THE State Government recently released the draft Queensland Infrastructure Plan (QIP) for public comment.
The plan provides a clear outline of the short-term infrastructure projects planned for the State, as well as outlining the longer-term infrastructure priorities.
It identifies the infrastructure needed to support and encourage growth across Queensland’s major regional economic zones and will improve the way existing infrastructure is managed. The plan directly supports the draft Queensland Regionalisation Strategy and outlines the investment needed to support the Queensland Government’s Toward Q2 objective that by 2020 Queensland will have the strongest state economy in Australia, with infrastructure that anticipates growth.

A number of projects outlined in the plan are planned for the Ipswich & West Moreton region. They include:
• The Southern Queensland Correctional Precinct at Gatton which is in its final stages and once complete will accommodate 300 prisoners, as well as buildings for education and rehabilitation programs.
• Stage 2 of the Springfield Rail Line, linking Richlands to Springfield. This line will service the expanding western corridor and will feature two new stations, Centenary Highway improvements as well as a dedicated pedestrian and cycle path connecting Richlands to the Springfield community.
• The new communities planned for Yarrabilba and Ripley Valley to accommodate growth and ensure affordable and diverse housing options. The new communities will require significant investment in road, rail, community services and water and sewerage infrastructure over the next 20 years.
• Construction of a water treatment plant at Wyaralong to provide additional potable water supply from Wyaralong Dam, Cedar Grove Weir and the Bromelton off-stream storage.

In developing the QIP, the state government wants to hear what Queenslanders think about the planned direction of infrastructure investment across the state.
Read the full SEQ section here