Ipswich MP Jennifer Howard has voiced strong concerns over housing affordability in Queensland, while also paying tribute to World War II veterans and celebrating the economic impact of one of the region’s biggest annual events.
Speaking on West Bremer Radio’s State of Play, Ms Howard said housing remains one of the most pressing issues facing families across Ipswich and South East Queensland.
She criticised recent decisions affecting affordable housing, warning that rising property prices and a lack of supply are placing home ownership further out of reach for many Queenslanders.
“We’ve got a massive problem with housing at the moment and with housing affordability,” Ms Howard said.
“People who have jobs and want to buy in the communities they grew up in are increasingly being pushed out of the market.”
Ms Howard said housing and homelessness concerns continue to dominate the issues raised by residents contacting her electorate office, describing the situation as both challenging and distressing for families trying to secure stable accommodation.
The comments come amid growing concerns about affordability across South East Queensland, with recent reports suggesting the region is on track to become one of Australia’s least affordable housing markets.
Away from housing, Ms Howard recently attended the annual Bomber Command Commemoration Service at the Memorial Gardens at RAAF Base Amberley, describing the event as one of the most moving ceremonies she has attended.
The service honours the thousands of Australians who served with Bomber Command during World War II, including more than 4,100 who lost their lives during the conflict.
Ms Howard said the ceremony provided an important opportunity to recognise a group of veterans whose service was often overlooked in the decades following the war.
“It was an extraordinary event,” she said.
“I was absolutely glued to my seat listening to the speakers. Their stories highlighted the sacrifices made by those who served and the burden many carried long after the war ended.”
She noted that while Bomber Command played a critical role in helping bring World War II to an end by targeting key military and industrial infrastructure, many veterans returned home to a society reluctant to discuss their experiences.
Ms Howard said it was important that their service and sacrifice continue to be recognised and remembered.
The commemoration also served as a reminder of the challenges faced by other groups of returning servicemen and women, including Vietnam veterans, who similarly struggled to receive recognition upon their return home.
Meanwhile, Ms Howard was among thousands of spectators who attended the 58th Gulf Western Oil Winternationals at Willowbank Raceway, one of the largest drag racing events held outside the United States.
She described the four-day motorsport festival as a major success for the Ipswich region, both as a sporting spectacle and as a significant economic driver.
“The Winternationals is truly an experience,” she said.
“Thousands of people attend, and it brings millions of dollars into our local economy through accommodation, restaurants, retail and tourism.”
The event is estimated to contribute around $8 million to the Ipswich economy each year, attracting competitors and spectators from across Australia and overseas.
Ms Howard said one of the highlights was witnessing drag racing machines launch down the track at speeds exceeding 300 miles per hour.
“The sound of those engines was incredible,” she said.
“I had earplugs and headphones on, and I could still feel it.”
She praised the Willowbank Raceway team for their efforts in hosting the internationally recognised event and said the Winternationals remain an important part of Ipswich’s identity.
As the city continues to grow, Ms Howard said it is important to both tackle future challenges such as housing affordability while also celebrating the community events, sporting achievements and historical commemorations that make Ipswich unique.
She also took the opportunity to acknowledge Pride Month, wishing local residents a happy and inclusive June celebration.
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