No assurances’ given for Bundaberg infrastructure projects

The Acting Premier says “no assurances” can be given on the delivery of several key infrastructure projects amid concerns the federal government is likely to axe projects to fight inflation.

Acting Premier Steven Miles can offer “no assurances” to the people of Bundaberg several major infrastructure projects will not be axed by the federal government to fight inflation.

Four separate Bundaberg infrastructure projects among dozens across the state which may be cut following an extensive review by the federal government announced in May.

Projects included in the review were the Bargara Rd Upgrade, the Burnett Hwy – Gayndah Mount Perry Rd – Wetheron Rd Intersection Upgrade, the Quay St Upgrade and the Rosedale Rd-Winfield Rd intersection upgrade.

The state government has promised $2 million of the $10 million Bargara Rd project, and $200,000 of the $900,000 Burnett Hwy works.

The federal government has promised to spend $32 million on the Quay St upgrade.

The future of these projects was thrown under a cloud after federal treasurer Jim Chalmers revealed this week some cuts to the pipeline will be need to be made to fight rising inflation.

Transport Minister Catherine King has flagged rising inflation as key roadblock to future funding.

At a press event thanking local fire services, Acting Premier Steven Miles said the state government had reached out to the federal government with its concerns but could offer “no assurances” for the future of Bundaberg infrastructure.

“Unfortunately, I can give no assurances, these are decisions which rest with the Australian Government, these are decisions they’re making,” Mr Miles said.

“We attempting, as best we can, to engage with them, to point out to them that Queensland is growing rapidly, that their decisions are leading to hundreds of thousands of additional migrants moving here.

Hinkler MP Keith Pitt spoke on the lack of assurances given over the future of Bundaberg infrastructure projects.

“Therefore, our communities, and communities like Bundaberg can’t afford to see their infrastructure cut.”

The Bundaberg Regional Council has also expressed concern for the future of projects listed in the review, including the allocated $40 million for the Quay St project.

“Support from all levels of Government is critical to progressing these infrastructure upgrades,” a council spokesman said.

“As these are important projects and key advocacy priorities for Council, we hope to see this funding retained.”

The review triggered upset among local politicians including Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt who said Ms King made assurances the Australian Government would “honour existing commitments under signed regional deals”.

A multimillion-dollar Quay St upgrade is one of several Bundaberg projects at risk of being axed by the federal government. Treasurer Jim Chalmers said rising inflation meant he government needed to make “difficult” choices about the infrastructure pipeline and its funding.

“A spokesman for the Minister reiterated in May that the Federal Government was committed to delivering existing funded regional Deals, yet two Hinkler Regional Deal projects are on the infrastructure review list?” Mr Pitt said.

“Minister King needs to tell the people of Bundaberg whether this is going to be another broken Labor promise.”

MP Pitt questioned the lack of assurances given by the Acting Premier, citing direct state government involvement in local projects.

“Where is the Bundaberg Integrated Transport Strategy which was being undertaken by the Queensland Government and Bundaberg Regional Council which included the Quay St demaining and the Bargara Road upgrade?

“This study was due for completion last year, so how can the Acting Premier not offer assurances?

“His government is directly involved with these projects.”