Jobs a priority as economic stimulus arrives in Ipswich

24 June 2020

New playground works at the Redbank Plains Recreation Reserve are being considered for funding through the Queensland Government’s $200 million Unite and Recover COVID Works for Queensland program.

Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding met with Minister for Local Government Stirling Hinchliffe at Redbank Plains on Wednesday to discuss how the two levels of government could work together to benefit Ipswich.

Mayor Harding said the funding will ensure the next stage of the Redbank Plains Recreation Reserve will be built creating more family friendly spaces for the community.

“Programs aimed at sustaining jobs in the wake of COVID-19 and improving our great city’s liveability are very much welcomed,” Mayor Harding said.

“This $1.8M through the COVID Works for Queensland program will allow us to get started on a dedicated toddler area with fencing, shade sails, lighting, toilet block and car park.

“Ipswich is a great family friendly city and this Council is committed to ensuring youth facilities and parks that can be enjoyed by all ages, are accessible across the region.

“This project will create 12 jobs during construction and our Buy Ipswich Procurement Policy has been designed to give extra consideration to local businesses and ensure we keep ratepayers money circulating in Ipswich.

“The new Council is committed to improving trust and developing productive partnerships with the State Government for the long-term benefit of the community and we very much welcome this and further investment by all levels of government.”

In future stages, Ipswich City Council is planning to upgrade a section of the Redbank Plains Recreation Reserve to include a new skate park, multipurpose courts, amphitheatre/stage, learn to ride course and parkour activity space.

Mayor Harding is calling for residents to have their say on what should be included at the Reserve via Shape Your Ipswich.

Mr Hinchliffe said it was important to meet with the local councils.

“The pandemic is having widespread economic impacts across the world but we are focused on uniting and recovering,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“These have been incredibly tough times for our communities and for our councils and our Unite and Recover for Queensland Jobs plan will do just that in this region.”

Member for Bundamba Lance McCallum joined Minister Hinchliffe and Mayor Harding at Redbank Plains Recreation Reserve to inspect the site of new playground works.

“Our COVID Works for Queensland program is creating local jobs while delivering infrastructure that truly benefits the community,” Mr McCallum said.

“The Reserve is somewhere the whole family can get out and enjoy, and the playground upgrade will make it a go-to destination for locals and visitors alike.”

COVID Works for Queensland builds on the $600 million Works for Queensland program that has already created or supported more than 19,000 jobs throughout regional Queensland.