- Cairns Common User Facility budget blows out from $360 million to $826 million under Labor.
- Labor knew about major budget blowout and hid it from Queenslanders prior to election.
- Ports North engages stakeholders to investigate the best path forward for Cairns' marine industry.
The budget for the Cairns Common User Facility project (CUF) has blown out by hundreds of millions of dollars under the former Labor Government, and they hid it from Queenslanders prior to the election.
The CUF was signed off on for $360 million in 2021 by then Labor Minister for State Development Steven Miles, with an agreement that half would be funded by the Federal Government.
The Crisafulli Government can reveal the budget now sits at $826 million; more than double the cost Labor had promised the Far North three years ago.
This project sat idle for three years before Labor handed it over to Ports North in late September, weeks before the election.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg says Labor has shown complete disregard for taxpayers' money with this $466 million blowout.
"The fact is, Labor lied to the Far North when announcing the initial funding with limited planning and costings," said Minister Mickelberg.
"Labor knew the cost was blowing out by hundreds of millions of dollars six months ago but kept it a secret from Queenslanders in a bid to keep votes. It was total deceit.
"In 2021, Steven Miles made the announcement without any follow-through, or proper management. It was typical Labor style and it left the budget a complete mess.
"We know how important the marine industry is to the region's employment and economic growth, which is why Ports North are in discussion with stakeholders to pave a way forward.
"The Crisafulli Government will respect taxpayers' money and deliver a Fresh Start for the Far North."
