Less costs more with same old Labor

Posted on November 9, 2011

The duplication of the Southern Expressway has blown out by $127 million on Premier Weatherill’s watch.

When the duplication was first announced Labor committed $280 million to project.

Prior to last year’s state election Labor then said it would cost $370 million for the expressway and $75 million for the Darlington Interchange.

The interchange has since been scrapped and the expressway will now cost taxpayers $407 million – a $37 million blow out.

Opposition Leader Isobel Redmond said Labor under Mr Weatherill’s leadership is still the same old Labor, unable to deliver projects on time, on budget or as promised.

“Mr Weatherill has taken the typical Labor approach to the expressway duplication – less costs more,” Ms Redmond said.

“For $127 million more than what was originally committed by Labor, commuters will not get an interchange at Darlington and will be faced with chronic congestion on the way to and from work.

“The Government had initially said that the $75 million Darlington Interchange was a critical element of the Southern Expressway – leaving it out breaks an explicit promise to the people of the Southern suburbs.

“Labor’s current plan, without an interchange, will deliver a congested expressway and cost taxpayers more.

“Major cost blow outs are a hallmark of this Labor Government and South Australians are sick and tired of it.

“This Government has cost taxpayers billions of dollars in infrastructure blow outs because Labor is unable to deliver projects on time, on budget and as promised.

“Unfortunately for South Australians Mr Weatherill has shown he will continue to charge taxpayers for Labor’s mistakes – it’s the same old Labor.”