❓ Mr. Birney questions the cost increase of the New Perth Bunbury Highway project due to 'more detailed planning'. The Minister provides a breakdown of the $50 million increase, citing changes in technical standards, environmental requirements, and refinement of works.
AnsweredQoN 390Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
(b) how much of this increase is due to the ‘more detailed planning’; and (c) will the Minister provide an itemised and costed list of individual increases that have resulted from the ‘more detailed planning’?
(c) will the Minister provide an itemised and costed list of individual increases that have resulted from the ‘more detailed planning’?
I assume the Member's question relates to the difference between a preliminary estimate of $340 million provided on request to the Federal Department of Transport and Regional Services in April 2004 and the current cost estimation of $450 million (in 2005 dollar terms) which has been developed as a result of further detailed planning for the project. At the time the preliminary estimate was provided it was made clear that this was indicative only as the project design was at a conceptual stage. In addition, the April 2004 estimate did not reflect the significant cost increases encountered throughout Australia over the past year associated with an overheated construction industry and increased oil costs. a) Approximately $60 million. b) - c) About $50 million of the $110 million increase in the New Perth Bunbury Highway project can be attributed to "more detailed planning". Broadly, these are itemised as follows: Changes in technical standards approx $15 million The original cost estimate did not include any allowances for recent changes to the technical standards for highways (namely wider pavement formation and flatter side batters for improved road safety) and the inclusion of Intelligent Transport System infrastructure. Environmental and social "scope" requirements approx $25 million. The cost estimate for the Peel Deviation section of the project assumed traditional rural highway standards, particularly with respect to environmental and social requirements. Consequently, the revised cost estimate includes substantial noise management provisions (such as noise walls and asphalt road surfaces) for populated areas, a number of fauna and stock underpasses, an improved standard of landscaping / revegetation provisions and a $2 million allowance for public art. Refinement of works and quantities approx $10 million. The balance of the difference reflects an increase for some key items, such as the quantity of imported fill and the extent of drainage infrastructure works - a reflection of the extensive low lying terrain through which the highway will cross.
(c) will the Minister provide an itemised and costed list of individual increases that have resulted from the ‘more detailed planning’?
I assume the Member's question relates to the difference between a preliminary estimate of $340 million provided on request to the Federal Department of Transport and Regional Services in April 2004 and the current cost estimation of $450 million (in 2005 dollar terms) which has been developed as a result of further detailed planning for the project. At the time the preliminary estimate was provided it was made clear that this was indicative only as the project design was at a conceptual stage. In addition, the April 2004 estimate did not reflect the significant cost increases encountered throughout Australia over the past year associated with an overheated construction industry and increased oil costs. a) Approximately $60 million. b) - c) About $50 million of the $110 million increase in the New Perth Bunbury Highway project can be attributed to "more detailed planning". Broadly, these are itemised as follows: Changes in technical standards approx $15 million The original cost estimate did not include any allowances for recent changes to the technical standards for highways (namely wider pavement formation and flatter side batters for improved road safety) and the inclusion of Intelligent Transport System infrastructure. Environmental and social "scope" requirements approx $25 million. The cost estimate for the Peel Deviation section of the project assumed traditional rural highway standards, particularly with respect to environmental and social requirements. Consequently, the revised cost estimate includes substantial noise management provisions (such as noise walls and asphalt road surfaces) for populated areas, a number of fauna and stock underpasses, an improved standard of landscaping / revegetation provisions and a $2 million allowance for public art. Refinement of works and quantities approx $10 million. The balance of the difference reflects an increase for some key items, such as the quantity of imported fill and the extent of drainage infrastructure works - a reflection of the extensive low lying terrain through which the highway will cross.
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
21 September 2005
Responded by
Minister for Planning and Infrastructure
Response time
21 days
I assume the Member's question relates to the difference between a preliminary estimate of $340 million provided on request to the Federal Department of Transport and Regional Services in April 2004 and the current cost estimation of $450 million (in 2005 dollar terms) which has been developed as a result of further detailed planning for the project. At the time the preliminary estimate was provided it was made clear that this was indicative only as the project design was at a conceptual stage. In addition, the April 2004 estimate did not reflect the significant cost increases encountered throughout Australia over the past year associated with an overheated construction industry and increased oil costs. a) Approximately $60 million. b) - c) About $50 million of the $110 million increase in the New Perth Bunbury Highway project can be attributed to "more detailed planning". Broadly, these are itemised as follows: Changes in technical standards approx $15 million The original cost estimate did not include any allowances for recent changes to the technical standards for highways (namely wider pavement formation and flatter side batters for improved road safety) and the inclusion of Intelligent Transport System infrastructure. Environmental and social "scope" requirements approx $25 million. The cost estimate for the Peel Deviation section of the project assumed traditional rural highway standards, particularly with respect to environmental and social requirements. Consequently, the revised cost estimate includes substantial noise management provisions (such as noise walls and asphalt road surfaces) for populated areas, a number of fauna and stock underpasses, an improved standard of landscaping / revegetation provisions and a $2 million allowance for public art. Refinement of works and quantities approx $10 million. The balance of the difference reflects an increase for some key items, such as the quantity of imported fill and the extent of drainage infrastructure works - a reflection of the extensive low lying terrain through which the highway will cross.
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