Emerson denies Qld rail project warning

Former Queensland Transport Minister Scott Emerson says he can't remember being warned about a signalling system that has caused a $1 billion rail project to be delayed indefinitely.

Queensland Rail issued a statement on Monday insisting it had raised concerns about the Moreton Bay Rail Link's signalling system in 2014, but was advised it was "significantly cheaper than the preferred technologies".

QR said it was also told the contractor was confident it could overcome the concerns.

Mr Emerson - the then-transport minister and now shadow treasurer - on Tuesday denied any knowledge about issues being raised by QR.

"I have no recollection at all of Queensland Rail or TMR (Department of Transport and Main Roads) raising any issues about signalling with me," he said.

"I do recall assurances from Transport and Main Roads that this project was on time, on schedule, on track."

Mr Emerson also insisted he didn't have any discussions with the department about costings or what the tenderers were proposing.

"It is done as independent at arms length from the minister and that is the appropriate thing to occur," he said.

Current Transport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe last week delayed the project indefinitely and ordered an independent audit into how the signalling system, which could have caused crashes, was chosen.

The probe will explore, among other things, contract milestones related to the signalling technology.

A report is expected by the end of July.