Australia’s rail regulator has distanced itself from claims it would need two years to sign off on Cross River Rail, after the Crisafulli government pushed back the project’s delivery date by another three years.

Cross River Rail was initially meant to open in 2024, but that was delayed to 2026 under the previous Labor government.

In an answer to an Opposition Question on Notice this week, Queensland Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg justified his revised timing of 2029 – five years behind the original schedule.

Workers at Roma Street welcome the first train through Brisbane’s Cross River Rail last year. Credit: Cross River Rail Delivery Authority

“The 2024 completion date originally indicated by the former government was never achievable given the process involved in testing,

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