A controversial traffic decision by Ipswich City Council has triggered community backlash, with residents calling for the reversal of a proposed right-turn ban at a key intersection.
Council plans to remove the right-hand turn from Greenwood Village Rd onto Redbank Plains Rd have sparked fears of worsened congestion, reduced accessibility, and safety concerns.
Locals argue the change will force drivers into longer, more dangerous routes and create unnecessary traffic pressure on surrounding roads.
Leading the campaign is local resident Courtnee Harth, who has launched a petition urging Council to reconsider.
“If you drive this way, you’ll know how much extra traffic and congestion this is bound to cause,” Ms Harth said.
“Instead of banning the turn, install traffic lights and widen the road to two lanes to ease peak-hour traffic.”
More than 450 residents have signed the petition so far, including families who rely on the intersection daily.
Annette, a grandmother from Wavell Heights, said the changes could endanger her family.
“My son lives in the area and drives through this intersection every day with my grandson, who uses an electric wheelchair. Turning right here already takes time – taking this option away is dangerous.”
Charmaine from Bellbird Park echoed the sentiment, saying the area was poorly planned and residents were now paying the price.
“The area was never planned properly, and now we’re the ones who have to suffer,” she said.
Scott from Collingwood Park added that many locals felt excluded from the decision-making process.
Division 1 Councillor Pye Augustine raised community concerns during a recent Infrastructure, Planning and Assets Committee meeting.
“Blocking residents from turning right will be a major inconvenience,” Cr Augustine said.
“Between 18 to 24 vehicles make that turn each hour during peak times. While developers must make the intersection safe, this change will be very disruptive.”
She confirmed that a long-term upgrade was part of the Redbank Plains Road Stage 4 project, but admitted that solution may come too late.
“Personally, I want a more balanced outcome – one that considers existing residents as well as future developments.”
