Residents across Ipswich’s Division 3 are set to benefit from millions of dollars in new infrastructure and community projects following the adoption of Ipswich City Council’s 2026–27 Budget.
Division 3 Councillor Marnie Doyle said the budget delivers significant investment into established suburbs, with a strong focus on improving parks, public facilities and flood resilience while ensuring older parts of the city continue to receive the attention they need.
“We’ve seen wide-ranging upgrades across Division 3 aimed at improving popular community spaces and strengthening our flood resilience,” Cr Doyle said.
“We know many of our suburbs are well established, and this investment ensures they don’t fall behind as Ipswich continues to grow.”
Limestone Park Receives Major Investment
One of the biggest commitments in the budget is more than $8.1 million over three years for upgrades to Limestone Park, one of Ipswich’s most popular recreational precincts.
The funding will deliver resurfaced netball courts, upgraded outdoor fitness equipment, improved amenities and the completion of a new off-leash dog park.
Cr Doyle said the extensive improvements would ensure Limestone Park continues to meet the needs of the growing community.
“There’s lots happening at Limestone Park and it’s going to be an even better place for residents to enjoy,” she said.
Nature Centre and Children’s Library Benefit
The budget also includes $3.6 million over two years for continued upgrades to the Ipswich Nature Centre, helping modernise facilities at South East Queensland’s only council-operated zoo.
The popular Ipswich Children’s Library in the Nicholas Street Precinct will also receive $70,000 for improvements.
Cr Doyle said the city’s libraries continue to experience strong patronage and remain valuable community assets.
“Our libraries are incredibly well used and this investment ensures they’ll continue meeting the needs of young residents and families for years to come,” she said.
Investing in Flood Resilience
Recognising the importance of protecting established suburbs from future flood events, Council has committed almost $6 million towards upgrading ageing stormwater infrastructure across Division 3.
The funding includes improvements to drainage systems along Pride and Hume Streets in North Ipswich, as well as almost $200,000 for stabilisation works along sections of the Bremer River.
Cr Doyle said maintaining and upgrading older infrastructure was essential.
“Some of this infrastructure has been in place for well over 100 years,” she said.
“It’s important we continue upgrading it so it can meet the needs of our growing community.”
Balancing Rates with Services
While acknowledging this year’s rates increase, Cr Doyle said Council had worked to balance affordability with maintaining essential services.
“We could keep rates lower, but the reality is the cost of construction and delivering services continues to rise,” she said.
“If we didn’t keep pace with those increases, we simply wouldn’t be able to maintain our roads, parks and community facilities to the standard residents expect.”
New Landmark Honours First Nations Heritage
Division 3 is also home to Ipswich’s newest cultural landmark following the opening of the Queen’s Park Ceremonial Healing and Remembrance Place.
The project recognises more than 60,000 years of First Nations culture and acknowledges the significance of the land and waterways of Tulmur, the traditional name for Ipswich.
The site was developed through extensive consultation with Traditional Owners and Council’s Indigenous Accord and features a ceremonial gathering space, sculptures, totem poles and areas designed for cultural performances and community events.
Cr Doyle said the space would provide an important place for reflection, healing and celebration.
“It was led by Council’s First Nations staff and will be a place for ceremonies, performances and community gatherings, particularly during events such as NAIDOC Week and ANZAC Day,” she said.
SPARK Festival Returns
With the school holidays underway, Division 3 will once again play a major role in the SPARK Ipswich Festival, which returns from 8 to 12 July.
Events will be held across Tulmur Place, the Ipswich Civic Centre, Ipswich Art Gallery, Studio 188 and Darcy Doyle Place.
Highlights include performances by comedian Jimmy Rees, street theatre, silent discos, paint-and-sip sessions and an attempt to set a world record for the largest trombone ensemble.
“It’s a celebration of everything that makes Ipswich great—our people, our creativity and our community spirit,” Cr Doyle said.
Residents can view the full SPARK Ipswich program and event schedule on the Ipswich Festivals website.
With significant investment across parks, community facilities, cultural projects and flood mitigation, Cr Doyle said the budget demonstrates Council’s ongoing commitment to supporting established neighbourhoods while preparing for Ipswich’s future growth.
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