A major intersection upgrade at Flinders View has been completed, delivering a safer and smoother connection for motorists travelling between Ipswich and the rapidly growing Ripley Valley.
Speaking on West Bremer Radio, Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding welcomed the completion of the Ripley Road and Rees Street intersection upgrade, describing it as an important improvement to one of the city’s increasingly busy transport routes.
The $3.6 million State Government-funded project has transformed the intersection into a four-way intersection, including a dedicated left-turn lane and a merge lane providing improved access towards the Cunningham Highway interchange.
“It’s a very busy intersection and I think local residents will be really pleased to see that it’s completed,” Mayor Harding said.
“Obviously you’ve got the population of Ripley Valley growing, and also the rest of Ipswich. Having this connection here is really important.”
Final traffic light adjustments underway
While the major construction work is finished, Council will continue fine-tuning the sequencing of traffic lights at the intersection over the coming weeks.
Mayor Harding said testing was being undertaken to determine the most effective traffic flow, including arrangements surrounding left turns.
The upgrade comes as Ipswich continues to experience significant population growth, particularly through the Ripley Valley and surrounding areas.
Mayor Harding said that growth made investment in reliable transport infrastructure increasingly important.
“We deserve roads that keep people moving safely and reliably through our city,” she said.
Black Snake Creek Festival returns to Marburg
Ipswich residents looking for something more leisurely this weekend can head west, with the popular Black Snake Creek Festival returning to Marburg on Saturday.
The festival day will run from 8am until 3pm, with market stalls, live music, free children’s activities, games and other entertainment planned.
Celebrations have already begun with the Black Snake Creek Art Awards exhibition, which opened on the weekend and will continue throughout the week at Marburg’s Green Shed.
Mayor Harding was among several local representatives who also contributed to a creative challenge connected with this year’s festival.
Participants were given small metal billies and asked to decorate them around the year’s swag-inspired theme.
Mayor Harding put her crochet skills to work, creating a black snake and grass around her entry, while Councillors Jim Madden and David Martin produced collage-style creations.
Ipswich West MP Wendy Bourne was also among those to get creative, while children transformed some of the billies into sheep using cotton wool and other materials.
“People were very creative,” Mayor Harding said.
Ipswich City Council is one of the major supporters of the festival alongside Bendigo Bank.
The Black Snake Creek Festival will be held around Marburg Community Park and the Green Shed at the corner of Queen and Edmond streets on Saturday from 8am to 3pm.
Safari comes to Ipswich Central
With September school holidays about to begin, Ipswich Central is also preparing to get a little wild.
The Nicholas Street Precinct will host Safari in the City from September 21 to October 4, with a jungle-themed program featuring lions, tigers, gorillas, pandas and family activities.
One particularly familiar children’s character will also be joining the adventure, with Dora the Explorer set to appear as part of the school holiday celebrations.
The program continues a run of major family attractions brought to Ipswich Central, following appearances from Bluey and Bingo and previous dinosaur-themed activities.
Mayor Harding encouraged families to follow the Nicholas Street Precinct’s social media channels for program details.
Free library activities for children and teens
Ipswich Libraries will also offer a range of activities throughout the September school holidays.
Mayor Harding said registrations were now open for free programs designed to keep children and teenagers entertained across the city’s different library branches.
The combination of library activities and the Nicholas Street Precinct program is expected to provide families with plenty of options during the break.
Karalee baker rises to the occasion
Meanwhile, Ipswich has another local to cheer for on national television, with Karalee resident Anita Birdi impressing on The Great Australian Bake Off.
Mayor Harding said Ms Birdi had been named Star Baker during week five of the competition and was earning strong praise from the judges for her flavours.
“She is a phenomenal baker, and the judges often say that she’s the flavour queen,” Mayor Harding said.
“She’s very highly regarded. She’s obviously very good.”
Ms Birdi celebrated the beginning of her television journey with a launch party at the Karalee Tavern, where guests also had an opportunity to sample some of her baking.
Mayor Harding said Ipswich had previous form in the competition, with local baker Gav Turner also having appeared on The Great Australian Bake Off several years ago.
She is now hoping Ms Birdi can continue her successful run through to the end of the series.
Locals wanting to follow her baking creations can find her through A Blended Kitchen on social media, where she also showcases commissioned creations including celebration cakes.
Between a completed road upgrade, Marburg’s festival celebrations, a safari arriving in the CBD and a local baker making her mark on national television, Ipswich is heading into the September school holidays with plenty happening across the city.
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