Media Statement - 5th November 2007
Federal Labor today announced a package of initiatives for the Ipswich Growth Corridor, highlighting its commitment to the sustainable development of Australia’s cities and regions.
These important projects, funded under Labor’s new Better Regions program, will meet the challenges of this fast growing region, improve liveability and create jobs.
Not since Federal Labor’s Better Cities program, has there been a strategic vision to inject funding into infrastructure to renew and sustain growth corridors.
A Rudd Labor Government will invest to deliver key infrastructure as part of the Ipswich Regional Centre Strategy, in partnership with Local Government.
‘The projects have been developed by the local community, to meet its growth and development challenges and the Council strongly advocated their importance to me during my visit to the region earlier in the year’ Mr Crean said.
The specific projects include:
- $3.4 million investment in the Lagoon Pool project;
- $3.3 million investment in the Performing Arts Centre; and
- $3.3 million investment in the Ipswich Sports Stadium.
South East Queensland is Australia’s fastest growing urban region with a population predicted to rise from 2.7 million to 3.7 million people by 2026.
Not only is the population of Ipswich expected to grow from 135,000 to about 318,000, the South East Queensland Plan has identified the area will play a key role as a transport, logistics and industry hub for the region.
It is vital that Ipswich has a CBD that reflects its important future.
The advancement of these projects will compliment the $10 million River Heart project which has been delivered by local and the Queensland Labor Government. All four projects are critical to revitalising the Ipswich CBD.
Labor recognises that rapid growth leads creates pressure for community and economic infrastructure.
Federal Labor is committed to supporting innovative local communities and will respond to local solutions that stack up.
Today’s announcement comes on top of the $525,000 pledged by Federal Labor recently for the development of the George Alder Tennis Centre in Leichhardt.
This investment will be key to creating a vibrant, diverse and attractive region in the Ipswich Growth Corridor and is yet another example of Labor’s commitment to regional and urban development.
BACKGROUND
Lagoon Pool
This will establish a new aquatic facility in Ipswich which will be a unique and significant piece of community infrastructure. It will enhance the quality of lifestyle for the region and will also revitalise the River Heart parklands. Once complete, the site will animate the Ipswich CBD, attract visitors from the western and eastern parts of the region and provide a low-cost recreation option for young people and single parent families which make up a significant proportion of the Ipswich population.
Performing Arts Centre
The construction of a significant performing arts theatre and convention centre will be of significance for Ipswich as a key centre in the Western Corridor of South East Queensland. Funding pledged by Federal Labor will kick-start the establishment of a centre in Ipswich to be delivered in Partnership with Local Government and other contributors.
Ipswich Sports Stadium
Ipswich City Council has identified the North Ipswich Reserve as the preferred site for the establishment of a major regional outdoor stadium. This will enable the region to host major national and regional sporting and recreational events. With the forecast growth in the Ipswich Growth Corridor population, the ability to host a range of sport and entertainment events will enhance the liveability of the region and will also be of significant economic benefit.