Amidst its focus on delivering much needed cost-of-living relief for households, there were still a few big wins for the Ipswich region in Tuesday night’s Federal Budget, Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said.
“Ipswich is one of Queensland’s fastest growing cities and with that comes an increased demand for investment from all levels of government to ensure we can sustainably manage this growth,” Mayor Harding said.
“While more infrastructure investment is needed to adequately keep pace with the forecast growth of the region, this Federal Budget was certainly a positive step towards bridging this funding gap.
“In particular, Council and the community have pushed tirelessly for many years to address the dangerous and congested Mt Crosby Road Interchange on the Warrego Highway.
“In the first sign of real action, we have secured $134.5 million in this year’s Federal Budget to finally get this critical upgrade underway. The next step is for the State to match this funding when their Budget is handed down in June.
“Ipswich commuters will also be relieved to see another $42.5 million committed to fixing the safety issues on the westbound side of the Bremer River Bridge.
“As locals would know, the speed limit reductions and increased congestion around the Bremer River Bridge have been unbearable for Ipswich residents so thankfully a solution is now in sight.”
In Tuesday’s Budget, the Australian Government also fulfilled its previously announced commitment which will see Ipswich-based Rheinmetall Defence Australia supply more than 100 Boxer Heavy Weapon Carrier vehicles to Germany.
“The Boxers will be built at Redbank under a contract valued at €1.9 billion, fully funded by Germany with guaranteed jobs for our community until at least 2031,” Mayor Harding said.
“This is great news for our region and cements our reputation as the defence capital of Queensland.”
Mayor Harding said there was welcome relief for Ipswich households in the form of a $300 rebate for electricity bills from July, adding to the $1,000 announced last week by the State Government. Other cost-of-living measures included tax cuts, rent relief, medicine concessions and aged care assistance.
“These are challenging economic times for everyone, for our residents and ratepayers, for businesses, for the entire community, and any financial measures to help them pay their bills and ease constraints on the hip pocket will be well received,” Mayor Harding said.
