Ipswich residents will soon have more flexibility when disposing of household waste, with Ipswich City Council announcing the introduction of a new annual waste voucher as part of its 2026–27 Budget.
Mayor Teresa Harding revealed the initiative ahead of the budget’s formal adoption, describing it as a practical cost-of-living measure that gives households greater choice in how they manage waste.
“This is a first for our city,” Mayor Harding said.
“The free annual waste voucher gives households more choice when it comes to managing their waste and responding to cost-of-living pressures.”
The new voucher provides residents with an alternative to Council’s FlexiSkip service. Instead of using the large blue skip bags, eligible households can redeem their voucher at the Riverview or Rosewood Recycling and Refuse Centres to dispose of waste.
Mayor Harding said the initiative had been developed in response to community feedback, with many residents asking for greater flexibility in accessing waste disposal services.
Further details on the voucher program are available through the Ipswich City Council website.
New Art Exhibitions Open
The Mayor also highlighted the opening of two new exhibitions at the Ipswich Art Gallery, with hundreds of art lovers attending the official launch.
The exhibitions, Ties That Bind and The World Came Flooding In, explore themes of home, community and the impact of natural disasters.
Mayor Harding said the exhibitions showcased the strength of Ipswich’s creative community and encouraged residents to experience the works firsthand.
“I really encourage everyone to visit the Ipswich Art Gallery and experience these powerful exhibitions,” she said.
The exhibitions coincide with the lead-up to the SPARK Ipswich festival, providing another reason for visitors to spend time in the city’s cultural precinct.
Mayor Harding said Ipswich continues to establish itself as one of Queensland’s leading regional arts destinations.
Free School Holiday Activities
Families are also being encouraged to take advantage of Council’s Active Kids Winter School Holiday Program, which runs until 12 July.
The free program features 69 activities across 15 suburbs, giving children opportunities to stay active during the school holidays.
Activities include gymnastics, martial arts, ballet, jazz dance, acro, fitness sessions and a variety of recreational programs designed for children of all ages.
Importantly, the program also includes 31 fully accessible activities, ensuring children of all abilities can participate.
“There really is something for everyone,” Mayor Harding said.
“The program gives families a fun and affordable way to fill the school holidays while encouraging children to stay active, try something new and connect with others.”
Sessions cater for children ranging from toddlers through to teenagers, with participants generally only needing to bring a water bottle, enclosed shoes, a hat and sunscreen.
Most equipment is supplied by activity providers.
Balancing Growth and Cost of Living
As Council handed down its annual budget, Mayor Harding said the focus remained on balancing investment in infrastructure for Ipswich’s rapidly growing population while continuing to ease cost-of-living pressures on residents.
“We’ve worked hard to strike the right balance between building the infrastructure our growing city needs while keeping downward pressure on rates,” she said.
Residents can find more information about the new waste voucher program, Active Kids School Holiday Program and other Council initiatives by visiting the Ipswich City Council website.
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