A diverse range of projects for Division 1 will match the diverse communities in the Ipswich City Council area that covers approximately 55 per cent of the city.
Deputy Mayor and Division 1 Councillor Jacob Madsen said the Ipswich City Council 2022-2023 Budget had a variety of essential projects in growing suburbs and traditional rural areas.
One of the largest projects in the Ipswich Local Government Area (LGA) will be the continuing Redbank Plains Road Stage 3 with $14.96 million for construction, in the booming eastern suburbs,” Cr Madsen said.
“The rural road network in Division 1 is also set to benefit from several projects.
“This includes more than $4.6 million towards timber bridge replacements at Calvert and Ebenezer and $150,000 to design an upgrade to Grandchester – Mt Mort Road.”
Councillor Madsen said most of the Ipswich LGA’s fastest-growing suburbs were included in Division 1 and these areas would also see much-needed upgrades to the local road network.
“We are preparing for another 120,000 new residents moving into the Ripley Valley over the next 20 years and significant upgrades are required to the road network to cater for this growth,” Cr Madsen said.
“The 2022-2023 Budget commits $250,000 towards designing an upgrade of Ripley Road. Cr Ireland and I are pleased to finally see action taken to start the process of designing the upgrade for Ripley Road.
“Through preparing a design we will be better placed to understand future costs and better able to negotiate a timely delivery of the upgrade.
“Important design work will also finally be funded for road upgrades in high-growth areas including the Ripley Road and Reif Street intersection in Flinders View and School Road in Redbank Plains, which are both important and have been required for some time.”
Division 1 Councillor Sheila Ireland said the 2022-2023 Budget made strong commitments to projects that would provide greater opportunity for healthy and active lifestyles.
“We are excited to be continuing construction on Stage 1 of the Redbank Plains Recreation Reserve regional-level skate and youth facility, with $2.1 million funded this financial year,” Cr Ireland said.
“South Ripley’s first major sports ground, Ironbark Park, will also have a new $1.5 million clubhouse and supporting infrastructure built this year.
“Fernbrooke sports fields at Redbank Plains will also get a major boost with $600,000 to install field lighting. This will further embellish the sports grounds for local community sporting activities.”
Councillor Ireland said Ipswich’s most popular conservation estate for nature-based recreation would also receive a significant investment towards balancing visitor experience and cultural and environmental protection.
“White Rock – Spring Mountain Conservation Estate welcomes thousands of visitors each month. It is home to the iconic White Rock and other sites of cultural significance to Traditional Owners,” Cr Ireland said.
“Through the Enviroplan initiative, council will invest $1.8 million to construct boardwalks and lookouts with interpretive signage to ensure these valuable areas are protected.”
For more information about council’s 2022-2023 Budget, visit Ipswich.qld.gov.au/budget