Simpson Promise Derails Springborg Credibility - Again

Lawrence Springborg needs to explain whether he supports Fiona Simpson’s plans to spend $785 million to build a rail line through her own electorate that wouldn’t connect with any other part of South East Queensland’s rail network.

Deputy Premier Paul Lucas today said Ms Simpson had massively under estimated the cost of an isolated railway to be built through the heart of her own electorate.

“Hot on the heels of her disastrous, half-baked, asterisk-inspired Redcliffe Rail promise, Fiona Simpson has come up with yet another railway clanger,” Mr Lucas said.

“The Member for Maroochydore wants to build her very own rail line just to service the strip from Caloundra to Maroochydore, with no link to the existing rail network.

“This is a 20 kilometre line that crosses the river 3 times, there’s no way it can be built for $785 million.

“In fact, Queensland Transport estimated it would have cost $1.9 billion in 2007 dollars.

“That’s a blackhole of $1.1 billion dollars without even having the money for extra trains, stabling and maintenance facilitates.

“Lawrence Springborg disowned the Redcliffe announcement as fast as he could and he needs to tell us today whether he supports this.

“This is Fiona Simpson’s “Robinson Crusoe Railway” – stranded and alone.

“In the past Ms Simpson has criticised plans for the Gold Coast Rapid Transit system because it did not connect with the rail network.

“Clearly Ms Simpson has no credibility when it comes to transport infrastructure.

“So it’s up to Mr Springborg to deliver some answers, bearing in mind this announcement was made with his Deputy Leader Mark McArdle.

“Did Lawrence Springborg know about the announcement? Does he support it? Where will he find the money?

“Has Mr Springborg checked her sums? Has Mr Nicholls?”

Media contact: Matthew Klar 0437 435 223