Ipswich City Council advocacy for new and improved bus services has been heard in George Street with the State Government including much-needed transport funding in its 2024-2025 Budget.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said a series of bus network upgrades announced by Treasurer Cameron Dick in this week’s State Budget would introduce new and expanded bus services for some of our fastest growing suburbs such as Redbank Plains, Collingwood Park and Deebing Heights.
“Council and the community have been loud and clear in our message to the Queensland Government for years – we urgently need more bus services to connect our rapidly growing city,” Mayor Harding said.
“While we still have some way to go before we see public transport investment matching the growth of our city, this $36 million investment from the State Government is an important first step in fixing some of the major gaps in Ipswich’s bus network.
“These new services will introduce bus services to some of Ipswich’s fastest growing suburbs for the first time and, coupled with 50 cent public transport trips from 5 August, are a critical injection into public transport for the Ipswich community.”
Ipswich bus network improvements will be delivered across three years and will include:
- New services to growth areas of Redbank Plains, Collingwood Park, Augustine Heights and Bellbird Park, as well as Springfield, Deebing Heights and Karalee.
- Improved service connectivity to the Ripley Valley priority development area.
- The introduction of a new direct route linking Springfield and Ipswich, via Redbank Plains.
- The extension of existing routes in areas north and south of Ipswich, Springfield Lakes, Camira and Spring Mountain.
- Improved connectivity to rail services and to Ipswich Hospital.
Council kicked off its advocacy campaign for an expansion of Ipswich’s bus network in late 2022, elevating a Better Bus Network for Ipswich to a regionally significant advocacy priority.
“Seventy per cent of Ipswich’s population growth is taking place in the eastern growth corridor between Ipswich and Springfield Central,” Mayor Harding said.
“Council’s ultimate goal is the development of the Ipswich to Springfield Central Public Transport Corridor and, while that project is now progressing, its completion is still years away.
“Council has worked tirelessly to secure new funding for our bus network to properly connect Ipswich and our growing suburbs of Springfield Central, Ripley and Redbank Plains.
“Access to reliable public transport is a fundamental part of a connected and functioning city, and we will continue to advocate to the Queensland Government and the Commonwealth Government for greater investment in our beautiful city.”
Mayor Harding also acknowledged additional funding for the Warrego Highway but was disappointed to see the deadly Amberley Interchange on the Cunningham Highway miss out once again.
“We welcome any funding put to our neglected highways and motorways, and while we welcome funding for the Warrego Highway, once again we have no funding for the highly dangerous Amberley Interchange,” Mayor Harding said.
“Road safety is not an optional extra; it must be front and centre as Ipswich grows beyond 250,000 residents and our suburbs become home to more and more residents every year.
“Council will continue to advocate for Ipswich’s fair share of funding for our city’s future.”
The Queensland Budget 2024-2025 also saw another $1.1 billion for health for the West Moreton Hospital and Health Service, as well as the previously committed $10 million for the redevelopment of North Ipswich Reserve.