SAVING a fig tree has contributed to a blowout of almost $100 million in the cost of a busway linking just three suburbs over a distance of about 3km.
The Queensland Government yesterday revealed the construction cost of the Northern Busway between Windsor and Kedron in Brisbane had leapt to $593 million - up from its previous estimate of $500 million.
Further tunnelling to allow for the tree - known locally as Pop`s Fig - along with design changes to stations and connections were blamed for the cost increase.
Queensland Premier Anna Bligh said Pop`s Fig on Lutwyche Rd was a "much loved" tree with local heritage significance.
"Pop`s Fig is highly valued by the local community and forms a landmark for locals and commuters as they make their way along Lutwyche Road," she said.
"The project design preserves Pop`s Fig."
Deputy Premier Paul Lucas said the cost increase for the total busway project in real terms was only $2 million, with most related to station redesigns.
The rest of the $93 million blowout was partly due to construction cost rises.
The 3km two-way busway, half of which will be underground, is due for completion in 2012, the same time as the 6.7km Airport Link - touted as Australia`s longest road tunnel.
The Government-estimated Airport Link`s construction would only cost taxpayers $47 million but that did not include $500 million being spent on resumptions.
The Opposition yesterday called for all contract details between BrisConnections and the Government to be released.
An exact price for preserving the tree could not be obtained last night.
