Rapid population growth in Ipswich and surrounding areas, combined with limited access to public transport services is increasing demand on the road network. The Australian Government, Queensland Government and Ipswich City Council have investigated options for high capacity public transport services between Ipswich and Springfield through the South East Queensland City Deal.  

The proposal aligns with themes of the Australian Government’s Infrastructure Policy Statement, including supporting improved productivity, connectivity, and sustainability. It also aligns with the Australian Government’s National Urban Policy, which seeks to improve the liveability and equity of Australia’s cities by supporting integrated land use and transport planning and improved access to public transport and services.  

PROPOSAL DESCRIPTION  

This proposal will provide a new high capacity transport service between Ipswich and Springfield, creating a connection between existing rail lines. This connection would improve access to public transport, reduce travel times and support continued housing development and economic growth within South East Queensland. 

The Queensland Government completed environmental and corridor studies in 2006 and 2007 to identify and preserve a preferred alignment for a future transport connection between Ipswich and Springfield.  

INVESTMENT RECOMMENDATION   

The Australian Government should note this proposal as a potential future investment opportunity within the 5-10 year pipeline.  

The Australian Government has committed $3.38 million to development of a business case for the proposal. 

OPPORTUNITIES AND OUTCOMES  

This proposal has the potential to:   

• Improve network capacity and resilience – expanding high capacity public transport options would reduce reliance on the road network and improve performance in peak periods, supporting increased demand in high growth areas.
• Support housing development – new public transport services would support housing development in high growth areas to accommodate forecast population growth in the Ipswich to Springfield corridor.
• Improve liveability – a high-capacity transport connection would support reduced passenger travel times while also easing congestion pressures on the road network.
• Improve access to jobs and services – enhanced connectivity would support improved access to jobs, education and health services across the corridor.
• Support sustainability outcomes – improved access to public transport services would support a shift from private vehicles to public transport, which would reduce emissions in the transport sector.    

NEXT STEPS  

Proponent to progress development of a Final Business Case (Stage 3 of Infrastructure Australia’s Assessment Framework). Proponent to consider approach to digital signalling to ensure compliance with European Train Control System (ETCS) standards where metropolitan networks interface with, or provide access to, the National Network for Interoperability.