3. Why have the costs increased for these road projects, particularly 4.17 which has risen from $160 million in 2006 to $196 million now; and why has the cost of the Eastern Busway increased by more than 400 per cent ?

The increases in the costs of the road projects are due to improved estimating processes, rising delivery costs, and indexation to current dollars.

The increase in the cost of the Eastern Busway is linked to both a rise in construction costs across the board, as well as a re-scoping of the project.

* Looking specifically at cost estimates: many projects in previous editions of the plan have been in the very initial planning stages. The more planning and design work we undertake on various projects, the greater the certainty in costing estimates. This new version of the plan attempts to address this issue by adopting a 5-point scale for cost estimates. The scale varies by the level of planning done for a project – indicating the level of refinement required on the project costing.

* Looking at rising delivery costs: we should keep in mind that are currently in a significant gear-up phase in our infrastructure planning process. We have tripled our activity over the past few years. Combine this with the national - and in some cases international - boom in infrastructure delivery and these are challenging economic times. We face significant costs rises in material, labour, plant and professional services.

- Current tender box experience and independent reviews conducted by Main Roads and Australian Government indicate that increased construction costs (labour and materials) plus higher land acquisition and planning and design costs have led to average project cost escalations of 15% to 20% in recent years.

- Typical price increases for construction inputs on SEQ Main Roads projects over the past two years include:

General labour up 57%

Road base (supply only) up 69%

Bitumen up 40%

Steel fixing (assembly) up 83%

Diesel fuel up 50%

* Looking at indexation: we should note that projects in the initial planning phase (those with cost category 0 or 1 – around half the projects) have been indexed to 2008 dollars (using an factor of 4.4 per cent as advised by Queensland Treasury).

* Looking at Eastern Busway scope changes: the scope has expanded after public consultation resulting in a revised concept and design plan and there are now significant sections in a new tunnel. There is also a new section from Buranda to Princess Alexandra Hospital added in 2008.

4. Item 4.42 is new: Redland bus priority measures ($130m) in the 2019-2026 period. What will these measures involve?

On-road bus priority measures including transit lanes, traffic cue jumps, additional stations.

5. Item 4.52 lists Cleveland rail corridor upgrades ($180m) for the 2019-2026 period. What does this involve - is it duplication of the line between Manly and Cleveland?

Cleveland Corridor: Manly to Thorneside Duplication

Cleveland Corridor: Ormiston to Cleveland Duplication

Cleveland Corridor: Birkdale to Wellington Pt Duplication.