THE Crisafulli Government is under growing pressure from Ipswich Labor MPs over delays to a major public transport upgrade, despite planning and funding having been secured under the previous government.
The former Miles Labor Government had committed to a three-year bus improvement package for the Ipswich region, with Stage One scheduled to begin in 2025.
The upgrade included four new routes – 501, 520, 522, and 523 – with routes 501 and 520 promised to run every 15 minutes during peak commuter hours.
However, when questioned in Parliament about the status of these services, Transport and Main Roads Minister Brent Mickelberg failed to provide concrete details.
He was unable to confirm start dates or service frequencies, instead stating the project remained in the “planning stage” due to budgetary challenges inherited by the new government.
This response has drawn strong criticism from local Labor MPs, who accuse the LNP of stalling progress and lacking transparency.
State Member for Bundamba Lance McCallum said the community deserved clarity about when the new services would begin.
“Due to the Government dragging the chain, we may be waiting for some time before our new services are up and running,” he said.
State Member for Ipswich Jennifer Howard echoed these concerns, saying the delays were unacceptable and indicative of a pattern.
“This is just another example of the Crisafulli Government making promises but failing to back them up with action,” Ms Howard said.
“Ipswich residents deserve more than delays and deflection – they deserve better public transport right now.”
State Member for Ipswich West Wendy Bourne added that the lack of detail was part of a broader neglect of the Ipswich region.
“This government talks a big game, but when it comes to delivery, it’s all delay and no detail,” Ms Bourne said.
A Translink spokesperson told Local Ipswich News that the project was progressing and had reached an “exciting phase”, with procurement underway.
“The Queensland Government is delivering targeted investment in Ipswich to grow the bus network, reduce congestion and improve community access to jobs, healthcare and education,” the spokesperson said.
Once a service operator is contracted, Translink will work to roll out services in stages.
Stage One of the plan will include the new routes connecting Springfield, Ipswich, Goodna, Redbank, Augustine Heights, and surrounding areas.
The upgrades are expected to significantly increase the number of residents within 400m of a bus service.
