{"id":201900,"date":"2018-02-22T15:56:37","date_gmt":"2018-02-22T05:56:37","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/?p=201900"},"modified":"2020-08-06T15:55:15","modified_gmt":"2020-08-06T05:55:15","slug":"project-safety-worries-mps","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/2018\/02\/22\/project-safety-worries-mps\/","title":{"rendered":"Project Safety Worries MPs"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Work stopped on the Second Range Crossing recently because of issues caused by the ancient geology of part of the route (Photo: Nexus)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

February 22, 2018<\/strong><\/p>\n

The State Government has called an urgent meeting with principal contractor Nexus to discuss safety concerns surrounding the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing project.<\/p>\n

\u201cSerious health and safety concerns have been raised with me by Workplace Health and Safety Queensland,\u201d Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are deeply concerned about the abnormally high number of Workplace Health and Safety investigations and incidents that have occurred at the site.<\/p>\n

\u201cI want to meet with representatives from Nexus to stress that the safety of workers must come first.<\/p>\n

\u201cFrankly, the number of incidents involving plant rollovers is unacceptable and demands immediate action.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is an unusual step and should convey the gravity with which the Palaszczuk Government views this matter and our commitment to safety at work.\u201d<\/p>\n

Transport Minister Mark Bailey said an independent auditor would also be appointed to investigate safety concerns at the site.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cThe safety of workers is a top priority for the government and we need to be reassured by Nexus and other contractors that they share that sentiment and have a clear plan to improve their safety record,\u201d Mr Bailey said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe want to sit down with those concerned to hear what they plan to do to improve safety on this project.\u201d<\/p>\n

The terms of reference for the independent auditor will be finalised within days.<\/p>\n

LNP Leader Deb Frecklington criticised the delays to the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing project.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cToday\u2019s news that it was \u2018tools down\u2019 on this critical project on February 9 is a blow to business and everyday Queenslanders who need this road built and built now,\u201d Mrs Frecklington said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Palaszczuk Government awarded the contract to Nexus in July 2015 and have been in charge of the project but refuse to take responsibility.<\/p>\n

\u201cLabor\u2019s latest failure to properly oversee the project comes only a week after it was announced construction could be delayed by seven months and ongoing industry concerns with the secrecy around toll prices.”<\/p>\n

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Second Range Crossing – October 2017<\/strong><\/h3>\n