A surge in copper theft across Ipswich has prompted calls for a dedicated police taskforce, with concerns growing over public safety and prolonged outages to street and motorway lighting.
Bundamba MP Lance McCallum said the issue had escalated in recent months, leaving sections of major roads, including the Ipswich Motorway and Centenary Highway, without functioning lights for extended periods.
“Copper theft is growing at a rapid rate in Ipswich,” Mr McCallum said. “This is creating serious safety hazards for drivers and particularly for pedestrians walking at night.”
Safety Concerns Over Unlit Roads and Parks
The theft of copper wiring from infrastructure has also affected local street lighting and park facilities, increasing risks for residents moving around after dark.
Mr McCallum said he and other Ipswich MPs were calling on the state government to establish a dedicated copper theft taskforce, similar to a police operation currently underway in Townsville that has already resulted in dozens of charges.
He noted that a parliamentary inquiry into scrap metal theft had already delivered recommendations, including stronger penalties, tighter regulation of scrap metal dealers and faster repair timeframes for damaged infrastructure.
Push for Stronger Scrap Metal Controls
The MP said reforms to scrap metal laws could play a key role in reducing theft, including restricting the sale of copper to licensed operators and improving tracking of stolen materials.
“There are solutions already identified — now we need to implement them to stop our infrastructure being stripped and communities left in the dark,” he said.
Battery Project Near Commissioning
Mr McCallum also welcomed the commissioning of the $330 million Swanbank big battery project, a 250-megawatt energy storage facility capable of powering around 300,000 homes.
The project forms part of plans to transform the former Swanbank coal-fired power station site into a clean energy hub for South East Queensland.
Transport Affordability and Housing Concerns Raised
During the discussion, Mr McCallum highlighted transport affordability measures being pursued, including protecting 50-cent public transport fares and proposing caps on daily petrol price increases to reduce volatility in the fuel market.
He also expressed concern about reported cuts to social and affordable housing targets, warning the changes could place additional pressure on vulnerable residents seeking secure accommodation.
“With housing demand rising and cost-of-living pressures continuing, these decisions could have a real impact on our community,” he said.
The MP said addressing copper theft and maintaining investment in energy, transport and housing would remain key priorities for Ipswich residents in the months ahead.
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