The 2022-23 Federal Budget delivered a mixed bag for Ipswich as council welcomed the Commonwealth’s commitment to the Ipswich to Springfield Central (I2S) Options Analysis, but missed out on key commitments to support the city’s significant population growth.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the cost of living relief measures will be welcomed by Ipswich residents.
“Increased investment in new apprenticeships and training, defence industry and cyber security will create more local jobs in our local economy,” Mayor Harding said.
“While council’s advocacy efforts towards I2S are starting to pay dividends, it was disappointing there wasn’t more in the budget to meet the growth challenges faced by the region.
“Council has been ramping up calls for government investment into council’s priority projects as part of our federal election campaign.
“As our population continues to grow at a rapid rate, we welcome the Commonwealth’s financial commitment to I2S as part of the South East Queensland (SEQ) City Deal.
“The I2S project is integral to addressing the under-provision of public transport in growth areas such as Redbank Plains and Ripley while connecting the Ipswich CBD to Springfield Central.
“Council has led I2S from day one having already delivered a strategic assessment for the project and is now on track to progress an Options Analysis and then a Detailed Business Case, which will move this project to shovel-ready status.”
Ipswich City Council is advocating for the following commitments:
- $10 million towards the Ipswich to Springfield Central Public Transport Corridor Options Analysis and Detailed Business Case to ensure this project is shovel-ready. Read more about the City Deal boost to the business case for rail and public transport.
- $2.5 million for an Ipswich Central Second River Crossing (Norman Street Bridge) business case.
- Unlocking 6,000 FTE jobs in the future Ebenezer Regional Industrial Area by delivering critical trunk infrastructure and the Ebenezer Intermodal Terminal.
- $2.5 million towards the North Ipswich Sport and Entertainment Precinct investigations.
- A commitment to review and reform waste and resource recovery policy and infrastructure and deliver a waste industry transformation plan.
- A commitment to upgrading our critical road network to improve safety and reduce travel times across the Cunningham, Warrego and Centenary highways and the Ripley PDA.
“But this is just the start – Ipswich has suffered from chronic underinvestment for decades and now it has a long to-do list including a second CBD river crossing, significant upgrades to North Ipswich Reserve, resource recovery reform as well as upgrades to the Cunningham, Warrego and Centenary highways and Ripley Valley roads,” Mayor Harding said.
“Ipswich is the fastest growing city in Queensland and will welcome an additional 330,000 people over the next 20 years.
“We will continue to advocate for Ipswich with a list of road, public transport, sporting and community projects needed to support our fast-growing city.
“This is just the beginning, as we ramp up our advocacy efforts heading into the federal election.”
Read also:
>>> Ipswich to Springfield Central Public Transport Corridor leads council’s election hit list
