GREEN LIGHT FOR RIPLEY VALLEY

The State Government has given the green light to plans for a new community of more than 120,000 people at Ripley Valley near Ipswich.

Acting Premier Paul Lucas welcomed the addition of a future population larger than Rockhampton within a 15-minute drive of the Ipswich CBD.

“This is open ex-farming country now but it will transform into a major town centre in years to come,” said Mr Lucas

“Ripley Valley is a key part of the Bligh Government’s Housing Affordability Strategy and today’s announcement brings houses for young families and first home buyers a step closer.

“This will become a prime example of modern planning, it will be a very green and liveable community.

“It will combine affordable, quality housing with healthy open spaces, all near roads and jobs.

“The houses might be still on the drawing boards but you can already see the $366 million dollar Centenary Highway extension being built by the Bligh Government, right to the doorstep of this community.

“Ipswich City Council has lead the way on the planning front and worked with the State, so this community will be close to existing services and near major employment opportunities such as Swanbank Industrial Estate and the Amberley RAAF precinct.

Mr Lucas and Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale viewed the proposed Ripley Valley town centre this morning and agreed strategies to attract population growth to the Western Corridor were working.

“Not only does the Western Corridor have land available for development with jobs nearby, but it helps to take the pressure off coastal areas,” said Mr Lucas.

“Ipswich is the fastest growing council in the State and is expected to be home to an extra 290,000 people by 2031.

“Fifty years ago the mistake was made of establishing so-called satellite cities without thinking about jobs or transport needs up front.

“Today we have the South East Queensland Regional Plan to make sure new communities like Ripley Valley go where the infrastructure and jobs are.

“This plan also sets out a goal of having 40 percent of the resident workforce employed in the valley which is smart for the environment, great for family time and helps reduce congestion.”

Cr Pisasale said the 100 square kilometre Ripley Valley was the first structure plan prepared under the SEQ Regional Plan.

“This is a shining example of cooperation between land owners, the State Government and the Ipswich City Council,” said Cr Pisasale

“We’re thrilled to get support on this new community which, along with industrial growth in surrounding areas, could create 200,000 jobs and a huge economic boost.

“Planning for the urban core of the city, including department stores, supermarkets, cinemas, offices, health services and educational facilities, is well advanced.

“Construction could begin by 2011 and the multi-billion dollar community will be progressively developed over the next two or three decades to cater for 50,000 homes.

“A key part of the planning includes pedestrian accessibility to schools, shops and open space plus ready access to public transport.

“Development will be focused on land cleared for farming and more than half of the valley will be protected as either conservation or recreation areas, including the forested slopes and ridgelines.”

The Bligh Government’s Western Corridor infrastructure projects include:

• The $366 million Centenary Motorway extension featuring a new interchange and 18km of two-lane road, due for completion in mid-2009.

• In 2015 a new $800 million, 13km passenger rail line and stations between Darra and Springfield will be completed.

• Partnering the Commonwealth Government on the $3.1 billion Ipswich Motorway upgrade

Media contact: Matt Klar 0437 435 223 or Chris Bishop 3227 8425