Ipswich business and community leaders will tomorrow (Wednesday) be front and centre at a roundtable conversation, highlighting how the Federal Government can focus its attention on the region’s immediate infrastructure needs.
Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge will host a roundtable with 13 influential business and community leaders to discuss key projects which have already been captured in the Southeast Queensland City Deals proposal.
The proposal, which focuses heavily on transport needs, has been accepted in principle by the Federal Government.
If enacted in its entirety, it would have multi-billion-dollar benefits for Ipswich and the immediate region.
Ipswich City Council interim administrator Greg Chemello, who will be at the meeting, said it was a great opportunity for the city to reinforce its needs.
“This region is one of the fastest growing areas in Australia, and we’re making no secret that transport is a major concern which accompanies growing pains of a city expected to double in size over the next 20 years,” Mr Chemello said.
“We need the public transport corridor from Springfield Central to Ipswich Central to be addressed with urgency. Fast rail is another critical link which would inject huge benefit to the economy of Ipswich City and the surrounding region.”
Rapid urban growth would mean a burgeoning housing market, Mr Chemello said.
“If hundreds of thousands of people are to call Ipswich their new home, they need access to reliable housing, liveable communities, and jobs,” he said.
“It’s our responsibility to ensure the right messaging reaches all tiers of government when it comes to developing a city people are proud to call home, along with a buoyant economy.”
Council’s general manager for Community, Cultural and Economic Development Ben Pole said key city initiatives were already well aligned with the Southeast Queensland City Deals proposal.
“We have been actively involved in the development of the City Deal proposal since 2016 and it reflects many of the economic and infrastructure priorities of our region,” he said.
“There has been a particular focus on jobs and skills, building on our strong position in advanced manufacturing and defence sectors which have exponential growth potential if we collaborate, invest and manage strategically.”
