Doing What Matters: Future-proofing the Cunningham Highway

Work is progressing to future-proof the Cunningham Highway, with critical planning funding being directed to long-term improvements in two priority areas.

The Albanese and Miles Labor Governments jointly committed $20 million for detailed planning on the Cunningham Highway, which will be used to undertake businesses cases on the Ipswich-Rosewood Road (Amberley) intersection and Ripley Road and Swanbank Road interchanges.

The Australian Government is providing $16 million towards the project, with the Queensland Government providing the remaining $4 million.

The Ipswich-Rosewood Road (Amberley) intersection planning will investigate options for a long-term solution at the intersection, including grade separation, a bypass or duplication of the highway.

It will also take into consideration feedback received from the community during the consultation process and focus on improving safety for all users of this important transport connection.

The Ipswich-Rosewood Road (Amberley) intersection is a key connection for freight and the local community. It also acts as the main access point to Australia’s largest operational military air base - Royal Australian Air Force Base Amberley.  

This project is part of the Australian Government’s broader $170 million investment in the Cunningham Highway.  

As planning progresses, the Queensland Government will continue to keep the community and stakeholders updated.

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

“Our aim is to identify and implement a way to improve safety and efficiency for both local residents and freight vehicles.

“The business case will consider how best to improve connections to the Royal Australian Air Force Amberley base.

“So much work goes into detailed planning for an upgrade of this calibre, and we want to ensure the design options reflect the needs of the community."

Quotes attributable to Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Bart Mellish:

“Only a Miles Labor Government will work with the Albanese Government to prioritise Cunningham Highway funding to enable upgrades to priority locations.

“The Cunningham Highway and Ipswich Rosewood Road (Amberley) intersection is our highest priority on the Cunningham Highway.

“Following community feedback, we recognise the need to focus on the long-term solution given growing demands in the area.

“The Ipswich-Rosewood Road (Amberley) intersection is a key connection for freight and the local community as well as servicing the main access point to Australia’s largest operational military air base—the Royal Australian Air Force Base Amberley.

“Additionally we know the Ripley Road and Swanbank Road exits are important interchanges for the community and an upgrade of these is a priority for the Miles and Albanese governments.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann:

“I have advocated strongly for a long-term solution to the Cunningham Highway and Amberley intersection to support our fast-growing Ipswich region.

“This commitment is the first step in fixing the Amberley intersection and addressing growing traffic congestion challenges at the Ripley and Swanbank interchanges.

“A long-term solution to the Cunningham Highway would improve safety at the Amberley intersection, boost freight connectivity through the region, and reduce congestion for residents in Ipswich’s growth corridor and defence personnel at RAAF Base Amberley.

 “The Australian and Queensland Governments will continue to work together to ensure Queensland receives the quality infrastructure it deserves.”

27 SEPTEMBER 2024

MEDIA CONTACT:

MINISTER KING – LYNDAL CURTIS 0497 847 212

MINISTER MELLISH – LESLEY MAJOR 0419 288 284