As Queensland ambitiously aims to deliver both the 2032 Olympic projects and its $10 billion hospital renovation program, a report by Infrastructure Partnerships Australia has warned that delays, cost overruns, and labour shortages might cripple plans.

The crux of the issue is that the hospital projects are projected to peak between 2025 and 2026, at the same time as Olympic constructions begin, including the $2.7 billion Gabba redevelopment and the construction of the Brisbane Arena.

Despite the challenges, Health Minister Shannon Fentiman maintains that the $9.7 billion health infrastructure investment is on track. However, her claim contrasts starkly with the IPA’s assessment, leading some to accuse her of merely spinning the situation.

Adrian Dwyer of the IPA told Peter Gleeson on Drive, “…We got to have a discussion about productivity. You cannot deliver this scale of pipeline alongside the Olympics, and alongside energy, without doing things more efficiently. There’s got to be absolute laser like focus from the government, from the delivering agencies, from the contracting companies on making sure we can do more with less…”

Bill McDonald agreed with Shadow Health Minister Ros Bates, who believes “the government needs to admit and be honest with us that there is zero chance of delivering all projects on time and on budget”.

Press PLAY to hear Bill McDonald’s comments on the timeline

Pic: Getty