Ipswich has officially passed another major population milestone, with more than 275,000 people now calling the city home as rapid growth continues to reshape suburbs and increase pressure for new transport and community infrastructure.
Speaking on West Bremer Radio, Mayor Teresa Harding said Ipswich’s population had more than doubled over the past 20 years and was expected to double again during the next two decades.
The growth equates to around 167 new residents moving to Ipswich every week.
“I think people are enjoying the strong sense of community in Ipswich [and] the affordable lifestyle,” Mayor Harding said.
The latest figures have also produced a changing of the guard among Ipswich’s fastest-growing suburbs.
After four years at the top, Ripley has been overtaken by White Rock, which recorded 1,890 new residents over the past year.
Ripley added 1,625 residents, while Redbank Plains, Deebing Heights and Spring Mountain completed the city’s five fastest-growing areas.
Infrastructure needed to keep pace
Mayor Harding said the population boom was placing significant pressure on Council and other levels of government to deliver infrastructure at the same pace as new homes.
Council created 2,875 lots during the last financial year, while 3,157 new dwellings were recorded. More than 2,300 new lots had also been approved during the past two months, according to figures discussed during the interview.
Ipswich City Council is investing around $210 million this year in roads, parks and community facilities.
However, Mayor Harding said significant state and federal investment would also be required to provide major roads, public transport, schools, sporting facilities and other infrastructure.
She again highlighted the proposed Ipswich to Springfield Central Public Transport Corridor as Council’s highest transport priority.
The State Government is expected to commence a detailed business case later this year, with the corridor intended to improve public transport through areas including Ripley Valley and Redbank Plains.
“We know that 70 per cent of our future growth is going to be happening along there,” Mayor Harding said.
She expressed disappointment that the most recent state and federal budgets had provided no new funding for Ipswich transport projects.
“It’s about time that that changes,” she said.
Ipswich Jets keep finals hopes firing
There is also plenty of excitement surrounding Ipswich sport following a successful weekend for the Ipswich Jets.
Mayor Harding watched the Jets secure a convincing 32-18 victory at Goodna, despite temperatures reaching around 37 degrees.
The result comes amid renewed discussion about Ipswich potentially playing a role in the NRL’s future expansion as its 20th team.
Mayor Harding said a strong season had helped generate excitement around the possibility.
The Jets will now head to Rockhampton for their next finals assignment.
There was also success for the Jets Netball Sapphires, who won their final on Sunday and will contest the grand final at Nissan Arena this Sunday afternoon.
Conference explores 200 years of history
Ipswich’s past was also under the microscope during the Back to Limestone Conference, which attracted hundreds of historians, researchers and community members.
Mayor Harding said the conference was held as Ipswich approaches the bicentenary of the first European settlement in the area in 1826.
Hosted by the Royal Historical Society of Queensland alongside the local historical society, presentations explored subjects ranging from coal mining and railways to heritage homes and influential figures from the region’s history.
Mayor Harding said it was important the conference also recognised that Ipswich’s history extended far beyond European settlement.
The event acknowledged the First Nations history of the area and the Aboriginal peoples who have called the region home for millennia.
Galvanized celebrates Ipswich heritage
The conference coincided with the city’s Galvanized heritage festival, which is bringing historical events and activities to locations across Ipswich.
Mayor Harding said the program featured 31 events, including tours, workshops, historical reenactments and opportunities to explore significant heritage sites.
She officially launched this year’s festival in Marburg before attending the Back to Limestone Conference.
Residents can find the full Galvanized program through the Ipswich Festivals website.
$130,000 backs community organisations
Ipswich City Council has meanwhile provided more than $130,000 to 21 local organisations to support community projects and events.
Among the recipients, Fostering Multicultural Education Services received $2,500 for educational resources and textbooks.
BASE Support Services at Goodna received $15,000 towards roof, ceiling and floor repairs, while the Ipswich Historical Society received $15,000 towards removing lead paint from the Spinners and Weavers clubroom.
The North East Scout Group also received $15,000 to replace the roof of its Scout hall.
Mayor Harding encouraged sporting clubs, P&Cs, community organisations and event organisers to investigate the assistance available through Council.
With Ipswich adding more than 160 residents every week, she said supporting the organisations and infrastructure that underpin local communities would become increasingly important as the city continues its rapid expansion.
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