Bridge, road upgrade to provide easy access over Purga Creek
21 August 2025
In a boost to connectivity in rural Ipswich, work is about to begin on replacing the ageing, single-lane Purga School Road bridge.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said council has begun the $7.9 million Purga School Road upgrade after a $5 million contribution through the Federal Government’s Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program.
“Duplicating the 1.6 kilometre section of the single-lane Purga School Road between Morgans Road and Ipswich Boonah Road will deliver significant benefits for the people of Purga,” Mayor Harding said.
“The 36-metre-long timber bridge has served this rural community well for decades but it’s time for an upgrade.
“We are replacing it with a new two-lane concrete bridge that will provide safe passage over the Purga Creek for generations to come.
“This is part of Ipswich City Council’s commitment to our rural communities. These communities are a vital part of the important road upgrades our city needs to accommodate a growing population on track to hit more than half a million by 2046.”
Infrastructure, Planning and Assets Committee Chairperson Councillor Andrew Antoniolli said road users will benefit from having a lane in each direction.
“As is common for rural roads, the cordial drivers of Purga for decades have willingly pulled aside to allow their fellow road users to pass through – but they’ll soon no longer have to do that for this stretch of road,” Cr Antoniolli said.
“This upgrade lays a platform for the Purga community and surrounding areas to continue to thrive as our city grows.
“Our 2025-2026 Budget outlined $54.7 million for maintaining, upgrading and expanding our road network – and rural areas are benefitting from this significant investment.
“I thank the Federal Government for their contribution to this project as part of the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program.”
Division 1 Councillor Pye Augustine said the Purga School Road upgrade will improve lives in the area.
“Purga is a suburb of sprawling properties among high-value ecology areas such as Purga Nature Reserve and federally recognised Areas of Regional Koala Significance that sits on the doorstep of more urban areas of southern Ipswich,” Cr Augustine said.
“Purga residents enjoy a fantastic way of life and I’m delighted council is supporting this area with a significant investment to upgrade Purga School Road.”
Division 1 Councillor Jacob Madsen said works are due to be completed in eight months’ time.
“With construction due to be completed in late April next year, there will be significant inconvenience to residents in the short term, before the benefits of this project come to fruition and are enjoyed for decades to come,” Cr Madsen said.
“Property access will be maintained for all residents, however there will be detours in place as Purga School Road is closed for the duration of the construction.
“The detours will utilise the adjoining Middle Road to access both the Cunningham Highway to the north and Peak Crossing Churchbank Weir Road to the south.
“I thank residents for their patience during this time as we deliver this important upgrade for the people of Purga.”
Ipswich City Council respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners, the Jagera, Yuggera and Ugarapul people of the Yugara/Yagara Language Group, as custodians of the land and waters we share. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, as the keepers of the traditions, customs, cultures and stories of proud peoples.