In a classic example of politicians (from the previous national government) prioritizing "media PR stunts" over planning and due diligence, the cost of Australia's Inland Rail Project, a 1,700km freight line connecting the cities of Melbourne and Brisbane, has now blown out to $AU31 billion ($US20.7 billion) from an estimated $AU16.7 billion ($US11.2 billion) in just 2 years.
This fiasco has been revealed in a report commissioned by the current national government that was released a few days ago.
The previous government started the project in 2018 without any idea of where, in Melbourne, it would commence and where, in Brisbane, it would terminate. It was rushed through the approval process largely because of a national election due in 2019. It is scheduled to be completed in 2027.
The report labelled poor planning and lack of expertise on the part of the planners, as major reasons for the blowout. The current government has confirmed that it will complete the project.
A news report is available at https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-04...-cost-blowout-31-billion-artc-board/102186114
This fiasco has been revealed in a report commissioned by the current national government that was released a few days ago.
The previous government started the project in 2018 without any idea of where, in Melbourne, it would commence and where, in Brisbane, it would terminate. It was rushed through the approval process largely because of a national election due in 2019. It is scheduled to be completed in 2027.
The report labelled poor planning and lack of expertise on the part of the planners, as major reasons for the blowout. The current government has confirmed that it will complete the project.
A news report is available at https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-04...-cost-blowout-31-billion-artc-board/102186114