A decade-old network in Ipswich and surrounding areas is in desperate need of improvement, according to Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding. She highlighted the disparities in public transport and roads funding between Ipswich, Logan, and the Gold Coast, calling for more support for the growing peri-urban councils. Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery also emphasized the need for infrastructure funding to kickstart housing developments and prevent potential setbacks like developer AV Jennings pulling out of providing 3000 housing lots at Waraba in Caboolture West. Logan Mayor Jon Raven echoed the sentiment, pointing out areas like Berrinba, Logan Reserve, Park Ridge, Yarrabilba, and Flagstone that are lacking adequate bus services despite efforts to expand the South East Busway.
The mayors met with Treasurer Cameron Dick to discuss the need for increased funding for infrastructure projects in their respective council areas. The government has opened a second round of council funding applications to address these issues before the state budget is handed down on June 11. Premier Steven Miles reiterated calls for the federal government to reduce migration to better align state infrastructure programs with population growth. The looming state election on October 26 adds a sense of urgency to the discussions, as the need for critical initial infrastructure such as sewers, water, roads, public transport, and power becomes apparent in these growing peri-urban areas.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding compared the growth potential of Ipswich to that of Parramatta in Sydney, stressing the importance of investing in critical infrastructure to support the booming population. She expressed frustration over the significant disparities in per capita funding for Ipswich compared to other areas like Logan and the Gold Coast, calling for a fairer distribution of resources to support infrastructure improvements. Mayor Flannery highlighted the impact of the rising cost of infrastructure on housing developments in Moreton Bay, underscoring the need for timely investments in essential services like water, roads, and public transport to prevent setbacks like those experienced at Waraba in Caboolture West.
Logan Mayor Jon Raven identified specific areas within Logan that are still lacking adequate bus services despite efforts to improve public transport connectivity in the region. The lack of services in Berrinba, Logan Reserve, Park Ridge, Yarrabilba, and Flagstone, as well as access to the Logan Hospital, highlights the need for targeted investments in infrastructure projects to address these gaps. The discussions with Treasurer Cameron Dick and the mayors aimed to address these critical issues before the upcoming state budget is delivered on June 11 and ahead of the state election on October 26. The urgency of improving infrastructure in peri-urban areas like Ipswich, Logan, and Moreton Bay underscores the need for coordinated efforts between all levels of government to support the growing population and ensure sustainable development in these regions.
The call for increased infrastructure funding in peri-urban areas like Ipswich, Logan, and Moreton Bay reflects the urgent need to support the growing population and prevent setbacks in housing developments. Mayor Harding’s comparison of Ipswich’s growth potential to that of Parramatta in Sydney highlights the need for strategic investments in critical infrastructure to drive economic growth and create sustainable communities. The disparities in public transport and roads funding between Ipswich, Logan, and the Gold Coast underscore the importance of fair distribution of resources to support infrastructure improvements in peri-urban councils. The collaboration between the mayors and Treasurer Cameron Dick aims to address these challenges before the state budget is delivered on June 11 and ahead of the state election on October 26, emphasizing the critical role of infrastructure investments in shaping the future of these growing regions.
