Miles Cabinet listening to locals

• Miles Labor Cabinet today meeting in Ipswich
• The State is investing in jobs and services across the Ipswich region
• First offsite Cabinet for 2024, an opportunity to listen and deliver better outcomes

The Miles Government Cabinet has today met in Ipswich – the first offsite Cabinet for 2024.

It’s part of an expanded Community Cabinet program for 2024, set to provide more opportunities for Queenslanders to engage with the Premier and Cabinet Ministers.

The Ipswich region is home to a fast-growing community with its own unique opportunities and challenges.

The Government has invested billions in the region to build better health infrastructure, a new Satellite Hospital, new social housing developments, new and expanded schools, road and rail upgrades, and new renewable energy technologies.

More than $72 million has been invested in assisting Ipswich locals buy their first home, through the Queensland First Home Owner Grant.

Investment like this help Queenslanders keep pace with growth.

The Ipswich community has also been rocked by a devastating loss.

The Government continues to provide community support, especially in the Redbank Plains community. High visibility police patrols will continue through Redbank Plains to build community safety.

The next Community Cabinet will be held in Cairns this month.

Quotes attributable to the Premier Steven Miles:

“I want every person in Ipswich and the surrounding regions to know that my government has their back.

“We are listening and delivering, and will be with you every step of the way as the community grieves the tragic loss of Vyleen White.

“Today, my Cabinet is meeting in Ipswich to consider what more is needed to support the rapid growth of the region.

“We have already delivered billions in key health services, housing build, education, transport projects and cost of living measures – there is more to come.

“There is always more to do, but locals can be assured that my government is rolling up our sleeves to deliver more opportunities and better outcomes for Queenslanders.”

Quotes attributable to the Member for Bundamba Lance McCallum:

“The Miles Government continues to deliver record investment in Ipswich.

“Today’s Community Cabinet recognises that investment, the Miles Government’s commitment to good jobs for Ipswich and the critical part our community will play in the Queensland’s clean energy revolution.

“The start of construction of CleanCo’s big battery at Swanbank draws on our proud heritage as an electricity generation powerhouse and supercharges the Miles Government’s plan for delivering the clean energy jobs of the future.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Jordan Charis Mullen:

“It’s fantastic to have Cabinet gathering right here in the backyard of my electorate of Jordan.

“I represent residents and businesses in some of the fastest growing areas in South East Queensland, and we know Ipswich is the fastest growing region.

“Our government has recognised this through significant investment in jobs, health services, school upgrades and social housing.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Ipswich Jennifer Howard:

“This is the fourth Community Cabinet that has been held in Ipswich and for local MPs like me it feels like Christmas.

“This is an opportunity for me to showcase the results of the strong investment from our government in this region, as well as raise some of the exciting plans I have.

“Ipswich is the fastest growing local government authority in Queensland and that growth provides numerous opportunities for development as we move forward.”

State Government investments in the region include:

• $1.3 billion through the 2023-24 State Budget for productivity enhancing for infrastructure and capital works, estimated to support 3,600 jobs.
• $915.7 million through the 2023-24 State Budget for the West Moreton Hospital and Health Service, supporting the expansion and improvement of facilities at the Ipswich Hospital and establishing 7 satellite hospitals including the $97.1 million Ripley Satellite Hospital.
• The new Queensland Ambulance Service Ripley Station commenced operations in November 2023, at a cost of $10.9 million.
• $315 million through the 2023-24 State Budget to maintain, improve and upgrade schools in Ipswich.
• $11.1 million was spent in 2023–24 out of a $73.1 million total spend to construct Ripley Central State School.
• $9.8 million was spent in 2023-24 out of an $82 million total spend to construct State 1 of Woogaroo Creek State School.
• $23.6 million in 2023–24 out of a $24.7 million total spend to construct two new buildings at Spring Mountain State School.
• $59.2 million through the 2023-24 State Budget to expand and improve social housing in the Ipswich region.
• $330 million funded through the Queensland Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Jobs Fund for the Swanbank Power Station Precinct transformation delivered by Clean Co.
• $86.4 million for 185 social homes by 30 June 2025 under QuickStarts Qld.
• $6.4 million at the Bundamba TAFE between 2017-18 to 2022-23, and a further $7 million for renewing the Metal Trades, Robotics and Manufacturing Centre at Bundamba TAFE as part of the $100 million Equipping TAFE For Our Future initiative.
• $18 million contributed towards Springfield Central Stadium
• $125,995 in sports equipment received by 34 Ipswich schools under Round 1 of the Go For Gold Fund

ENDS