A UNITED campaign launched by the Ipswich City Council calling for funds from other levels of government has been labelled a political attack and waste of ratepayer funds by the local State and Federal members.
The community-led campaign was released outlining the opportunities and risks as Ipswich faces a more than doubling of its population to 533,000 by 2046, with Mayor Teresa Harding urging Ipswich residents to raise their voices to tell the Queensland Government that the city can’t wait for fairer funding.
“The numbers are clear: Ipswich consistently receives far less than its fair share in State and Federal infrastructure funding, and it is time that changed,” Cr Harding said.
“Figures from the Queensland Government’s own funding tool, the Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program (QTRIP), clearly spell out the shortfall our city faces.”
Over the next four financial years, between now and 2027-28, the QTRIP allocation for Ipswich sits $198 million, while Logan will receive more than $1 billion, and Brisbane more than $3 billion.
“If we look at a breakdown of QTRIP funding per resident across all south-east councils, Ipswich residents would receive the second- lowest amount of funding in SEQ.
“Through careful planning, we are ideally positioned to lead South East Queensland in managing growth without destroying the liveability of our city.
“But right now, we are not being given the chance. With each new Queensland and Federal budget, obvious and vital infrastructure needs continue to be ignored.”
Cr Harding said the community could not wait any longer, and called for meaningful commitments from all State election candidates to deliver the infrastructure funding the city required.
But Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann said Cr Harding had to start putting her plans into action and convince her own council to commit funding towards major infrastructure for the city instead of waging political campaigns against the State and Federal governments.
“What have we seen from the second Harding administration so far – a 5.45 per cent increase on your rates bill and a decision to rip up the popular boardwalks at River Heart Parklands, which Council allowed to remain closed since the 2022 floods,” Mr Neumann said.
“If Ipswich City Council wants funding, how about meeting with Federal and State MPs before launching costly, ratepayer-funded political campaigns against the Federal and State governments.”
State Member for Bundamba Lance McCallum added:
“It’s only fair that the Council answers the reasonable questions from the Ipswich community about how much of their rates are funding this campaign.”
The “We Can’t Wait” campaign will play out through ongoing advertising, community engagement, petitions, and advocacy to political candidates and parties.
“We Can’t Wait is a campaign for the people of Ipswich, being delivered by Ipswich City Council. It is not my campaign nor is it designed to be a political attack,” Cr Harding said in response.
“It is a bright and upbeat campaign that is simply based on evidence, asking all political parties and candidates in the upcoming State Election to consider fairer transport funding for the people of Ipswich.
“Over the past four years, this Council has focused on a strategic and fact-based approach to its advocacy to see Ipswich residents receive the government investment they deserve.”
She said more was needed to address the significant infrastructure shortfall existing in the city.
“Council has committed $60,000 for this campaign, with most of it being delivered through our existing resources and communication channels,” she said.
“The campaign is supported by all councillors and aims to leverage the many established relationships we all have right across the political spectrum.
“The councillors and I interact with our State and Federal members on a weekly basis, but Ipswich residents would be aware that these projects have been on our wish list for years – decades in some cases.
“I have been to Canberra and George St on many occasions to advocate to Federal and State ministers and our local members for these projects. I wrote to all parties and our state members prior to the launch of this campaign. These projects should not be a surprise to anyone.
“Instead of criticising the campaign, it is my hope that our local members will join Council in advocating to their respective parties for fairer transport funding.”
