Canberra’s cruel budget hoax

Despite building expectations of a road funding bonanza, Peter Costello’s Federal Budget has fallen flat by failing to deliver a single cent in new money for Queensland roads, Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Paul Lucas, said.

“All we’ve got is a forlorn hope that in two years we’ll share in the $16.8 billion promised under AusLink 2 to be delivered from 2009/10.

“Not only have they cruelly teased Queenslanders by not announcing any new projects in the Budget, they won’t even tell us what Queensland’s share will be in two years’ time when the next round of AusLink money comes in.

“Queensland is entitled to feel ripped off that a whole list of projects touted in the media by various Federal Government identities haven’t been funded, they’ve been forgotten.

Key Projects include:

Toowoomba Bypass

Townsville Port Access Road

Pacific Motorway

Bruce Highway

Brisbane – Melbourne inland rail link

“Motorists of North and Far North Queensland have suffered the biggest slap in the face.

“Not only has the Federal Government sidetracked $40 million in Bruce Highway flood money to the Mt Low project, but the Budget says to people in North Queensland that there’ll be no new money for projects like the Townsville Port Access Road yet - if at all.

“The bipartisan campaigning of State Government members and local mayors for more money for flood works between Townsville and Cairns have been ignored.

“On the Gold Coast, $330 million every year goes straight from the bowser into Peter Costello’s pocket, but for all that fuel tax the Federal Treasurer couldn’t find it in his heart to fund projects such as the M1 upgrade or even the $36 million Nielsens Road interchange as a start.

“We could have called tenders this week but Gold Coast motorists have been given left out in the cold just like a Canberra winter.

“The Gold Coast is entitled to ask why it is that New South Wales is being funded to the tune of $160 million dollars a year over ten years for their share of the Pacific Highway.

“To add insult to injury it appears the $2.3billion for the Goodna Bypass will be taken from Queensland’s share of the next round of AusLink funding.

“This project that nobody wants is already costing $1.2 billion more than widening the existing Ipswich Motorway .

“Not only is there no money for new roads , they’ve slashed our already paltry maintenance budget by $3 million next year – only $63 million for the upkeep of 5,000 kms of federal roads.”

Mr Lucas said the Federal Government had demonstrated its concern about global warming is as hollow as its road promises.

Public transport did not rate a mention in Peter Costello’s Budget speech, clearly showing Canberra has no commitment to reducing transport generated green house gases.

“But he’ll be happy to continue taking $2.3 billion dollars in Queensland fuel taxes every year,” Mr Lucas said.

Media Contact: Darren Roberts 0448 186443.