Ipswich Central bikeway doesn't connect to Top of Town

The problem

The Ipswich Central redevelopment includes a separated, bi-directional bikeway on South Street and Limestone Street, and a shared path through the extended Nicholas Street mall. That’s good. But Brisbane Street, the spine of the city centre, stays four lanes of cars with footpaths squeezed either side, and the bikeway doesn’t reach Top of Town.

Anyone riding to the shops, cafes or services at the Top of Town end of Brisbane Street is left to mix with traffic or walk their bike.

What we’re asking for

• A safe cycling connection from the South Street / Limestone Street bikeway to Top of Town.
• Reallocation of road space on Brisbane Street: two traffic lanes plus two parking lanes is not a people-friendly street.
• Design, engineering and heritage assessments (due March 2027) to include the Brisbane Street link, so it isn’t left for “a later stage” that never comes.

Background

Council’s Ipswich City Centre Bikeway is planned in stages: Stage 1 from Thorn Street and South Street to East Street, and Stage 2 along Limestone Street from South Street to Roderick Street. Detailed design is due by March 2027 and a funding decision is expected in mid to late 2027. Construction of Stage 1 is not scheduled before 2027/28.

The 2022 consultation found 75% support for the bikeway, with connectivity and physical separation the top requests. Council’s own Active Transport Action Plan (action 2.1) promises a pedestrian priority zone in the city centre.

Council must complete design, engineering and heritage assessments for the whole Ipswich Central Heart project by March 2027 before the state government commits funds.

Updates and correspondence

1. 29 July 2026 Attended council's Ipswich Central 'walkshop'. Bikeway on South St and Limestone St confirmed as separated and bi-directional. No cycling provision on Brisbane St.