IPSWICH Mayor Teresa Harding has intensified calls for the Queensland Government to move forward with the Ipswich to Springfield (I2S) rail project, warning that any further delays could impede the region’s rapid growth.
The proposed rail corridor, which would link Ipswich’s rapidly expanding suburbs, Ripley, Yamanto, and Redbank Plains, with Brisbane and Ipswich city centres, is seen as crucial for managing the city’s booming population.
With 70 per cent of Ipswich’s growth concentrated along the proposed rail route, Mayor Harding stressed that the project, first identified in 2006, could no longer be delayed.
“Our community simply can’t wait any longer,” Cr Harding said.
A spokesperson for the State Department of Transport and Main Roads said the project was still front and centre in terms of future-planning.
“The proposed I2S Public Transport corridor which will improve the connection between existing and emerging growth areas in the rapidly expanding western sub-region is part of TMR’s blueprint for the rail network,” the spokesperson said.
“$7.5 million has been committed to progress the next phase of investigation, from the Australian Government ($3.375 million); Queensland Government ($3.375 million); and Ipswich City Council ($750,000).”
Meanwhile, Cr Harding also expressed frustration after the council missed out on federal funding for two major projects under the Thriving Suburbs and Urban Precincts and Partnerships Programs.
Despite Ipswich being Queensland’s fastest-growing city, the council’s submissions to improve pedestrian and cycling connectivity and develop heritage-focused initiatives were unsuccessful.
“It is disappointing to see federal funding go elsewhere,” Cr Harding said.
“Ipswich consistently receives far less than its fair share in state and federal infrastructure funding, and it is time that changed.”
Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann defended the merit-based funding process and pointed to successful projects in nearby Somerset Regional Council, which secured over $5 million for initiatives like the Toogoolawah Gateway Centre and Mount Glen Rock Hiking Trails.
Mr Neumann also responded to criticisms of the Federal Government’s role in the I2S project, stating that it had committed $2 million to restart the rail project in 2022 and allocated a further $3.4 million to complete the business case.
“Ipswich City Council should refrain from partisan political campaigns,” Mr Neumann said.
“Federal funding for this project is already in the budget, and it’s time for the Queensland Government to take action.
“While the SEQ City Deal was announced under the former Morrison Coalition government, it is the current Labor Government that is providing budgeted federal funding for the business case. Ipswich’s LNP Mayor seems to have forgotten that there was an election in May 2022 and a change of government. Labor won the election.”
Newly preselected LNP candidate for Blair, Carl Mutzelburg, backed the Mayor’s call for Ipswich to get its fair share.
