Member for Ipswich Jennifer Howard has marked one year since the last state election, reflecting on a year of advocacy, community celebration, and new developments for the city.
Speaking on West Bremer Radio, Ms Howard said she remains “grateful and humbled” to continue representing Ipswich in Parliament.
“The first thing I think about every morning is what Ipswich needs,” she said. “I work hard to make sure our community’s priorities are front and centre.”
With the year drawing to a close, Ms Howard praised local schools, businesses, and community groups for their efforts during the annual awards season, congratulating Year 12 graduates and urging them to “stay safe and enjoy the next chapter.”
She also highlighted the community’s resilience following recent storms, thanking SES volunteers, Energex crews, and Ipswich City Council workers for their quick response.
“Before residents could even report fallen trees, Council was already on the ground clearing debris,” she said.
Ms Howard reminded residents to prepare for storm and fire season, encouraging them to check gutters, secure outdoor items, and look out for older neighbours who might need help.
On local infrastructure, she welcomed the state government’s commitment to restoring mayors as chairs of Local Disaster Management Groups, calling it a “common-sense decision.”
“The mayor must be the one with access to real-time information during emergencies — it’s essential for community safety,” she said.
One of the most significant announcements for Ipswich came from the Ipswich Hospice, which revealed plans to move to a new site at the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ). The new 30-bed facility — a first-of-its-kind university-based hospice in Queensland — will allow UniSQ students to train alongside palliative care professionals.
“It’s a fantastic collaboration that will help meet growing demand,” Ms Howard said. “Now, the focus is on securing funding from all levels of government.”
On transport, Ms Howard confirmed that the long-awaited Stage 1 of Ipswich’s $34 million bus upgrade will begin on November 17, delivering 1,000 new weekly trips and a direct route (501) between Ipswich and Springfield Central.
“This is about better connectivity for our growing city,” she said, noting that Stages 2 and 3 will expand services even further.
Ms Howard will also have a stall at the Ipswich Handmade Markets this Saturday at Tulmur Place and is encouraging residents to stop by.
As Christmas approaches, her office is serving as a donation drop-off point for both Star Community Services — which supports isolated seniors — and the Ulysses Club Toy Run, which provides gifts for local children in need.
“It’s something we’ve done for years, and it just grows every Christmas,” Ms Howard said.
The Ulysses Toy Run will again be streamed live on the West Bremer Radio Facebook page next month.
0 Comments