Andrew Wallace Slams Labor's Demonstrative Neglect of Queensland Infrastructure

Andrew Wallace MP, has issued a scathing critique of the Albanese Labor government's infrastructure plans as Infrastructure Australia has axed numerous vital projects from its Infrastructure Priority List, including the Sunshine Coast Rail project which is due to bring rail from Beerwah into Maroochydore in time for the 2032 Olympics and Paralympic Games.

Mr Wallace said “Last week, the Prime Minister announced with great fanfare that he was going to fund upgrades up and down the length of the Bruce Highway to the tune of $7.2B. He told us that those works would start this year. ‘GREAT’ all Queenslands proclaimed. Problem is, he was telling porkies. Either that or he is clueless. Within a couple of days, he left it to his Finance Minister Katy Gallagher to tell us that actually there was no money budgeted over the next four years for these upgrades. What!?”

And now we learn that the Sunshine Coast Rail Project looks set for Albo’s chop.

“Catherine King is the same Infrastructure Minister who cut funding to the Mooloolah River Interchange (which is now dead in the water after hundreds of locals’ homes were demolished). She cut funding for the Third Avenue Caloundra project. But she says that Infrastructure Australia is independent of Government. And that is true” Mr Wallace said. “It is correct to say that just because IA has cut the project from its Priority List, that doesn’t mean that the Federal Government will follow suit. But Catherine King should come out and expressly state whether Labor will continue to fund the Sunshine Coast Rail project, and she must do that today. Don’t string us out or play silly political games.” Mr Wallace said.

“Sunshine Coast locals have waited too long for rail to be brought into the Coast. It was the Coalition Government that originally kick started the project with a promise of $1.6B in 2022. Catherine King when Labor won office, promised to honour the Coalition’s commitment and indeed increased its offer of funding to $2.75B in the lead up to the last State election.” Mr Wallace said.

Mr. Wallace calls on the Federal Government to reconsider their priorities and address the infrastructure needs of Queensland. "It is time for Labor to stop ignoring Queensland and start investing in the projects that will drive our state's growth and prosperity. Queenslanders deserve better, and I will continue to fight for the infrastructure our region needs."