Ipswich City Council has handed down its 2025–2026 Annual Plan and Budget, announcing a $678 million spend that aims to balance cost-of-living relief for residents with long-term investment in infrastructure and services for the city’s future.
Mayor Teresa Harding said the council had delivered a responsible budget with an $8 million surplus, achieved by identifying $4.5 million in operational efficiencies.
“We continue to offer value for money, sensible decision-making and discounts that help us maintain one of the lowest general rates in South East Queensland,” Mayor Harding said.
💰 What It Means for Ratepayers:
- Average general rate rise: 4.98% (down from 5.45% last year)
- Average increase in total rates and charges: $3.78 per week
- Infrastructure levy: $55 per household (unless land value exceeds $900,000)
- Waste utility charge: $513
- Enviroplan levy: $63
- Rural Fire levy: $3
Discounts remain in place, including:
- $132 early payment discount
- $258 full pensioner concession
- $127 part pensioner concession
- Freeze on metered street parking and full dog registration costs
- Introductory dog registration held at $20
🏗️ Key Capital Works Projects – $165M for 2025–2026:
Projected to grow to $200M in 2026–2027 and $211M in 2027–2028
🚧 Roads & Transport:
- $9M for Stage 1 of Ripley Road upgrade (part of $113.8M over 4 years)
- $7.3M to replace Purga School Road Bridge
- $7M to continue Stage 2 of Springfield Parkway upgrade ($42.3M total)
- $2.5M for Adelong Avenue rehabilitation, Thagoona
- $750,000 for Augusta Parkway/Sinnathamby Boulevard upgrades (part of $51.5M project)
🏟️ Sports & Community Infrastructure:
- $4.5M for North Ipswich Sport & Entertainment Precinct – Western Grandstand (part of $40M)
- $2M for Tivoli Sporting Complex expansion (part of $8.5M over 2 years)
- $23.6M total for sporting and community facilities
🌳 Environment, Arts, and Culture:
- $62.3M for resource recovery and waste services
- $24.6M for environment and sustainability
- $15.3M for libraries
- $8.1M for arts and cultural services
- $6M for sustainable transport and road safety
- Major upgrade planned for Ipswich Nature Centre, enhancing animal care and biosecurity
🎉 Community Programs to Continue:
- Free kerbside collection
- Free plant program
- Active and Healthy Ipswich initiative
- Ongoing investment in library services, Ipswich Art Gallery, and Civic Centre
- Support for major events and community festivals
Mayor Harding emphasised that councillors worked together to ensure the budget reflects community needs while maintaining long-term financial sustainability.
“Every decision has been made with residents at heart — keeping costs down, services strong, and Ipswich progressing,” she said.
For more information, visit: ipswich.qld.gov.au/budget
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