Ipswich City Council has welcomed Queensland Government plans to build more roads in Ripley.
The State Government has committed an additional $7.1 million so more roads and bridges will be built in the Ripley Valley Priority Development Area (PDA).
Council’s General Manager of Planning and Regulatory Services Brett Davey said development had been planned along Binnies Road for about 10 years.
“One of the key inhibitors in developing this area has been the delivery of major roads and a bridge across Deebing Creek,” he said.
“A strategic transport plan is in place for the Ripley Valley.”
Mr Davey said Binnies Road is one of those strategic roads and its construction will benefit the people of Ipswich through:
• Availability of land for new housing
• Alternative access for existing and future residents in Deebing Heights and Ripley
• Alternative access to relieve pressure on Ripley Road
“This funding will deliver a significant piece of infrastructure which is too large for a single developer to deliver and is delivered using state funding to the benefit of several developers and the community,” he said.
Council encouraged the State Government’s current and on-going future investment in the Ripley Valley PDA.
Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said the Binnies Road West Catalyst Infrastructure Agreement for Ripley Valley will connect more Queenslanders with affordable housing and job opportunities.
“This $7.1 million agreement will ensure the delivery of essential road and bridge infrastructure along Binnies Road,” Mr Dick said.
“As a result, this work will deliver more jobs to the south-east.
“The agreement is crucial to unlocking an additional 3,300 affordable residential sites in one of the largest and most important urban growth areas in Australia.
“This continues Economic Development Queensland’s vision to promote sustainable development in Ripley Valley, and across every PDA around the state.”
Member for Ipswich Jennifer Howard said she was delighted the new roads and bridges would help generate more local employment.
“The new residents who move here will spend in our shops, they’ll use our tradies, they’ll attend our schools,” Ms Howard says.
“Our economy is going to be stronger because of this growth, and the infrastructure delivered through this agreement will speed up that growth process, which is fantastic news for the city.”
Orchard Property Group Managing Director Brent Hailey said the Binnies Road West Catalyst Infrastructure Agreement is pivotal to meet the region’s future housing needs.
“As one of several land owners, we were unable to proceed without this capital funding, which will see greater land supply and affordability in this corridor.”
The Ripley Valley PDA covers 4680ha and is located approximately 5km south-west of the Ipswich CBD, and south of Cunningham Highway.
Save Deebing Creek Mission and burial sites.