In great news for Providence residents and those in surrounding areas, Stockland has celebrated the opening of Lucas Drive, a key piece of infrastructure for the growing Providence community.

The Queensland Minister for Housing, Local Government and Planning and Minister for Public Works, the Hon. Meaghan Scanlon; and the Hon. Lance McCallum, Member for Bundamba, and Queensland Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development; joined Stockland and other dignitaries to officially open Lucas Drive, a $15 million, 1 kilometre long, east-west arterial road, on Thursday, 22 February.

The road, which connects the existing section of Barrams Road with Lucas Drive, is expected to ease traffic congestion by providing a second entry and exit point to the Stockland Providence community.

Through the Catalyst Infrastructure Fund (part of Economic Development Queensland), the Queensland Government contributed $5.91 million towards the construction of Lucas Drive which is expected to be used by around 15,000 motorists a day.

Caption: Ipswich City Council Mayor Teresa Harding; Assistant Minister for Treasury, Trade and Investment and State Member for Ipswich, Jennifer Howard MP; Queensland Minister for Housing, Local Government and Planning and Minister for Public Works, the Hon. Meaghan Scanlon MP; Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development and State Member for Bundamba, the Hon. Lance McCallum MP; Stockland General Manager of Queensland Development, David Laner and Federal Member for Blair, Hon. Shayne Neumann MP

Minister Scanlon said Lucas Drive is a critical key to unlocking 5,600 more homes with masterplan developments like Stockland Providence and others in the White Rock area.

“You can’t have a home if you don’t have a road to get to it. Today’s opening is the result of strong collaboration between government and the private sector to help build more homes, faster,” Minister Scanlon said.

“Our Homes for Queenslanders plan sets its sights on delivering one million new homes over the next two decades-plus – and developments like this are critical to achieving that goal.”

Stockland General Manager for Queensland Development David Laner said opening Lucas Drive is an exciting milestone for the community.

“Stockland works collaboratively with all levels of government, communities, and local stakeholders to effectively plan for future housing with the right infrastructure in place,” Mr Laner said.

“This part of greater Brisbane is already well established, surrounded by good schools, shopping and health services like the new Ripley Valley Satellite Hospital.

“Housing affordability and community creation are at the heart of Stockland’s legacy and purpose. At Providence we cater for Queenslanders looking for their first home through to those looking to retire, all in one growing community.”

The Stockland team was also joined at the opening by Nunukul Yuggera Aboriginal Dance Company Representative, Aaron Ruska, who performed a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony, as well as members from the community and representatives from federal, state and local government.

The Hon. Lance McCallum, Member for Bundamba, and Queensland Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development, said it was great to see more infrastructure in Providence.

“The Queensland Government has been proud to be able to deliver brand new infrastructure including schools and a Satellite Hospital in Providence, and it’s great to add Lucas Drive to further connect and enhance our rapidly growing South Ripley community,” Minister McCallum said.

Jennifer Howard, Member for Ipswich, and Assistant Minister for Treasury, Trade and Investment, joined her Queensland Government colleagues at today’s opening.

“With Ipswich being recognised as one of the fastest-growing Local Government Areas in Australia, it's encouraging to witness advancements in critical infrastructure projects that will lay the foundation for the community's future prosperity,” Ms Howard said.

Federal Member for Blair, Shayne Neumann said the new Lucas Drive connection was great news for local residents and commuters. It will make it easier to get in and out of the booming Ripley Valley and help reduce congestion on Ipswich roads.

“The Australian Government is very focused on boosting housing supply and transport infrastructure in the Ipswich region, so I really welcome this investment from the Queensland Government and Stockland,” Mr Neumann said.

Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said Ipswich was Queensland’s fastest growing city, with new families flocking to communities such as Stockland Providence to take advantage of its liveable yet affordable lifestyle.

“Our liveability, affordability and close proximity to employment, education and services make Ipswich a strong choice for families looking for a place to call home. Stockland Providence is certainly at the forefront of this growth,” Mayor Harding said.

“As our city grows, it’s extremely important that our road and transport networks are also expanding to accommodate this growth. I have no doubt the opening of Lucas Drive will be a welcome addition to Stockland Providence.”

Stockland Providence is located 43 kilometres south west of Brisbane’s CBD, and 12 kilometres west of Greater Springfield.

Lucas Drive is named after Lucas Creek, the waterway running through Stockland Providence and the road was constructed by Stockland and contractor SEE Civil.

For more details about Stockland Providence, visit www.stockland.com.au/residential/qld/providence.