Bundamba MP Lance McCallum is calling for urgent action on the Centenary Highway as growth continues across South Ripley, Springfield and the wider Ipswich region.
The call comes as the new $65 million Providence Town Centre officially opens in South Ripley, bringing more than 8,000 square metres of retail space to the growing community. The centre includes about 30 retailers, a supermarket, childcare centre, pharmacy and dining options.
Mr McCallum said the opening was a major boost for Providence, South Ripley and the broader Bundamba electorate, but also highlighted the pressure being placed on local infrastructure.
He said the Centenary Highway is already struggling, with almost 46,000 vehicles using sections of the road each day. Six Labor MPs are now backing a campaign calling for future upgrades and planning from Darra through to Yamanto.
Mr McCallum said a $3.2 million planning study for the Darra to Yamanto section was completed while Labor was in government, but the community has not seen updates since September 2024. He said it was time for the Queensland Government to release the findings and fund the next steps.
He also raised safety concerns around South Ripley, including the need for a safe pedestrian crossing between South Ripley and Ripley.
Meanwhile, Mr McCallum praised Ipswich Meals on Wheels as it celebrates 70 years of service, saying its volunteers had provided food, dignity, care and community connection across Ipswich for seven decades.
He also described the closure of Ipswich Food Barn as a sad moment for the community, saying the organisation had provided vital support to vulnerable residents and would need community backing to find a new home.
Mr McCallum also marked Small Business Month, confirming Shadow Small Business Minister Joan Pease would visit Ipswich to meet local operators and hear about the challenges facing small businesses.
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