A decade-old network in Ipswich, Logan, and Moreton Bay is in need of significant improvement, according to Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding. She highlighted the disparity in funding for public transport and roads between Ipswich and other areas like Logan and the Gold Coast, emphasizing the need for support in peri-urban councils where growth is occurring. Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery also expressed concerns about the lack of infrastructure funding, citing a developer’s decision not to provide housing lots in Caboolture West due to rising costs. Logan Mayor Jon Raven added that despite efforts to extend bus services, there were still areas with inadequate or nonexistent services, calling attention to the need for investment in essential infrastructure like sewers, water, roads, public transport, and power.
During a meeting with Treasurer Cameron Dick, the mayors discussed the need for increased funding and support for infrastructure projects in their respective council areas. The government opened a second round of council funding applications to address these issues. Premier Steven Miles reiterated the call for the federal government to reduce migration in order to realign state infrastructure programs with population growth. With the budget set to be handed down in June and the state election approaching in October, these discussions are crucial in addressing long-standing issues related to infrastructure, public transport, and road funding in Ipswich, Logan, and Moreton Bay.
Mayor Harding emphasized the importance of investing in infrastructure in peri-urban councils, comparing the growth potential of areas like Ipswich to financial powerhouses like Parramatta in Sydney. She pointed out the disparity in funding between Ipswich and other areas, highlighting the need for increased support to improve public transport and roads. Mayor Flannery echoed these concerns, noting how a lack of infrastructure funding had impacted a developer’s decision to not provide housing lots in Caboolture West. He stressed the importance of investing in initial infrastructure like sewers, water, roads, public transport, and power to kickstart development projects in the area.
Mayor Raven raised concerns about inadequate bus services in areas like Berrinba, Logan Reserve, Park Ridge, Yarrabilba, Flagstone, and near the Logan Hospital despite efforts to extend the South East Busway. He underscored the need for increased investment in essential infrastructure to address these gaps in service and ensure that all residents have access to reliable public transport options. The mayors met with Treasurer Dick to discuss these issues and advocate for increased funding to support infrastructure projects in their council areas. With the budget set to be handed down in June and the state election approaching in October, these discussions are timely in addressing critical infrastructure needs in Ipswich, Logan, and Moreton Bay.
