New Government brings new priorities to Ipswich

A change in Federal Government at the weekend has brought new opportunities for Ipswich, with successful local candidates committing to deliver major projects for the city.

Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding congratulated the Australian Labor Party’s Milton Dick and Shayne Neumann on being re-elected to Oxley and Blair respectively at Saturday’s Federal Election and welcomed the election of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

“The Ipswich region will benefit from the significant commitments from the two local MPs and the new Albanese Government, including significant pledges towards Council’s priority projects,” Mayor Harding said.

“We have enjoyed excellent working relationships in previous terms with both Milton Dick and Shayne Neumann, and they’ve both committed to delivering for the Ipswich community.

“I had the opportunity to speak with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese last year about what Ipswich needs, and I’m looking forward to working with both Shayne and Milton as members of the new government to deliver for the city.”

Ipswich Jets CEO Richard Hughes, Shadow Treasurer Dr Jim Chalmers MP, Deputy Mayor and Division 1 Councillor Jacob Madsen, Member for Blair Hon Shayne Neumann MP, Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding, Division 4 Councillor Russell Milligan, Western Pride head coach Pye Augustine and Rugby League Ipswich chairman Dane McQueen.

In the lead-up to this election, the ALP committed $20 million to make the North Ipswich Reserve NRL-ready as part of council plans to develop a boutique 12,500-seat stadium, committed $2 million towards the Ipswich to Springfield Central (I2S) Public Transport Corridor business case and $10 million for Ipswich Motorway planning, which will benefit commuters in Blair, among a significant range of local commitments.

“This is an exciting time for the city, with significant commitments to important local projects now a step closer to delivery,” Mayor Harding said.

“These priorities will make sure the people of Ipswich are healthy, productive and empowered, and most importantly, help them reduce their cost of living, work locally, and make sure they get home safely to their families at the end of the day.”

Mayor Harding joined Mr Neumann and the nation’s newest Treasurer Jim Chalmers at North Ipswich Reserve in early April when the ALP pledged $20 million to the project.

The North Ipswich Sport and Entertainment Precinct was one of six asks on council’s federal election wish list, seeking $2.5 million to complete a detailed business case for the precinct.

“North Ipswich Reserve has been in desperate need of significant improvements to its existing lighting, grandstand and change facilities to make it a quality piece of community infrastructure,” Mayor Harding said.

“Not only will this commitment allow for the completion of a detailed business case to bring this project to life but provide much-needed immediate improvements to the current facilities.”

Mayor Harding said Ipswich is the fastest growing city in Queensland and will welcome an additional 330,000 people over the next 20 years and, as such, council will continue to push Canberra for additional funding on all its priority projects.

“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,” Mayor Harding said.

Ipswich had already secured a $10 million tripartite commitment for the Ipswich to Springfield Central public transport corridor (I2S) as part of the SEQ City Deal signed in March 2022.

Commitments received from the Australian Labor Party ahead of Saturday’s election victory:

• $20 million to upgrade North Ipswich Stadium. This is the first stage in developing a boutique 12,500 seat stadium, designed for rugby league and soccer matches, with broadcast facilities to ensure NRL and A-League matches could be hosted at the venue.
• $4 million to upgrade the Ipswich Showgrounds. Includes:
  • $2.5 million for general upgrades and
  • a further $1.5 million to improve amenities that can be utilised by the emergency relief centre during natural disasters.
• $10 million for Ipswich Motorway planning
• $2 million for a business case for the Ipswich to Springfield rail line
• $2.2 million in local school upgrades, including:
  • $2 million for a Community Sports Hub and new basketball courts at Ipswich State High School
  • $100,000 to upgrade facilities for Prep students at the rapidly growing Springfield Central State School
  • $60,000 for a new Prep-safe playground at Brassall State School
  • $15,000 for an upgraded audio-visual system at the Karalee State School community hall.
• $3 million for flood recovery and resilience projects along the Bremer River and its tributaries. This will improve flood resilience, water quality and environmental values in our urban waterways along the river and its creeks.
• $5 million for an Ipswich Veteran Wellbeing Centre. This will be a one-stop shop for veterans and families to access health and mental health services, advocacy and wellbeing support, employment and housing assistance, and social connection.
• A new Medicare Urgent Care Clinic to take pressure off the Ipswich Hospital Emergency Department by providing care from a doctor or nurse for injuries like sprains, broken bones, stitches, wound care and other minor conditions.
• $14 million for a new Head to Health adult mental health centre
• $2.5 million to upgrade Kambu Health Service. This includes
  • $2 million for upgrades to the Roderick Street clinic, and
  • an additional $500,000 to relocate the Children and Family Centre to Kambu’s kindergarten and long day care facility in Silkstone.
• $2 million to expand the Ipswich Basketball stadium and support the creation of a new basketball court at the Booval stadium
• $1 million the upgrade facilities at the Ripley Valley Football Club
• $500,000 to upgrade the Ipswich Hockey fields, including irrigation and lighting
• $3.5 million for a new India House cultural centre in Springfield
• $20,000 for a new toy library for multicultural communities at the Redbank Plains Community Centre.

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