State Member for Jordan Charis Mullen says Greater Springfield and the broader Ipswich region have been overlooked in the Queensland Government’s 2026–27 State Budget, warning several major transport projects remain without the funding needed to keep pace with the area’s rapid growth.
Speaking on West Bremer Radio, Ms Mullen described the budget as a “missed opportunity” for one of Queensland’s fastest-growing regions.
“When you strip away the headlines, there actually isn’t much there in terms of investment in the infrastructure that our communities need,” she said.
Ms Mullen argued many of the initiatives highlighted in the budget had already been committed or funded under the previous Labor Government, including 50-cent public transport fares, free kindy, sports vouchers and several infrastructure projects already underway.
Centenary Highway Funding in Focus
One of Ms Mullen’s biggest concerns is the lack of new funding for the Centenary Highway, which continues to experience increasing traffic volumes as Greater Springfield expands.
She said previous planning work had identified the need for lane duplications, new interchanges and upgraded on and off ramps, but no additional funding had been allocated to progress the project.
“We funded a planning study that looked at all the upgrades we’ll need now and into the future,” she said.
“What we’ve seen is there’s actually no new funding in the budget for the Centenary Highway.”
Ms Mullen said community support for improvements continues to grow, with almost 1,500 people signing a petition calling for a long-term plan to upgrade the highway.
Rail Link Still Waiting
The proposed Ipswich-to-Springfield rail connection also remains in limbo, despite business case funding having previously been provided by both the former State and Federal Labor governments.
Ms Mullen said the rail link remained critical for the region’s future.
“We’ve got so much growth from Springfield right through to Yamanto and we need to get cracking on these major infrastructure projects,” she said.
Hope Hub Funding Welcomed
While critical of the overall budget, Ms Mullen acknowledged there were positive outcomes, including funding for the Hope Hub operated by Beyond DV at Orion Springfield.
The service provides practical support for people escaping domestic and family violence.
“I think that’s really going to make a difference for people escaping domestic and family violence in our communities,” she said.
She praised Beyond DV for its work in establishing the facility.
Local Business Awards Return
Away from the budget, nominations have opened for the third annual Jordan Local Business Awards.
Ms Mullen said the awards are designed to recognise the contribution local businesses make to the community, particularly during challenging economic times.
“Being a business owner is a really tough gig,” she said.
“Anything we can do to highlight and support our wonderful local business people is important.”
This year’s awards feature nine categories covering hospitality, retail, professional services and other industries, with local residents encouraged to vote for their favourite businesses.
Ms Mullen said many of the businesses also give back by sponsoring sporting clubs, schools and community organisations.
“They’re not just businesses—they’re part of our community,” she said.
Sporting Clubs Unite
Ms Mullen also recently launched the Greater Springfield Sports Collective, bringing together around 20 sporting clubs and organisations to advocate for improved sporting infrastructure.
She said rapid population growth had placed increasing pressure on existing facilities.
“When you’ve got memberships booming but the facilities aren’t keeping up, it’s important that clubs come together with one voice,” she said.
The group will also explore opportunities to secure long-term sporting infrastructure as part of the legacy from the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Ms Mullen said Ipswich deserved a greater share of investment.
“We’re talking about legacy, not luxury,” she said.
“We don’t need a massive new stadium, but we do need quality community sporting infrastructure that will benefit our region for decades.”
Farewell to a Local Institution
Ms Mullen also paid tribute to Gailes Home Hardware, which has closed after more than five decades of serving the local community.
The family business first opened in 1972 and has been operated by Ian and Marina, who have now retired after many years serving generations of local customers.
“It really is the end of an era,” Ms Mullen said.
She said the hardware store had become part of the fabric of the Gailes community, with many residents visiting over its final weekend to thank the owners and wish them well in retirement.
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