Ipswich City Council has adopted a record $779 million 2026–27 Annual Plan and Budget, delivering new cost-of-living measures while committing hundreds of millions of dollars to roads, sporting facilities, parks and essential community infrastructure across the city’s rapidly growing suburbs.
Mayor Teresa Harding said the budget was designed to balance the needs of a fast-growing city with the financial pressures facing local households.
“This is a budget for all of Ipswich, with 90 per cent of the Capital Works Program to be spent outside of the Ipswich CBD,” Mayor Harding said.
“This Budget invests money where it matters, recognising cost-of-living pressures facing local households while responsibly managing the rapid growth shaping our city.”
The budget includes Council’s largest-ever three-year Capital Works Program, with $672 million allocated over three years, including more than $210 million to be spent during the coming financial year on roads, community facilities and open spaces.
An additional $100 million has been injected into the capital works program over the next three years, supporting major infrastructure projects across the city.
New Waste Voucher Introduced
One of the headline initiatives is the introduction of a free annual waste voucher, giving households greater flexibility when disposing of unwanted items.
From September, residents will be able to redeem a voucher allowing up to 500 kilograms of waste to be taken to a Council resource recovery centre instead of using the existing FlexiSkip service.
Mayor Harding said the initiative responded directly to community feedback while also providing practical cost-of-living relief.
“This initiative will be active from September, in time for household clean-ups ahead of the busy South East Queensland storm season,” she said.
Rates Increase Kept Below Rising Costs
The budget delivers an average general rate increase of 5.45 per cent, equating to an average rise in total rates and charges of $2.99 per week.
Mayor Harding acknowledged any increase would be challenging for residents but said Council had worked hard to minimise the impact while maintaining services.
“We understand any increase is challenging for ratepayers right now who, like Council, are feeling the impact of rising costs,” she said.
Council also identified $6.8 million in operational efficiencies, allowing savings to be redirected into community services, maintenance and capital works.
The budget forecasts a $9.2 million operating surplus while reducing Council’s overall debt by $23 million.
Major Infrastructure Investment
Roads continue to receive the largest share of infrastructure funding, with $95 million allocated towards maintaining, upgrading and expanding Ipswich’s transport network.
Major projects include:
- $108 million over three years for Stages 1 and 2 of the Ripley Road upgrade.
- $35 million over two years to complete the Western Grandstand redevelopment at North Ipswich Reserve in partnership with the Queensland and Australian governments.
- $22.4 million over three years for Stage 2 of the Springfield Parkway upgrade.
- $11.5 million over three years to upgrade Tivoli Sporting Complex, including new sporting fields, clubhouse and lighting.
- $8.8 million over three years for preliminary works on the planned $60 million School Road upgrade at Redbank Plains.
- $8.1 million over three years for improvements at Limestone Park, including resurfaced netball courts, new fitness equipment, upgraded amenities and a new off-leash dog area.
- $5 million towards a new sporting facility adjacent to Brighton Homes Arena at Springfield Central.
- $3 million over two years to improve flood mitigation through upgrades to the Marburg Detention Basin.
Investment in Community Services
Beyond infrastructure, Council has allocated funding across a range of community services, including:
- $82.4 million for sporting and community facilities.
- $68.1 million for waste and resource recovery.
- $24 million for environmental and sustainability initiatives.
- $13.7 million for libraries.
- $9.7 million for arts and cultural services.
Finance and Governance Committee Chair Councillor Paul Tully said the budget also continued support for pensioners and community programs.
Eligible pensioners will continue receiving concessions of $258 annually for full pensioners and $129 for part pensioners, while the $132 early payment discount has also been retained.
Funding has also been maintained for libraries, the Active and Healthy Ipswich program, Ipswich Art Gallery, Ipswich Civic Centre, the city’s major festivals, the free plant program and ongoing upgrades to the Ipswich Nature Centre.
Budget Designed for a Growing City
Mayor Harding said the budget had been developed to ensure every part of Ipswich benefited from continued investment.
“That means whether you’re in Rosewood and Thagoona in the west, Redbank Plains and Springfield in the east, Ripley in the south, Tivoli in the north or one of the many beautiful suburbs in between, this budget delivers for you,” she said.
With significant investment in transport, recreation, environmental initiatives and community facilities, Council says the 2026–27 Budget aims to support both the city’s rapid growth and the everyday needs of Ipswich residents.
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