ONE of Ipswich’s most dangerous and congested intersections is finally set for a major upgrade, with both Labor and the Coalition committing $200 million to overhaul the junction of the Cunningham Highway and Ipswich-Rosewood Rd at Amberley.
The notorious Amberley Interchange, which services about 20,000 vehicles a day has long been a point of frustration and concern for locals, defence personnel and freight operators.
The upgrade promises to deliver a grade-separated interchange, which will significantly improve safety and ease congestion at the critical junction.
Long queues of up to three kilometres and dangerous turning conditions have contributed to a troubling safety record, with 90 reported traffic incidents and three fatalities between 2018 and 2022.
Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann, who made the initial funding announcement last week, said the project was the most important infrastructure investment in his electorate.
“I have been advocating long and hard to fix this notorious bottleneck and black spot,” Mr Neumann said.
“Fixing this intersection will save lives and take the pressure off traffic in this rapidly growing part of our community, making it easier to get to work, school and home safely and on time.”
Mr Neumann said delivery of the project was contingent on the Queensland Government matching the funding.
Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said the project delivered a long-awaited solution for Ipswich residents.
Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers also weighed in, calling the project a win for both the local economy and the broader community.
Meanwhile, LNP candidate for Blair Carl Mutzelburg confirmed the Coalition would match Labor’s $200 million pledge, accusing Mr Neumann of failing to act despite nearly two decades in office.
“When I speak to residents, it’s clear that traffic at the Amberley Interchange is a major cause of stress for our community,” Mr Mutzelburg said.
“For 17 years, Labor MP Shayne Neumann has had the opportunity to fix the Amberley Interchange and delivered nothing, despite state Labor being in power for most of that time. He has taken local residents for granted.”
Mr Mutzelburg said the Federal Government, with the resources of the Commonwealth Infrastructure Department behind it, had estimated the cost of a 50 per cent federal contribution to the project at $200 million.
He said his advocacy for the project had been tireless.
“I’ve been on the phone almost every day fighting for this upgrade. I launched a petition, canvassed residents, and placed pressure on our sitting member,” he said.
Senator Paul Scarr, who moved his office to the Ipswich region in 2020, echoed those sentiments and said the LNP would work closely with its state counterparts to deliver the upgrade.
“I have been fighting to fix Amberley Interchange since relocating to this area,” Mr Scarr said.
