Federal Labor has a strong plan for a better future for Blair.

Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann said that if elected, an Albanese Labor Government will deliver more than $82 million in local initiatives for Ipswich, the Somerset Region and Karana Downs area.

“I understand that many people throughout the diverse electorate of Blair feel neglected by the Morrison-Joyce Government,” he said.

“Scott Morrison and his government went missing during devastating bushfires and floods, and were slow to act on the COVID pandemic and vaccine rollout. All we got was: ‘it's not my job’.

“This tired old LNP government have neglected our electorate for close to a decade.

“An Albanese Labor Government will build back better. We have a plan for a better future for this nation and for Blair.

“I know Ipswich is one of the fastest growing regions in the country, so we need to be investing in the jobs of the future for our kids.

“This is why I have announced that an Albanese Labor Government will invest $12.5 million in the Springfield BioPark project to boost advanced manufacturing of high-value medicines in Ipswich and support up to 1,000 jobs,” Mr Neumann said.

This game-changing announcement builds on existing transport and community infrastructure commitments across Ipswich, the Somerset Region and Karana Downs area, including:

• $20 million to upgrade North Ipswich Stadium. This is the first stage in developing a boutique 12,500 seat stadium, designed for rugby league and soccer matches, with broadcast facilities to ensure NRL and A-League matches could be hosted at the venue.
• $4 million to upgrade the Ipswich Showgrounds. This includes $2.5 million for general upgrades and a further $1.5 million to improve amenities that can be utilised by the emergency relief centre during natural disasters.
• $10 million for Ipswich Motorway planning, which will benefit commuters in Blair
• $2 million for a business case for the Ipswich to Springfield rail line
• $2.2 million in local school upgrades, including:

• $2 million for a Community Sports Hub and new basketball courts at Ipswich State High School
• $100,000 to upgrade facilities for Prep students at the rapidly growing Springfield Central State School
• $60,000 for a new Prep-safe playground at Brassall State School.
• $15,000 for an upgraded audio-visual system at the Karalee State School community hall

• $3 million for flood recovery and resilience projects along the Bremer River and its tributaries. This will improve flood resilience, water quality and environmental values in our urban waterways along the river and its creeks.
• $5 million for an Ipswich Veteran Wellbeing Centre. This will be a one-stop shop for veterans and families to access health and mental health services, advocacy and wellbeing support, employment and housing assistance, and social connection. 
• A new Medicare Urgent Care Clinic to take pressure off the Ipswich Hospital Emergency Department by providing care from a doctor or nurse for things like sprains, broken bones, stitches, wound care and other minor conditions.
• $14 million for a new Head to Health adult mental health centre
• $2.5 million to upgrade Kambu Health Service. This includes $2 million for upgrades to the Roderick Street clinic, and an additional $500,000 to relocate the Children and Family Centre to Kambu’s kindergarten and long day care facility in Silkstone.
• $2 million to expand the Ipswich Basketball stadium and support the creation of a new basketball court at the Booval stadium
• $1 million the upgrade facilities at the Ripley Valley Football Club
• $500,000 to upgrade the Ipswich Hockey fields, including irrigation and lighting
• $3.5 million for a new India House cultural centre in Springfield
• $20,000 for a new toy library for multicultural communities at the Redbank Plains Community Centre.

Mr Neumann said this strong package of initiatives built on his record of achievement for the fast-growing Ipswich region.

“In my time as the Member for Blair, I’ve been proud to deliver a range of critical projects like the Ipswich Motorway, Blacksoil Interchange upgrade, Warrego and Cunningham Highway upgrades, the Cancer Clinic at the Mater Hospital in Springfield, Springfield Orion Lagoon and Robelle Domain Parklands.

“I’m an Ipswich local through and through, and I have the experience to get things done. I will always fight for a better deal for our community.

“Together, an Albanese Labor Government will ensure a better future for Australia and for Blair,” Mr Neumann said.