WITH the Federal Budget set to be handed down on May 12, Ipswich is pressing its case for a significant infrastructure funding boost, warning urgent investment is needed to support one of Queensland’s fastest-growing regions.
Ipswich City Council’s pre-budget submission lays out an ambitious vision for the city to emerge as a major economic and transport hub, as its population is forecast to double to 533,000 by 2046.
Central to the pitch is a suite of “city-shaping” infrastructure projects aimed at improving connectivity and liveability.
Key priorities include a proposed public transport corridor linking Ipswich to Springfield Central, upgrades to major arterial roads, and a second river crossing in the Ipswich CBD to ease congestion and improve flood resilience.
The submission also highlights Ipswich’s role as a co-host city for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, with a strong focus on securing long-term legacy infrastructure.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the city’s rapid growth must be matched with meaningful federal investment.
“We’re looking for commitments towards critical transport and community infrastructure needed now to ensure our lifestyle is maintained and that we can grow safely and sustainably,” Cr Harding said.
She said the Council’s proposed projects would not only benefit Ipswich but deliver broader economic gains across South East Queensland.
Beyond transport, the Council is also seeking further investment in North Ipswich Reserve, including a high-performance centre, expanded seating alongside the western grandstand currently under construction, and funding for a long-awaited synthetic track.
“We also have our eyes on securing legacy infrastructure following the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Cr Harding said.
Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann said he expected the Budget to maintain a strong focus on tackling inflation, cost-of-living pressures and boosting productivity.
“Given the current global fuel crisis, I am keen to see more practical support to help protect households from the worst of this uncertainty. I am also hoping to see reforms that improve intergenerational fairness and housing affordability,” he said.
Mr Neumann said he remained focused on delivering existing federal funding commitments, including the Amberley Interchange, Ipswich to Springfield rail business case, and upgrades to the Mount Crosby Interchange, Bremer River Bridge, Brisbane Valley Highway and Ipswich Motorway.
Local State Members Jennifer Howard (Ipswich), Wendy Bourne (Ipswich West), Charis Mullen (Jordan) and Lance McCallum (Bundamba) said they would continue to advocate for both infrastructure investment and hoped for cost-of-living relief in the Budget.
Federal Member for Oxley Milton Dick said easing pressure on households would be a key priority.
“Families are under pressure, and the Budget needs to continue easing that strain while keeping our economy strong,” he said.
“I’ll be looking for measures that help with everyday expenses, support local jobs, and ensure essential services like health remain accessible and properly funded.”
