Ipswich MPs have urged Mayor Teresa Harding to reject the Federal Government’s SEQ City Deal as Prime Minister Scott Morrison moves to cut $400 million from the plan.
The 20-year deal to identify and deliver infrastructure and economic priorities for South-East Queensland continues to stall after it was introduced to much fanfare in 2019.
This week the Morrison Government announced almost $400 million in cuts to key projects and offered nothing new for Ipswich.
Member for Ipswich Jennifer Howard said the city had once again been left behind by the Federal Government.
“The SEQ City Deal has dragged on for over two years with nothing to show for it,” Ms Howard said.
“Ipswich is missing out on key infrastructure that we desperately need to support our booming population.
“What’s even worse is that the Federal Government is refusing to exclude City Deal projects from GST implications, meaning Queenslanders will be footing the bill for this lacklustre plan.
“The Mayor and Councillors of Ipswich City Council should reject this dodgy deal.”
Member for Ipswich West Jim Madden said federally-funded infrastructure simply wasn’t keeping pace with population growth.
“Queensland's population is growing and now exceeds five million. We need Federal Government funding to build the infrastructure necessary to support that growth,” Mr Madden said.
“Ipswich is Queensland’s fastest growing local government area, and our population is expected to double in the next 10 to 15 years.
“Ipswich West needs Federal Government funding for transport infrastructure, health services and social housing to match our growth.”
Member for Bundamba Lance McCallum said the deal was the latest blow for Ipswich after another disappointing Federal budget announcement in May.
“The Morrison Government wants to cut $400 million from the SEQ City Deal, once again short-changing our local community,” Mr McCallum said.
“The proposed deal will deliver less funding per capita – about $400 per person – than any other City Deal in Australia, with most over $1,500 per person.
“The Palaszczuk Government remains committed to Ipswich and we continue to do the heavy lifting in terms of world-class healthcare and education, increased social housing and improved infrastructure.
“Our local community deserves better, and I implore the Mayor and Councillors to stand up for our city and our fair share of funding.”
Member for Jordan and Assistant Minister for Treasury Charis Mullen said it was yet another dud deal for the Ipswich region.
“The SEQ City Deal was supposed to be visionary – the biggest urban development scheme of its type in Australia with the potential to boost the economy of SEQ by close to $60 billion over 25 years,” Ms Mullen said.
“Sadly, this is not what is being delivered through this plan.
“The Federal Government does not want consultation to occur with industry and our wider community – and that’s because they know their version of the SEQ City Deal won’t be well received.
“I urge the Mayor and Councillors of Ipswich City Council to not agree to something that will short-change our communities.”
