Brisbane 9 May 2013. Energy and Water Supply Minister Mark McArdle and Member for Ipswich Ian Berry, will visit the Ripley Valley development, hosted by Cr Paul Pisasale, Mayor of Ipswich City Council.

The tour is a part of an initiative by the Energy and Water Supply Minister to discuss with local councils important issues relating to the growth of their regions and how electricity and water supply can support this growth.

Mr McArdle said Ipswich had a special place in the history of Queensland and a promising future with up to 120,000 people to live in the Ripley Valley upon project completion.

“Master planned communities like Ripley Valley place greater emphasis on ensuring we have the long-term energy and water supply planning right”, Mr McArdle said.

“The Newman Government is developing 30 year strategies for electricity and water, which will help to provide the framework for this long-term growth.

“Working with local government and local Members to share a vision for the growth of regions like Ipswich is vitally important for access to cost-effective services and for long term economic development.”

Ipswich City Council worked extensively on plans for Ripley Valley over many years which included the development of the Ripley Valley Structure Plan and a master planning framework.

Cr Pisasale said his council had provided a leadership role which brought together key landowners though a public consultation process and facilitated innovative Enquiry by Design workshops.

“Ripley Valley will ultimately be home to 120,000 people in 50,000 dwellings and firmly positions Ipswich as the major regional centre to serve the western corridor,” Cr Pisasale said.

“The areas are within the heart of the state’s employment and economic growth regions, with future residents being able to tap into employment prospects in areas such as Swanbank, Ebenezer and Amberley.”

Mr McArdle will continue discussing great opportunities for energy and water planning with local governments all across Queensland.