STATE Member for Ipswich West Wendy Bourne has renewed her call for urgent action on the long-awaited second inner-city bridge across the Bremer River.
Her demand follows confirmation that the State Government has allocated funding to develop the project’s business case.
The bridge project has been in discussion for years and is seen as essential to easing traffic congestion, improving connectivity, and keeping pace with Ipswich’s rapid population growth.
“This bridge isn’t just about traffic flow – it’s about unlocking the city’s future,” Ms Bourne said.
“People across Ipswich are fed up with delays and detours.”
Ms Bourne welcomed the announcement that funding had now been allocated to Ipswich City Council to move the project forward.
A spokesperson for the Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Brent Mickelberg, confirmed the Government’s stance on the project.
“The Crisafulli Government is delivering on its election commitment, providing a $4 million funding grant to Ipswich City Council to deliver detailed planning, designs, and costings for a second inner-city bridge across the Bremer River in central Ipswich,” the spokesperson said.
“We look forward to working with Ipswich City Council as the Department of Transport and Main Roads begins formalising the agreement with Council.”
Ms Bourne is urging Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding and the Council to take swift action to ensure the project is not delayed any further.
“Let’s stop pretending we’re waiting for another green light,” she said.
“The funding is there. Let’s carpool, let’s collaborate, and let’s get this bridge over the line. Residents don’t want more reviews – they want results.”
In response, Mayor Harding pushed back strongly against the criticism, accusing the State MP of political grandstanding.
“I think it is ironic that the community’s repeated asks for a second river crossing fell on deaf ears for a decade during a Labor-led Queensland Government, but now in Opposition they are calling for urgent action
for this critical project,” she said.
She also challenged the notion that Council was responsible for delays, highlighting that major infrastructure like river crossings fall under the responsibility of the State Government.
“It’s completely unreasonable for the State Member for Ipswich West to attack council on a matter that is a State Government responsibility,” she said.
Cr Harding added that she expects progress once the State Budget is finalised.
The proposed second bridge has already undergone extensive community consultation, traffic modelling and feasibility assessments.
