Speaking in Parliament last week, the Member for Ipswich West expressed deep concern over the State Budget’s failure to deliver meaningful outcomes for one of Queensland’s fastest-growing regions.
“There’s no denying the pride I feel for the people who live, work, and raise their families here,” Ms Bourne said. “But this budget leaves us with more questions than answers, and far too few wins for the people of Ipswich West.”
While funding was acknowledged for community sporting clubs including the Ipswich Musketeers, Norths Tigers, and the Rosewood Showgrounds, the Member noted that these commitments were originally announced back in October 2024.
“I’ve had to fight just to get updates on when these funds will actually be delivered,” she said. “I’ll keep pushing until our clubs and communities receive what they’ve been promised and what they so rightly deserve.”
Despite claims that these investments align with Olympic preparations, Ms Bourne suggests that Ipswich has been left out of key infrastructure and consultation processes altogether.
“It’s deeply disappointing places like Roma, Emerald, and Toowoomba were consulted and have received funding, but Ipswich was overlooked entirely. No infrastructure. No planning sessions. Nothing. Our city deserves better.”
The Member also welcomed progress on a number of education projects across Ipswich West, including:
- Playground upgrades at Ashwell State School and Ipswich North, with further improvements planned for Amberley District State School
- A new school hall for Haigslea State School
- Funding for new grandstands at Ipswich State High
- The continued development of the new Ipswich West Special School campus at Leichhardt
“Some of these initiatives, I believe stem from the Eat Right, Play Right, Learn Well program launched by the previous Labor Government in 2022,” she said. “The real question is whether this is genuinely new funding, or just a rebranding exercise by the LNP, colouring past commitments blue and calling them their own. Just like the coat of arms”
“I’ll always back our schools, our clubs, and our communities, but it’s time this Government stopped short-changing Ipswich West.”
