Ipswich City Council’s 2025–26 Budget has delivered a major boost to Division 3, with local Councillor Marnie Doyle outlining millions in funding for essential infrastructure, community spaces, arts and culture across the region.
Speaking with West Bremer Radio, Cr Doyle highlighted a wide-ranging list of projects now set to move forward, including $2.5 million for drainage rehabilitation in East Ipswich, Coalfalls, South West Crossing and Woodend — suburbs with aging infrastructure in urgent need of upgrades.
“These are our older, historical suburbs, and this investment is absolutely vital,” Cr Doyle said.
Another key funding win is $950,000 for the revitalisation of Ipswich Central, continuing momentum from the redevelopment of the Nicholas Street Precinct and surrounding CBD.
“It’s essential we keep the CBD alive — the work we’ve started must continue,” she added.
💡 Division 3 Budget Highlights:
- $2.5 million – Drainage works in East Ipswich and surrounding suburbs
- $950,000 – Ipswich Central revitalisation
- $500,000 – Blackstone Rd/Thomas St/Creek St intersection upgrade (Silkstone)
- $450,000 – Lighting upgrades at George and Eileen Hastings Sporting Complex (One Mile)
- $300,000 – First Nations Memorial and Healing Place
- $150,000 – Ipswich Soldiers Memorial refurbishment
- Design funding – Groupon Park upgrade in Collingwood Park
The budget also includes significant investment into Queen’s Park, including upgrades to the Ipswich Nature Centre, as the city looks ahead to an influx of visitors during the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
“Queen’s Park is iconic, and our nature centre is the only council-run zoo in South East Queensland,” Cr Doyle said. “We want to make it shine.”
🌟 Spark Festival & Community Events
Division 3 is also a major hub for SPARK Ipswich, the city’s flagship arts and culture festival running until 20 July, with 50 events across the city.
Cr Doyle urged residents to explore SPARK After Dark, a night-time light and music trail through the CBD, as well as the Bubble Canteen — a whimsical display producing 20,000 bubbles per minute in Nicholas Street.
“It’s a real spectacle,” Cr Doyle said. “There’s something for everyone, and it’s such a celebration of our people and places.”
The community also turned out in force for NAIDOC Week, with more than 6,500 attendees at Tulmur Place for cultural performances and activities.
“We’re incredibly proud of our First Nations community, and the youth who are emerging as the leaders of tomorrow,” Cr Doyle said. “Events like NAIDOC Week are essential in building that connection.”
For more details on council projects or to view the full SPARK Ipswich program, visit:
👉 www.ipswich.qld.gov.au
👉 www.ipswichfestivals.com.au
📻 This story is based on a live interview aired on West Bremer Radio’s Ipswich City Council update with Councillor Marnie Doyle.
0 Comments