IPSWICH City Mayor Teresa Harding is urging the Federal Government to fund critical infrastructure projects as the city prepares for a projected 127 per cent population increase, reaching 557,000 residents by 2041.
“It is essential we can depend on the Federal Government to ensure our city can manage this growth in a sustainable way,” Cr Harding said.
Ipswich City Council has submitted a pre-budget request for the 2025-2026 Federal Budget, seeking investment in transport, job creation, and essential services. A major priority is the Ipswich to Springfield Central Public Transport Corridor (I2S), connecting Ipswich, Springfield, Ripley and Redbank Plains.
While $10 million has been secured for planning, the council now seeks $2-3 billion for the first construction stage.
“We are seeking Federal investment in the delivery of city-shaping infrastructure that allows our city to continue to grow its economy, ensure we have an efficient and sustainable transport network, and create the jobs and educational opportunities our residents deserve,” Cr Harding said.
The Council is also pushing for $200 million each for urgent upgrades to the Cunningham and Warrego Highways, $350 million for the Centenary Motorway, and a solution for the Amberley Intersection.
Beyond transport, the submission calls for federal support in waste and circular economy initiatives to help Ipswich achieve carbon-neutral and net-zero emissions goals.
Another priority is developing the Ebenezer Regional Industrial Area, expected to create jobs and support the Inland Rail project.
“The Ebenezer Regional Industrial Area is a future industrial area that will unlock an employment-generating precinct that would also support a proposed terminal for Inland Rail,” Cr Harding said.
Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann said the Government would consider Ipswich’s pre-budget submission.
“If the Mayor of Ipswich is serious about advancing her wish list projects, I trust Ipswich City Council has submitted its pre-budget submission to the Federal Government through the appropriate channels,” Mr Neumann said.
LNP candidate for Blair, Carl Mutzelburg, criticised past funding allocations.
“Ipswich is the fastest-growing city in Queensland, yet it receives among the lowest levels of funding,” he said.
“I am currently finalising the commitments the Liberal National Coalition will make.”
Cr Harding said Council was ready and waiting for the Federal Government to come to the table.
“We are now ready to work with the next Federal Government on progressing its construction to meet the housing and population demands that already exist in this corridor,” she said.
