‘Pathetic scare campaign': Minister says surprise toll changes won't affect Story Bridge
Tolls on Queensland roads can be hiked more easily after laws passed state parliament, but Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg has denied there are plans to toll the Story Bridge.
The LNP made surprise amendments to the Transport Infrastructure Act on Wednesday night during debate on a parole board bill.
The amendments would give the minister the power to make a declaration over tolls, charges or payment arrangements, potentially reducing administration and costs.
Explanatory notes say the changes would streamline upgrades to the Gateway and Logan motorways.
Labor transport spokesman Bart Mellish said it could affect the Story Bridge and Coomera Connector, and meant the government could slap a toll on any road or hike an existing toll without 'fear, favour or proper consultation'.
'These amendments look technical, but their implications are far-reaching,' he said.
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'They quietly pave the way for tolls to be declared on Queensland roads with less scrutiny and less transparency.'
But Mickelberg accused Labor of a 'pathetic scare campaign' and said the changes had nothing to do with the Story Bridge, arguing they were about removing red tape.
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