Jordan MP Charis Mullen has raised concerns about reduced staffing at key train stations, delays to the Springfield rail extension and the lack of confirmed Olympic infrastructure for the Ipswich region.
Ms Mullen said Queensland Rail’s new customer service model, due to begin from May 1, would mean reduced or cut staffing hours at stations including Springfield, Springfield Central and Gailes. She said the changes could have a serious impact on safety, accessibility and basic services for commuters, particularly young families, older passengers and people with disability who rely on staff for assistance with lifts, ticketing and station facilities such as bathrooms.
She said local station staff provide an important frontline service and warned the reduction in support would be felt across the community. “We need to make sure that service level is provided so that all Queenslanders have access to our rail stations and rail lines without any problems,” she said.
Ms Mullen also renewed calls for progress on the long-discussed Springfield to Ipswich rail connection, saying an options analysis completed in early 2025 has still not been released publicly. She said Ipswich MPs had been calling for the document to be made public so the project could move to the next phase, including a detailed business case looking at station locations, operating plans and costs.
With continued population growth in Ripley and surrounding suburbs, Ms Mullen said extending the line at least to Ripley would ease pressure on Springfield Central and provide vital transport infrastructure for one of the fastest-growing parts of the region. She said the uncertainty around fuel prices had also made reliable public transport even more important.
The MP also criticised the lack of confirmed Olympic venues or facilities for Ipswich under the current state government’s 2032 delivery plan, saying the region had been overlooked despite its rapid growth and importance to South East Queensland. She pointed to the loss of a promised athletics track to Toowoomba and uncertainty over whether Brighton Homes Arena would remain part of the Games plan. She also said Ipswich needed long-overdue investment in indoor sporting infrastructure to support local clubs and families.
Ms Mullen is also inviting the community to attend her annual Domestic and Family Violence Remembrance Night on Thursday, May 7 at Orion Springfield Central. This year’s theme is Healing Begins with Hope, with support from Orion operator Mirvac, the Domestic Violence Action Centre, Beyond DV, Gawun Supplies and local police. She said the event would again recognise the lives lost to domestic and family violence and highlight the support available in the community.
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