Gillard all ears on hospital call

Julia Gillard in Springfield.

Sarah Harvey

PRIME Minister Julia Gillard will listen to demands to fund a new hospital to cater for Ipswich's booming population.

In her first trip to Ipswich since taking the top job, Ms Gillard was last Thursday shown around Springfield Land Corporation's headquarters with a large media contingent in tow.

Away from the cameras, Ipswich politicians privately pressed the new Prime Minister on several issues.

Member for Blair Shayne Neumann said federal funding for a hospital in Springfield was one of the topics raised.

He said talks about hospital funding and other infrastructure issues in the booming western corridor region received a fair hearing from Ms Gillard.

“The point was clearly made that a new hospital service is needed for the area,” Mr Neumann said. “The Prime Minister said the issue would be given serious consideration.”

Springfield residents chosen to meet Ms Gillard said the lack of a hospital was one of the biggest issues facing the area.

The Prime Minister came to town with Sustainable Population Minister Tony Burke to herald Springfield as a successful example of a large master-planned community.

She said Mr Burke would be working on new policies, with the success of Springfield as a source of inspiration, on how to manage Australia's growing population.

“It's about making sure that as we build new communities, that there are the services and lifestyle they need,” she said.