A major road upgrade in Redbank Plains and celebrations marking five years of the Ipswich Children’s Library were among the key topics discussed by Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding during her latest update to residents.
Mayor Harding confirmed planning is progressing for the long-awaited upgrade of School Road, one of Redbank Plains’ busiest transport corridors.
The project will transform the existing two-lane road into a four-lane thoroughfare complete with pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, helping cater for rapid population growth in the area.
“This is a really busy road and an important connection for the community,” Mayor Harding said.
The $60 million project is expected to significantly improve traffic flow and safety, with council forecasting more than 21,000 vehicles will use the road daily by 2031.
However, the upgrade remains a long-term project due to the scale of planning required. More than 40 property resumptions or part resumptions are needed before construction can begin.
Council has already commenced consultation with affected property owners and Mayor Harding said residents had been working collaboratively with council throughout the process.
If resumptions proceed as planned, retaining wall construction could begin late next year, followed by relocation of utilities such as water, power, telecommunications and NBN infrastructure in 2028. Major road construction is currently scheduled to commence in 2029.
Children’s Library Marks Five-Year Milestone
Meanwhile, Ipswich’s award-winning Children’s Library is preparing to celebrate its fifth birthday.
Located in the Ipswich CBD, the facility remains the only dedicated standalone children’s library of its kind in Australia and has become a major attraction for local families and visitors from outside the region.
Mayor Harding said the milestone was an opportunity to reflect on the library’s success since opening in 2021.
“It’s still the only dedicated standalone children’s library in the country, and it continues to attract families from across Ipswich and beyond,” she said.
The library welcomes an average of 162,000 visitors each year and hosts programs attended by more than 20,000 participants annually.
To celebrate the anniversary, special activities including birthday card and party hat making will be held throughout the week, culminating in celebrations on Sunday.
Mayor Harding praised the ongoing support from parents, carers and grandparents who continue to help shape the library’s programs and growing collection.
Bushfire Preparedness Remains a Priority
The Mayor also highlighted recent bushfire preparedness exercises conducted in South Ripley by the Rural Fire Service alongside Queensland Police and other emergency agencies.
Unlike desktop exercises, the operation involved emergency crews physically inspecting access routes, hydrant locations and potential hazards within developing residential areas bordering conservation estates.
The exercise focused on areas near White Rock Conservation Estate, where growing residential communities sit adjacent to bushland.
Mayor Harding said the inspections help identify challenges emergency services may face during a bushfire event and ensure response plans remain effective.
She also reminded residents to maintain their properties by cleaning gutters, reducing fuel loads and meeting their responsibilities as landowners.
Ipswich Represented in Canberra
At the time of the interview, Mayor Harding was attending the Australian Local Government Association National General Assembly in Canberra alongside Councillor David Martin.
The annual gathering brings together local government representatives from across Australia to discuss key issues including housing, emergency management, infrastructure and environmental challenges.
While in Canberra, Mayor Harding also attended the opening of the new ANZAC Hall atrium at the Australian War Memorial.
A highlight of the expansion is the display of an F-111 aircraft with strong ties to Ipswich and RAAF Base Amberley.
The aircraft, A8-134, previously served on reconnaissance missions over East Timor and had been displayed at an aviation museum in South Australia before being transferred to the War Memorial.
Mayor Harding said it was fitting to see such an important piece of local and national military history recognised at Australia’s premier commemorative site.
“As a garrison city, Ipswich has a very strong connection to our Defence personnel and veterans,” she said.
“The Australian War Memorial is always a breathtaking place to visit and it’s wonderful to see Ipswich’s connection represented there.”
With major infrastructure projects progressing, community facilities celebrating milestones and emergency preparedness remaining a focus, Ipswich City Council continues to balance growth with the needs of its rapidly expanding population.
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