Posted 23 September 2020
Ipswich rail connection vital for one of Australia’s fastest growing regions
Sekisui House Australia is one step closer to realising its connectivity vision for Ripley Town Centre and the Ripley region following the recent release of a Strategic Assessment commissioned by Ipswich City Council for the Ipswich Central to Springfield Central (I2S) Public Transport Corridor — the region’s highest priority infrastructure project.
The I2S Public Transport Corridor is a proposed 25-kilometre rail corridor that will link the Ripley area to Ipswich, Springfield, Brisbane and beyond, with a transit hub earmarked for Ripley Town Centre.
The Strategic Assessment outlines the critical transport infrastructure required to meet the needs of the region’s future population growth, projected to increase at a rate of 27.6 per cent each year until 2026 with the broader Ripley Valley region expecting approximately 133,800 new residents by 2036.
Ipswich City Council will now seek to progress to the next stage of the Business Case process, with an Options Assessment for the I2S Public Transport Corridor expected to take 12 to 18 months to complete.
Ipswich City Council Mayor, Teresa Harding said it was important that growing residential communities stay connected to jobs, health care services, education and recreation options.
“The Ipswich Central to Springfield Central Public Transport Corridor is vital infrastructure of national significance and we cannot afford to delay its progression any further,” Ms Harding said.
“If the project does not proceed, excessive congestion will cost in excess of $1 billion per annum and the regional road network will fail by 2031.
“We need State and Federal Government support to continue to enable the progression of the project to the Options Assessment stage, which Council estimates will cost approximately $2.5 million.
“The I2S Corridor will undoubtedly shape southern Queensland and the state more broadly.”
The I2S Public Transport Corridor includes plans for nine new stations, connecting to the existing Springfield Central line and travelling west via Redbank Plains, Swanbank, Ripley Town Centre, Ripley North and Deebing South, before continuing north through Yamanto, Berry Street, One Mile, the University of Queensland Ipswich Campus and the Sadliers Crossing terminus station in Ipswich.
Federal Member for Blair, Hon. Shayne Neumann MP said the project presents an opportunity to deliver a public transport solution that addresses current and emerging growth across the region.
“The rail extension will link the three fastest growing suburbs between Brisbane and Ipswich — Springfield, Redbank Plains and Ripley,” Mr Neumann said.
“There needs to be greater Government investment on infrastructure projects like this one for the purposes of job creation and economic development.
“It’s the missing link — crucial for the growth of the region.”
Sekisui House Australia Project Director Taku Hashimoto said the delivery of a public transport solution for the growing community of Ripley and the surrounding areas now, will ensure the opportunities for integrated land use development are maximised, especially along the I2S Public Transport Corridor.
“The rail extension is transformative city-shaping infrastructure,” Mr Hashimoto said.
“Without the rail, you just end up with a sprawling suburb instead of what was planned — a pattern of unique settlements that drive economic opportunities for the people who live in the area and the businesses that operate here too.”
