MEDIA RELEASE
THE HON SHAYNE NEUMANN MP, FEDERAL MEMBER FOR BLAIR
Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann has welcomed the release this week of the South East Queensland (SEQ) City Deal Implementation Plan, which includes an update on two key projects for Ipswich and the Somerset Region.
Over the weekend, the Australian and Queensland Governments, along with the Council of Mayors South East Queensland (SEQ), released the Plan, which includes an Ipswich to Springfield (I2S) rail line business case and Brisbane Valley Highway safety upgrades.
Mr Neumann welcomed the Plan’s renewed commitment to funding for the I2S rail line, which is the Ipswich region’s highest priority infrastructure project.
“This includes a preliminary evaluation of the I2S public transport corridor, with an options analysis to be completed by late 2024,” he said.
“The Albanese and Palaszczuk Governments are both contributing $3.4 million each to undertake detailed investigations into the rail line, which would connect Ipswich Central and Springfield Central stations via Ripley.
“This funding will allow the business case and further planning to be completed, so we can get this critical project moving and shovel-ready.
“I was proud to secure a multi-million-dollar injection into this project in the October Federal Budget and deliver on my local election promise to get the project back on track.
“A new train line connecting the west and the east would help take the pressure off the local road network and keep our region moving as it continues to grow rapidly.
“The project would deliver significant economic and social benefits to Ipswich residents, especially young families in growing suburbs like Redbank Plains and Ripley Valley, as well as people from culturally diverse and lower socio-economic communities with limited access to public transport.”
Mr Neumann said the City Deal also includes $46 million for Brisbane Valley Highway safety upgrades.
“This is being led by the Queensland Government, in partnership with the Australian Government and the Somerset Regional Council, with work currently underway and other upgrades to be staged until 2027.
“This will improve safety and connectivity along the main freight corridor between the Somerset Region and South East Queensland, and help to get more of the region’s clean, green produce to market.
“I’m keen to work with the State Government, and Ipswich City Council and Somerset Regional Council to deliver these vital projects that our community needs and deserves,” Mr Neumann said.
The release of the City Deal Implementation Plan follows last week’s announcement of the preferred design for the Warrego Highway-Mount Crosby Road Interchange upgrade, with work on a new interchange expected to start in 2024.
In addition, an update on the Cunningham Highway-Amberley Interchange, including additional design options for community consultation, is expected to be released soon.
Together, these projects will help the fast-growing Ipswich region cater for its booming population, while the launch of the City Deal Implementation Plan enables projects in the Deal to progress to their next phases.
The Implementation Plan provides detail on how these commitments will support high-quality connectivity and community infrastructure to create a sustainable region that is connected locally and competing globally.
A copy of the Implementation Plan is available at: www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/seqcitydeal
