After a year marked by wild weather, cost-of-living pressures, and major transport developments, State Member for Jordan Charis Mullen says her focus remains on delivering for the Ipswich region.
Speaking on West Bremer Radio’s State of Play segment, Ms Mullen reflected on the first year since the last state election and the challenges faced by both the community and government.
“I’m so grateful for the opportunity to keep working for our community,” she said. “It’s been a busy year, and there’s still a lot to do to make sure Ipswich’s priorities are front and centre.”
Ms Mullen criticised the current government’s performance on cost-of-living relief, citing rising registration costs, the removal of energy bill support, and uncertainty around permanent reductions in public transport fares. She also pointed to ongoing strain on health services, with hospital ramping and delays continuing to affect Ipswich residents.
“The way to fix ramping is by adding more beds,” she said. “We need to make sure our hospital expansions stay on track.”
Another growing concern, she said, is housing and homelessness, with reports of more residents sleeping rough or couch-surfing.
“We’ve seen around a thousand public housing homes cut from the government’s plan,” Ms Mullen said. “We desperately need more social and affordable housing across Ipswich.”
On a positive note, Ms Mullen celebrated new public transport services set to begin on November 17, including a long-awaited direct bus route from Ipswich to Springfield, plus improved connections for Bellbird Park and Redbank Plains.
“This is a game changer,” she said. “Stage two will extend services to Ripley and Deebing Heights, with more to follow.”
Following the recent storms, Ms Mullen praised Energex and SES crews for restoring services in extreme heat and urged residents to prepare for summer weather.
“The Red Cross and Get Ready Queensland have great tools to help families make emergency plans,” she said.
Ms Mullen encouraged residents to stay vigilant and connected as Ipswich heads into another busy and unpredictable summer.
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