‘ Blame the builder for costs hike’

THE CFMEU has wiped its hands of responsibility for a cost blowout at North Queensland Stadium, with the project believed to be running $ 50 million over initial estimates.

As far back as May it had been speculated the costs at the stadium were quickly being driven up and sources last month told the Bulletin “petty” workplace safety requirements being enforced by union officials were a major factor.

However, CFMEU state secretary Michael Ravbar blamed construction company Watpac for the problems.

“The reality is that the job is behind schedule, workers are being pushed to the limit and beyond, and safety has become a secondary consideration,” Mr Ravbar said. “The spotlight needs to be turned on Watpac, and inexperienced subcontractors who have never worked on a project of this size and complexity before.

“Workers are being pushed to put in 14- hour days in an attempt to compensate for what has been woefully inept management of this project.”

Mr Ravbar said numerous major safety concerns had been identified and it was unfair to blame the workers.

In October sources said five union officials were on the stadium site causing stoppages and delays every day.

“It’s seriously impacting the construction,” one source said.