Ipswich City Council has renewed its calls for serious State Government investment in major infrastructure projects to reduce congestion and give residents more options for moving about the city quickly and safely.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said council’s submission to the State Budget 2023-2024, to be handed down on Tuesday 13 June, emphasised the need for proper investment into the city’s transport network to support a rapidly growing population.
“With a predicted population of 453,875 by 2041, our city is growing rapidly, and our roads, bridges and railways need more investment to support the needs of our booming population,” Mayor Harding said.
“This year council is advocating for serious investment in projects that will help unlock our city’s busiest roads, get more commuters into fast, reliable public transport, and deliver the social and sporting infrastructure we need to support our growing communities.
“Our highest priority remains the Ipswich to Springfield Central Public Transport Corridor, which secured a $10 million commitment in the SEQ City Deal to see it through to the shovel-ready stage.
“Last October, we saw the Federal Government include funding in its budget to fulfil this commitment. Now, we are asking the State Government to commit its share to ensure the delivery of a detailed business case for this critical project.
“The Ipswich to Springfield Central Public Transport Corridor would unlock immense benefits for Ipswich, linking the city centre with Springfield, and easing the pressure on our road network.”
As Ipswich’s city centre continues to grow, council is also calling on the Queensland Government to take urgent action to address congestion, flooding and safety issues on and around the David Trumpy Bridge.
“Currently, thousands of cars are forced to drive through the city centre as there is only one river crossing in Ipswich Central,” Mayor Harding said.
“A second river crossing is badly needed to ease pressure on the David Trumpy Bridge and enable the future growth of our CBD.
“Council is seeking investment from the Queensland Government to finally undertake the necessary investigations and ensure this project is ready for construction.”
The Ipswich to Springfield Central Public Transport Corridor (I2S Corridor) is a designated public transport corridor, a rail link through the expansion areas of Ripley and Redbank Plains.
Council’s 2023-24 State Budget Submission outlined seven key priorities requiring investment and support from the Queensland Government, including:
- Ipswich to Springfield Central Public Transport Corridor: Following the $10 million committed in the SEQ City Deal, Council is seeking the State’s share of the funding contribution for the Detailed Business Case in FY24/25.
- Ipswich Central Second River Crossing: Council is seeking a $4 million investment towards the Detailed Business Case.
- Critical and Enabling Infrastructure: Council is calling for the funding of critical upgrades to our strategic highway network:
- Warrego Highway
- Cunningham Highway
- Centenary Highway
- Council is also seeking the State Government to commit to forward planning and sequencing critical infrastructure to support the growth of the Ripley Valley Priority Development Area.
- North Ipswich Sport and Entertainment Precinct: Council is seeking a $10 million investment towards Stage 1 project delivery. This will complement the $20 million secured from the Federal Government.
- Ebenezer Regional Industrial Area (ERIA): Council seeks the delivery of catalytic infrastructure for the ERIA, to support the Inland Rail project and deliver the Ebenezer Intermodal Terminal.
- Better Bus Network: Council seeks an annual commitment of $5 million towards two new bus services for Ipswich: a trunk bus route between Ipswich Central and Springfield Central and the expansion of bus services within Redbank Plains.
- Waste and Circular Economy Transformation: Council is calling for a comprehensive review and reform of the waste sector.
Mayor Harding said the upcoming state budget provided opportunities for the State to lead investment in major infrastructure, supporting Ipswich in its efforts to improve connectivity and expand its nationally significant growth and freight corridors.
“Ipswich’s highways desperately need critical upgrades, including the Amberley Interchange on the Cunningham Highway, servicing Australia’s largest air force base, and Mount Crosby Interchange on the Warrego Highway.
“Along with the duplication of the Centenary Motorway, these highways provide the backbone to Ipswich’s transport network and play a significant role in the region’s freight network. However, they are simply not keeping up with the current demand.”
The 2023-24 State Budget will also be the first opportunity for the Queensland Government to match the Federal Government’s and council’s recent commitments to the North Ipswich Sport and Entertainment Precinct.
“All eyes will be on the State to see if they run with the opportunity to advance the North Ipswich Sport and Entertainment Precinct or drop the ball in this Budget,” Mayor Harding said.
“This investment is critical ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, delivering a quality piece of community infrastructure and boosting the city’s ability to attract major sporting and cultural events.
“Ipswich City Council will continue to lobby the State Government for its fair share of funding towards these major, city-shaping projects and the economic, cultural, and social benefits they will bring to our booming city.”
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