Olympic-sized funding farce: Labor forgot about the athletes….
- Athletes Villages blown out by nearly $3.5 billion
- New budget analysis reveals the former Labor Government's funding blackhole
- The LNP Government is committed to getting the Games back on track
Explosive new budget analysis from the Queensland Government has revealed a massive budget blackhole left by the former State Labor Government to build the Athlete Villages for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
It can be revealed today, the athlete villages have blown out to an estimated $3.5 billion.
The former Palaszczuk-Miles Labor Government only allocated $155 million to build suburban streets and paths for the proposed villages, leaving a staggering $3.345 billion funding shortfall.
Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning and Minister for Industrial Relations Jarrod Bleijie said Labor's deliberate decision to not fund the construction of the Athlete Villages was a damming indictment on the former government.
"Steven Miles and Cameron Dick have yet again been caught short with another massive Labor con job and budget blackhole," Mr Bleijie said.
"Labor must come clean with Queenslanders and explain whether they either forgot that more than 22,000 athletes needed accommodation or if they deliberately misled Queenslanders before the election.
"This is another cringeworthy blunder from the previous Labor Government that wasted more than 1200 days of planning because they were more focused on the glitz, glamour and red carpet parties.
"Queenslanders expect a world-class Games that they can be proud of and this is why the Crisafulli LNP Government established the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority to deliver a 100-day review of Games infrastructure.
"As part of the 100 Day Review Terms of Reference, the delivery and investment pathway for athlete's villages are being considered by the Independent Authority.
"Utilising the athletes villages to help ease the housing crisis, after the Olympics and Paralympics conclude, will also create a long-term legacy well beyond the Games.
"Following the Independent Coordination Authority's review the Crisafulli Government will get on with the job and deliver the Games infrastructure that is needed to deliver a world-class event.
