Bundamba MP Lance McCallum has labelled the 2025 Queensland State Budget a “bad budget” for Ipswich, claiming it cuts billions in cost-of-living support and lacks key infrastructure commitments the region desperately needs.
Speaking on West Bremer Radio’s State of Play, Mr McCallum criticised the LNP Government’s decision to scrap the previous $1,000 energy rebates, warning locals will be hit with real-term increases on power bills.
“Everyone’s power bill is going up by a thousand dollars, car rego is going up — it’s locals who’ll pay more during a cost-of-living crunch,” he said.
One of the few bright spots, he acknowledged, was the preservation of the popular $200 sports vouchers program, now rebranded as Play On, after strong community pressure forced a government backflip.
🚫 Key Projects Missing in Action
Mr McCallum expressed deep concern over the absence of new funding for vital infrastructure in the growing Ipswich corridor. He specifically cited:
- No new money for the Ipswich to Springfield rail loop, a long-anticipated public transport solution;
- No funding for pedestrian safety upgrades at the busy Centenary Highway intersection near Ripley, a known hazard for schoolchildren and residents;
- A lack of specific upgrades for local schools, despite some general education allocations in the budget papers.
“We don’t need more business cases — we need shovels in the ground,” he said. “We’re growing too fast to be overlooked again.”
He also noted that much of the funding for current health infrastructure — including the Ipswich Hospital 200-bed upgrade and 90 subacute beds at the Ripley Satellite Health Centre — had been secured by the previous Labor government.
🏟️ Ipswich Overlooked in Olympics Spending
The local MP didn’t mince words when addressing the southeast’s share of Olympics funding.
“There’s plenty of money flowing for Olympic projects — just not here. Ipswich was snubbed by the LNP’s Olympic review, and this budget continues that trend,” McCallum said.
👊 Community Campaigns Work, MP Says
While scathing about the lack of funding, Mr McCallum pointed to the success of grassroots advocacy — particularly around the Play On sports voucher program — as proof that local voices can force change.
“When we all work together, we can get the right result for our city.”
Dubbed one of the “Ipswich Awesome Foursome” by host Damien, McCallum vowed to keep the pressure on government to deliver for Ipswich.
“We’ll always fight hard for our city — no cereal ads, just real advocacy,” he joked.
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