The announcement of a new Hilton Hotel for Ipswich has been welcomed as a major boost for the region, with Jordan MP Charis Mullen describing it as a critical step forward for accommodation ahead of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Speaking during her monthly “State of Play” segment on West Bremer Radio, Ms Mullen said Ipswich urgently needs more hotel rooms to meet growing demand.
“We desperately need more accommodation in the Ipswich region, especially with the lead-up to the Games,” she said.
She added that increased residential development in the Ipswich CBD would also strengthen the city centre by encouraging more people to live locally.
Springfield Station Parking Under Review
Ms Mullen is also calling on commuters in Springfield and Camira to have their say on future parking options at Springfield railway station.
While the larger Springfield Central railway station has a multi-storey car park with 1,100 spaces, Springfield station currently has around 200 car parks, which are increasingly under pressure.
Ms Mullen said demand has surged since the introduction of 50-cent public transport fares, with an 18 per cent increase in usage recorded.
“It’s great to see more people using public transport, but it is putting real pressure on the existing parking infrastructure,” she said.
A community survey has been launched to gather feedback on potential solutions, with responses to inform discussions with the state government, Ipswich City Council and Queensland Rail ahead of the 2026–27 State Budget.
Australia Day Success Stories
The MP also congratulated two Greater Springfield standouts recognised at the 2026 Australia Day Awards.
Danielle Lennon, founder of Studio of Performing Arts Springfield, was named a finalist in the Cultural Award category, while the Springfield Mo Men took out the Community Group Award.
The Mo Men, known for their fundraising and advocacy for men’s mental health, were recently hosted in Canberra by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and toured Parliament House.
“They are absolute pillars of our local community,” Ms Mullen said.
NDIS Integrity Concerns
However, Ms Mullen acknowledged disappointing news for the region, after figures revealed the 4300 postcode recorded the highest number of compliance actions in Queensland against individuals and providers under the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
She stressed that the vast majority of participants and providers are doing the right thing but said protecting the integrity of the scheme is essential.
“Every dollar lost to rorting is a dollar that should be going towards real care and support,” she said.
As a former Queensland Disabilities Minister, Ms Mullen said she remains committed to ensuring accountability within the NDIS system.
Grants Available for Community Groups
Local not-for-profits have also been reminded that applications for the Gambling Community Benefit Fund close on February 22.
Eligible groups can apply for grants of up to $35,000 to support equipment, infrastructure and community projects.
Ms Mullen said the program has delivered significant benefits to local organisations and encouraged groups across the Jordan electorate to apply.
“It’s one of the most flexible and helpful grants programs available,” she said.
With major infrastructure, tourism growth and community initiatives underway, Ms Mullen said there is plenty happening across the electorate — and more to come in the months ahead.
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