We can't afford Cross River Rail: Qld THE future of a major rail project in Brisbane is in doubt, as the Queensland government says it can't afford it unless the federal government stumps up more money. The federal opposition is also yet to commit funds to the $4.4 billion Cross River Rail project, a former state Labor government initiative that involves building a twin rail track under the Brisbane River. The Gillard government committed $715 million to the project in Tuesday's budget, matching the state's contribution. Federal Transport Minister Anthony Albanese said the shortfall would be filled by the private sector, which would be provided federal government guarantees on their debt. His Queensland counterpart Scott Emerson said the state's GST payments had been cut in the budget and the federal government was effectively "stealing back" its Cross River Rail contribution. "It amounts to Canberra giving with one hand but taking with the other," he said in a statement on Wednesday. The Newman government would not accept anything less than a "genuine" 50-50 funding split for the Cross River Rail project, he said. We can't afford that kind of cost as we fight to reduce the debt left by the former Labor government. Queensland opposition transport spokeswoman Jackie Trad said the project was crucial to the growth of the state's southeast and could not be delayed. "Campbell Newman and the LNP will be putting politics over the interests of Queensland if they find excuses to walk away from this offer," she said in a statement. Sadly, if Tony Abbott becomes prime minister, commuters can kiss Cross River Rail goodbye. The project aims to alleviate mounting rail congestion with a 10km twin track tunnel between Yeerongpilly and Victoria Park and four stations.