Ipswich MP Jennifer Howard says the city’s strong community spirit continues to shine despite ongoing cost-of-living pressures, while renewing calls for improved infrastructure, more affordable housing and better sporting facilities.
Speaking on West Bremer Radio’s State of Play, Ms Howard said Ipswich had been buzzing with activity in recent months.
“I don’t know what’s going on, but I’m loving it,” she said.
From the Spark Festival and major sporting events to community celebrations, Ms Howard said it was encouraging to see residents coming together.
“I just feel like it’s really absolutely pumping.”
Sporting success continues
Ms Howard congratulated the Ipswich Hockey Association for hosting the Under-14 Queensland State Championships, with the local boys’ team finishing fourth in Division One.
“We’ve got a lot of really talented athletes here,” she said.
She also reaffirmed her commitment to securing a synthetic athletics track for Ipswich, saying the city deserved better sporting infrastructure to support its growing number of talented athletes.
International cue sports in Ipswich
Ms Howard also encouraged locals to check out the Australian Blackball International Championships being held at the Ipswich Showgrounds.
The event features junior competition through to Friday before the Open National Blackball Tournament begins on Saturday and runs until 16 August.
“I discovered that Ipswich is the home at the moment to the Australian Blackball International Championships,” she said.
Visitors are welcome to attend and watch some of Australia’s best cue sports players in action.
Housing remains a major challenge
Ms Howard said housing affordability continued to be one of the biggest issues facing local families.
“We’ve seen the rebate on petrol being removed, so people are now paying full price again for their fuel. This is a tough time for locals.”
She welcomed construction beginning on a new social housing development in Woodend, describing it as an important step in providing more homes for people in need.
Funding for Soldiers Memorial Hall
There was also good news for the Ipswich RSL, with funding of around $230,000 secured to restore the historic Soldiers Memorial Hall.
Ms Howard praised the committee and volunteers for their ongoing work preserving the city’s military history and supporting veterans.
Calls for Centenary Highway upgrades
Ms Howard again called for upgrades to the Centenary Highway, saying congestion and safety issues continued to affect residents in the city’s fast-growing western suburbs.
She said improvements were needed, including better access to new residential estates and safer pedestrian crossings linking Ripley and South Ripley.
“We need to give people the quality of life they deserve,” she said.
Domestic violence remains a priority
Ms Howard also spoke about the ongoing impact of domestic and family violence following the recent tragedy in Toowoomba.
She said the issue continued to affect families and communities across Queensland and expressed concern about reductions in funding for domestic and family violence services.
“We can never accept this as the norm. Every single life matters.”
Multicultural Month celebrations
August also marks Multicultural Queensland Month, with Ms Howard encouraging residents to celebrate the diversity that strengthens the Ipswich community.
“I can’t imagine Ipswich without the input we have from people who come from other nations. We welcome them, we embrace them and we love what they bring to our community.”
Residents can also meet Ms Howard and Bundamba MP Lance McCallum at a joint community pop-up office at Jim’s Café at the Wounded Heroes facility in Bundamba this Saturday from 10.30am to 12pm, where locals are invited to raise concerns and discuss local issues.
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