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In Estimates hearings, the Government admitted a Games timetable had yet to be completed due to uncertainty about the NGR units bought as part of a $4.4 billion upgrade.

“How hard can Labor be working to fix the problem if the QR teams looking after the new trains and the Games are understaffed,” Mr Powell said. “We’re meant to be showcasing the Gold Coast to the world but at this rate we’ll be lucky if the trains are even running.”

Estimates was told 10 of the 15 NGR units which had arrived in Queensland had yet to be tested and the trains would require 500 kilometres fault-free running to be commissioned.

Deputy Premier and Transport Minister Jackie Trad at Estimates said her focus was on getting the NGRs back on track “following the LNP’s botched procurement process”.

The availability of the new trains is critical because the only alternative will be to cut back services on other lines during the Games. Senior Transport bureaucrats have promised that no rail closures will occur.