Queensland Election 2017: LNP leader Tim Nicholls indicates he would delay Cross River Rail

TIM Nicholls has given his strongest indication yet that he will delay the construction of the Cross River Rail project should the LNP wrest government from Labor at Saturday’s election.

Queensland Opposition Leader Tim Nicholls speaks at the Queensland Media Lunch at the Brisbane Convention Centre. Picture: Tracey Nearmy/AAP

TIM Nicholls has given his strongest indication yet that he will delay the construction of the Cross River Rail project should the LNP wrest government from Labor at Saturday’s election.

Mr Nicholls admitted a second river crossing would be needed when quizzed on the $5.4 billion project during an address to the Queensland Media Club yesterday.

But he said that would not be until 2026.

“We’ve said all along a second rail crossing across the Brisbane River is going to be required,” he said.

“The Infrastructure Australia report says it’s not required until 2026 and it is a matter of prioritising where your funds go.”

The rail tunnel was missing from the infrastructure plan Mr Nicholls released this week which appeared to reallocate funds set aside for CRR to other projects.

Labor has pledged to go it alone to build the major infrastructure project should it be given a second term, after the Commonwealth failed to commit any real money to help its construction.

Early work commenced this year, with the Government estimating construction on the 10.2km rail line between Dutton Park and Bowen Hills — including a 5.9km tunnel under the Brisbane River and CBD — would be completed by 2023.

Mr Nicholls has also reiterated his stance on asset sales, ruling them out if he wins power on November 25.

“I understand what the people of Queensland said at the last election campaign. For me it is off the table,” he said.

Mr Nicholls yesterday again sidestepped questions on debt ahead of his official costings release on Thursday.

And he would not be drawn on how he would tackle the rising cost of the public service after ruling out forced redundancies.

“You have got to meet the needs of the economy; you have got to meet the needs of a growing population,” he said.

Mr Nicholls, who used the speech to the Queensland Media Club yesterday to launch his most scathing attack yet on Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, attempted to counter Labor’s campaign linking him to One Nation by insisting he believed the LNP could win enough seats to govern in its own right.

He also took aim at One Nation over its election commitments.

“People thinking of voting for One Nation would or should be horrified to learn that under their plan, debt will increase and fees, taxes and charges must rise,” Mr Nicholls said.

“If you’re thinking of voting One Nation, I suggest you rethink, because you’re being led down the garden path by irresponsible candidates who have no idea what they’re doing, let alone the experience in delivering.”

After “passing” on a yes or no question on FM radio on Tuesday morning about working with One Nation, Mr Nicholls said he did not expect a hung parliament after Saturday.

“I don’t think there will be because I believe the bulk of Queenslanders want change,” he said.

Originally published as Queensland Election 2017: LNP leader Tim Nicholls indicates he would delay Cross River Rail