Cost of living pressures, public transport affordability and growing healthcare demands were among the key issues discussed by Ipswich MP Jennifer Howard during her latest “State of Play” interview on West Bremer Radio.
Ms Howard said the first parliamentary sitting of the year had already seen the introduction of the Transport Affordability Amendment Bill, aimed at protecting low public transport fares for Queenslanders.
The bill proposes that any future increase to the current 50-cent fare would require parliamentary approval within 28 days, ensuring commuters receive adequate notice before costs rise.
She said the reduced fare initiative has already driven a significant shift toward public transport, with usage in Ipswich rising by about 18 per cent.
“It’s been huge and makes such a difference to families facing cost of living pressures,” Ms Howard said.
Schools Return Amid Rapid Growth
The MP also attended several school leadership inductions across the electorate, including Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School and Ripley Valley Secondary College, noting the rapid growth in student numbers as the region’s population continues to expand.
Ripley Valley Secondary College, which opened just five years ago with about 300 students, now has an enrolment of around 1,500.
“It really shows the population boom Ipswich is experiencing,” she said.
Health System Under Strain
Healthcare challenges were another focus, following reports that half of Queensland’s public hospital doctors are at risk of burnout and considering leaving the system.
Ms Howard said the pressures were evident locally, with growing waitlists for specialist appointments and surgeries.
She cited figures suggesting more than 347,000 people are currently waiting to see a specialist, with the waitlist increasing by over 18 per cent in the past year.
“Health workers are doing extraordinary work under very difficult circumstances,” she said.
Construction is also progressing on a new multi-storey car park at Ipswich Hospital, which she said would improve access and modernise the surrounding precinct once complete.
Push for Synthetic Athletics Track
The long-running campaign for a synthetic athletics track in Ipswich was again raised, with Ms Howard expressing frustration that funding had not yet been secured despite strong advocacy from local sporting groups.
She noted that elite athletes continue to emerge from the region without access to a professional-standard track, and welcomed Ipswich City Council listing the project as a priority in its budget wishlist to the state government.
“If we had the right facilities, imagine what we could produce,” she said.
Community Support After Tragic Incident
Ms Howard also addressed a serious incident in North Booval, where two teenage boys remain in intensive care after being struck by a vehicle.
A fundraising event titled “Lift for Lennox Bootcamp” will be held at Robelle Domain parklands this Saturday from 8am to 10am, with donations supporting one of the injured boys and his family as they remain by his side in hospital.
“Ipswich is really wrapping its arms around these boys and their families,” Ms Howard said.
Mobile Office and Community Engagement
The MP confirmed her next mobile office session will be held at the Little Piggy Cafe in Ripley on March 7, allowing residents to raise local concerns directly.
She said community engagement and infrastructure planning would remain key priorities as Ipswich continues to grow rapidly.
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