The 2026–27 State Budget is a missed opportunity for the greater Ipswich region, with little genuine
new investment for one of Queensland’s fastest-growing regions.
Notably missing is any significant infrastructure commitments to support the growth of the Ipswich
region and no advancement on several long-identified transport priorities.
Despite increasing pressure on local infrastructure, the Budget fails to deliver funding commitments
for key projects including the Mt Crosby Interchange, the Amberley Interchange, Centenary Highway
upgrades, the Springfield to Ipswich rail connection and a second river crossing.
Sadly, this Budget also offers no meaningful support for households facing cost-of-living pressures
and lacks substantial measures to address housing affordability and supply.
This is an example of Ipswich once again being ignored and short-changed by the Crisafulli
Government, failing to deliver new investment for Ipswich families and communities.
Quotes attributed to Ipswich West MP, Wendy Bourne:
“Ipswich deserves investment that matches our growth. Instead, this community is once again being
ignored and short-changed.
“Overall, the 2026-27 State Budget represents a missed opportunity to deliver the infrastructure
projects that are essential to the future of this community – the Mt Crosby Interchange, the Amberley
Interchange, second river crossing and the Centenary Highway.
“This budget ignores those doing it tough, with no meaningful cost of living relief in sight and no
substantial investment for housing and services.
“I was pleased to see funding for the Marburg Showgrounds for an Elite Harness Training and Racing
Centre and the rebuilding of Rosewood Substation to improve network performance. For these
reasons I would grade this Budget at 3 out of 10.”
Quotes attributed to Bundamba MP, Lance McCallum:
“The LNP’s Budget costs our community more but gives us less.
“Despite having billions for transport projects for the Sunshine Coast and Gold Cost, the LNP has
duded Ipswich by cutting the Mount Crosby Interchange and not committing to new funding for the
Centenary Highway, Ipswich to Springfield rail loop and Bremer Bridge.
“The LNP is dragging us backwards with a budget that fails to deliver the investments in
infrastructure and services we need.”
Quotes attributed to Jordan MP, Charis Mullen:
“This Budget was one big missed opportunity for Greater Springfield and Ipswich.
“Sadly, there is very little in the way of genuine new investment, with most announcements simply
being a continuation of projects already committed under Labor.
“Despite Greater Springfield being one of Queensland’s fastest growing regions, what’s absent from
this Budget is any meaningful investment in our roads, public transport and community
infrastructure.
“Labor laid the groundwork for Centenary Highway upgrades and funded the business case for the
Springfield to Ipswich Rail line, but the Crisafulli Government has left both projects gathering dust.
“I’d give this Budget a rating of 3 out of 10.
“The one bright spot was funding for the new Hope Hub at Orion Springfield Central. This will help
people experiencing domestic and family violence and I’d like to acknowledge Beyond DV for their
commitment to making this happen.
“Beyond that, there isn’t much to be excited about.”
Quotes attributed to Ipswich MP, Jennifer Howard:
“The Ipswich electorate deserved more from this budget – I give it a 3 out of 10.
“The Crisafulli Government earns points for permanent 50-cent fares, expanding Healthy Kindy Kids,
and lifting the Back to School Boost to $150. But that’s where the good news ends.
“Our roads are gridlocked, yet there’s no new funding for Cunningham Highway Ripley Rd and
Swanbank Rd interchanges, the Second River Crossing, or the Ipswich to Springfield rail line. Crisafulli
promised generational infrastructure. Ipswich is still waiting.
“The LNP’s budget falls short on social housing. While the Treasurer claims 6,500 social homes are
underway statewide, the Ipswich region is getting just 314 of those homes – nowhere near enough for
one of Queensland’s fastest-growing areas, where homelessness is rising.
“The Youth Foyer announcement is welcome, but questions remain. Where will it go? When will it
open? How many people will it house?
“On health, Ipswich will receive some of the state’s 30 new perinatal mental health beds, while
existing Labor-initiated projects – including the Ipswich Hospital Stage 2 Expansion and Ripley Sub
Acute Care Facility will continue with existing funding. However, the budget delivers no new health
infrastructure.
“It’s welcome news that the new Ripley Valley primary school is on track to open in 2028, but there is
no detail on when the planned Ripley Valley secondary school will open or where it will go. Faster
action is needed, because this growing region urgently needs a new high school.
“Cost-of-living relief falls short for Ipswich residents. With inflation at 4 per cent, families are
struggling to keep up. This budget simply doesn’t go far enough.”
For media inquiries, please contact ipswich.west@parliament.qld.gov.au.
