Ipswich Encouraged to Have Their Say on North Ipswich Development

Ipswich City Council is urging residents to lodge properly made submissions regarding a proposed development in North Ipswich before the public notification period closes on 19 December 2024.

The application, which proposes 472 residential units at 22 and 48 WM Hughes Street, has raised community concerns about potential impacts on the floodplain. A petition presented to council’s Infrastructure, Planning and Assets Committee highlighted these concerns, prompting councillors to encourage public input.

A Call for Submissions
Councillor Andrew Antoniolli, Chairperson of the Infrastructure, Planning and Assets Committee, emphasized the importance of community involvement.
“Now is the time for community members wanting to have a say on this proposal to do so by making a properly made submission,” Cr Antoniolli said.
“All properly made submissions will be carefully considered by council, alongside information provided by the applicant.”

Floodplain Considerations
The council is committed to balancing the city’s growth while mitigating flood risks. Cr Antoniolli noted the new Ipswich Plan 2024, which introduces stricter guidelines for developments in flood-prone areas.
“The draft plan includes a new approach to flood management, integrating disaster mitigation and sustainable development,” he said.

Division 4 Councillors Voice Support
Councillor David Martin acknowledged the long history of planned development in the area but highlighted the significance of the public notification period.
“This is an opportunity for the community to make its views known in a way that ensures they are appropriately considered,” Cr Martin said.

Councillor Jim Madden encouraged residents to utilize council’s development.i website, which offers access to development documents and tools to lodge submissions.
“I’m pleased Ipswich residents want to have their say on how our city develops,” Cr Madden said.

How to Lodge a Proper Submission
To be considered, submissions must:

• Include the name and address of each submitter.
• Clearly outline the grounds of the submission with supporting facts.
• Be submitted during the public notification period.
• Be signed by all submitters (or include a contact address if submitted on behalf of a group).

Submissions can be lodged through the development.i website, where residents can also track updates on the application.

For more information and to view documents related to the application, visit Ipswich City Council’s development.i website. Submissions close on 19 December 2024.