The budget on the Swan River footbridge has blown out by a staggering $16 million as the new West Australian government comes to grips with a one-year delay on the project.
The reported cost has soared from $54 million to $70 million and construction won't be completed until the end of 2017, which puts the new venue hosting an Ashes Test in jeopardy.
The delay is reportedly due to fabrication issues in Malaysia, with significant delays to steel shipment dates a result of a legal stoush between overseas companies involved in the fabrication.
That part of the bridge has been manufactured overseas and delayed left new WA Premier Mark McGowan fuming, as up to 10 Australian companies put in tenders.
Related Content
"What we have learnt in these initial days of government is just staggering," McGowan told News Corp Australia
"West Australians would rightly be furious that the previous government let it get this bad.
"Having this bridge built in Malaysia not only cost local jobs for West Australians, but it resulted in delay after delay."
The footbridge is crucial to the stadium's transport plan as it would allow about 14,000 people to and from the venue on event days.
- AAP