A WAR over the project cost of the Penola bypass has resulted in SA-Best leader Nick Xenophon labelling major parties as “pathetic” for not committing to its completion earlier.
Following Mr Xenophon’s pledge to complete the project as non-negotiable if the party holds the balance of power, the State Opposition claimed he underestimated the project cost by $400,000.
In announcing their $4.9m to complete the northern section of the bypass, the State Oppositon said Mr Xenophon’s announcement, in which he said the cost would be around $4.5m, was an “embarrassing blunder”.
However, a State Government spokesperson said both figures were incorrect as the total project cost was $13.35m.
Despite being costed more than two years ago, the spokesperson said there was a “minimal difference” from previous years.
Shadow Transport Minister David Pisoni said the Liberals were confident their costings were correct.
“The Weatherill Government is using the project costings from two years ago and therefore are not current,” he said.
“Because the Weatherill Government has delayed this project and still refuses to deliver the Penola bypass, by the time a Marshall Liberal Government has the opportunity to deliver the upgrade it would cost $13.9m.”
Mr Xenophon slammed the State Government and Opposition for leaving the road half-built for two decades.
“People have been arguing over this bypass for more than 60 years and in its current proposal for 20 years,” he said.
“These people are pathetic, they are either nit-picking or making excuses.
“Let’s just get the bloody job done.”
