Critical and enabling infrastructure is one of seven regionally significant projects (RSPs). RSPs are projects that will positively transform the whole Ipswich region. Learn more about Ipswich City Council's other current RSPs here.

The critical and enabling infrastructure focuses on improving the major roads of Ipswich. This includes:

• Cunningham Highway
• Warrego Highway
• Centenary Motorway
• Ripley Valley Priority Development Area (PDA)

The planning, funding and delivery of the Cunningham Highway, Centenary Motorway and Warrego Highway core infrastructure projects are a State and Federal Government responsibility.

The Cunningham Highway is the backbone of Ipswich’s transport network, carrying both freight and passenger vehicles. It runs for 327 kilometres across southern Queensland, heading from Ipswich to Goondiwindi, most of this passing through the Darling Downs region.

The planning phase has started, which includes community consultation (closed July 2022) and $1.65 million towards a business case for an interim upgrade solution at Cunningham Highway and Ipswich-Rosewood Road intersection.

The key ask for the Cunningham Highway may be in the order of $200 million to fund the Amberley Interchange, one of Ipswich’s growth corridors.

Please note the costings associated for these projects are indicative and not informed by any design or cost plans.

The Warrego Highway is 715 kilometres long, starting near the coast and heading into the outback, linking several other major highways along the way. The entire highway is part of the National Highway system linking Darwin and Brisbane.

The Warrego Highway is a priority initiative on the 2021 Infrastructure Priority List and has been identified as a Road of Strategic importance by the Australian Government for the Toowoomba – Ipswich section of highway. The third phase includes planning for upgrades between Dinmore and Helidon Spa, scheduled to occur between 2022 and 2032.

The key ask for the Warrego Highway may be in the order of $200 million to fund the Mt Crosby interchange.

Please note the costings associated for these projects are indicative and not informed by any design or cost plans.

The Centenary Motorway is 43 kilometres long, and the main link between Ipswich and Brisbane. It continues on to the National Land Transport Network and the rest of Australia.

A funded Pre Evaluation identifying preferred options is underway. This project has been included in Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program 2021-22 to 2024-25. Funding for future stages will complete against other state-wide priorities.

The key ask for the Centenary Motorway may be in the order of $350 million to fund the duplication of the highway.

Please note the costings associated for these projects are indicative and not informed by any design or cost plans.

The Ripley Valley PDA is a key region in South East Queensland’s western growth corridor, and is one of the fastest population, employment and industry growth areas in the country. It covers a total area of 4,680 hectares making it one of the largest PDAs in Australia. It is the critical link between the Ipswich CBD and Springfield.

These projects are critical to addressing current demand and support Ipswich region’s future population growth, enabling safe transit and greater liveability within the region.

Advocacy is an important role of council in representing the needs of the Ipswich community to decision makers in state and federal governments.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to advocacy. But working at its best, advocacy combines elements of influencing policy, informing decision-making, and involving the community in the process. Critical and enabling infrastructure is a key advocacy priority of council.

One of the state government's responsibilities is major and arterial roads, and it is the role of local government to identify the needs of the community and attract the required support and funding.

A key reason for securing the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games was based on the impact expected from hosting the Games. This includes driving greater economic investment and infrastructure across the region. This will help to support the rapid population growth being experienced across South East Queensland. Council's major road projects support the greater vision to create a city that is well connected and integrated with other regions.