MAYOR Teresa Harding says the $200 million commitment to fix the Amberley intersection by both major parties ahead of the Federal election is due to advocacy by council and the community.
“In the lead-up to the 3 May election, the Coalition and Labor have each committed $200 million in funding to upgrade the dangerous section of road where Ipswich Rosewood Road and the Cunningham Highway meet,” Cr Harding said.
“Council has been campaigning alongside residents to have a long-term fix for this intersection which is the entrance to Australia’s largest Air Force Base – RAAF Base Amberley, and part of Ipswich’s fastest growth corridor.”
Cr Harding described the intersection as the backbone of the region’s transport network.
“[It] carries both freight and passenger vehicles.
“It is dangerous, and the design needs to be upgraded with a fly over and four lanes to provide a long-term solution to increase safety and decrease delays for those using this highway.
“I am very pleased to have this $200 million commitment by the major parties to upgrade this intersection of the Cunningham Highway to the Amberley Interchange.
“It is something residents, particularly groups like the Willowbank Area Residents Group, have been fighting for, for many years and now we need to see action here as soon as possible.
“Lives depend on it.”
Some of the city’s fastest-growing suburbs would benefit from the upgrade including the Ripley Valley Priority Development Area, Deebing Heights, Purga and Willowbank.
Division 4 Councillor Jim Madden said the Amberley Interchange provided a key connection for 5,000 staff and personnel who work at RAAF Base Amberley.
“RAAF Base Amberley is a major employer in Ipswich and we want to ensure servicepeople and staff can safely and efficiently get to work and home to their loved ones,” he said.
“Almost 30,000 vehicles travel on the Cunningham Highway in Ipswich every day so a better designed intersection with Ipswich Rosewood Road is needed to reduce bottlenecks and the risk of vehicle collisions.”
Willowbank Area Residents Group President Noel Roberts said fixing the Amberley Interchange would improve the quality of life in his area by reducing residents’ driving stress and enhancing their ability to connect with the wider region.
“The current interchange experiences significant traffic congestion, creating real safety hazards for Willowbank residents and other drivers merging, exiting, and navigating the area,” Mr Roberts said.
“The upgrade will aim to streamline traffic flow, reduce bottlenecks, and ultimately make the roads safer for everyone, including Willowbank residents and RAAF who rely on this interchange daily.”
