Mayor puts city’s growth on cabinet’s agenda
15 February 2021
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding had an audience with the Queensland Premier and Senior Ministers today, and took the opportunity to encourage State Government investment to support the city’s strong economic and population growth.
Mayor Harding advocated for Ipswich residents and businesses as she welcomed the State Government at a Community Cabinet meeting in Redbank today.
“It was wonderful to welcome the Premier, Deputy Premier and cabinet members to our city,” Mayor Harding said.
“In my opening remarks, I highlighted our strong economic performance and unparalleled population growth, 4.1 per cent in 2018/19, and correlating demand for major infrastructure and services to support our city’s current and future residents.
“Ipswich offers Queenslanders a wonderful lifestyle and this will only improve with further investment in public transport, health, education and social services across our high-growth corridors.”
Infrastructure was a topic of discussion with the Ipswich to Springfield Central Public Transport Corridor, the Ipswich Central Second River Crossing and Ripley catalytic road and trunk infrastructure to support that area’s growth on the agenda.
Health is an important issue in the community and Mayor Harding said the demand for health services will only increase with population growth as West Moreton Health expands its footprint in the Ipswich CBD.
“Council has invested $246 million in the Nicholas Street Precinct redevelopment, to provide commercial opportunities for small and medium enterprises revitalising our city centre,” Mayor Harding said.
“Other government investment will only enable our city to go from strength to strength.”
Ipswich City Council has shown strong leadership in waste management and resource recovery and continues to be pro-active in protecting its residents and environment.
“Waste and resource recovery present both massive challenges and opportunities for our growing city and I look forward to welcoming the Premier and her colleagues to Ipswich in the future to further understand these,” Mayor Harding said.
“We’re committed to working with the State Government to establish a joint-taskforce so we can collaboratively address the long-standing issues faced by Ipswich residents,” Mayor Harding said.
The Community Cabinet meeting was held at Rheinmetall’s Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence (MILVEHCOE) at Redbank.
The State Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Rheinmetall Defence Australia focusing on attracting to Ipswich the LAND 400 Phase 3 contract valued at up to $27 billion.