The campaign to bring NRL football to Ipswich is gathering fresh momentum, with Ipswich West MP Wendy Bourne renewing her push for the Ipswich Jets to secure the competition’s 20th licence.
Speaking on West Bremer Radio’s State of Play, Ms Bourne said Ipswich’s rugby league history, rapidly growing population and established supporter base provided a strong foundation for the bid.
The push comes as the NRL moves towards a decision on its 20th team, expected by the end of the year. (SEN)
“The Ipswich Jets have a proud history and a hugely loyal supporter base and a deep connection to rugby league across our region,” Ms Bourne said.
“We’ve got the players, the volunteers, the families, the supporters.”
Ms Bourne said she had written to Queensland Premier David Crisafulli, the NRL and others advocating for an Ipswich-based licence.
Her campaign for an Ipswich NRL team predates the latest expansion discussion, with Ms Bourne publicly calling earlier this year for the city to secure the 20th licence and pointing to the $40 million North Ipswich Reserve redevelopment as part of the region’s case.
Rugby league heartland stretches beyond Ipswich
Ms Bourne argued the potential catchment for an Ipswich-based NRL team extended well beyond the city itself into the broader western corridor, Darling Downs and Toowoomba.
“It’s just not Ipswich, it’s the Darling Downs, it’s Toowoomba,” she said.
“So we have a massive area where rugby league is a sport of choice for the residents.”
She also pointed to Ipswich’s long history of producing elite rugby league talent and the development pathways offered through local clubs and schools.
The Ipswich bid, however, faces competition for the licence. Recent reporting has identified other contenders, including proposals involving New Zealand and Toowoomba. (SEN)
Western corridor faces major growth
Away from football, Ms Bourne encouraged Ipswich West residents to have their say on the future of the city’s western growth corridor.
Ipswich City Council is developing a Western Growth Corridor Structure Plan covering Rosewood, Walloon, Thagoona and surrounding communities, setting a framework for development over coming decades.
Council describes the western corridor as a major growth area ultimately planned to accommodate more than 70,000 residents, supported by new infrastructure and community development.
Ms Bourne said the scale of future residential development meant governments needed to ensure roads, public transport, schools, health services and community facilities kept pace.
“You can just imagine the pressure then on the roads, the public transport, schools, health services and, of course, community facilities,” she said.
“We actually have to plan for that.”
Ms Bourne said maintaining the character and community connections of places such as Rosewood and Walloon should also be part of the conversation as the population increases.
“People love smaller communities, connection, local pride and looking after one another, but that’s all changing with the huge development that’s happening in the area, so people need to have their say,” she said.
Residents can provide feedback through Council’s Shape Your Ipswich engagement platform.
Black Snake Creek Festival returns
The western communities will also be celebrating this weekend with the return of the Black Snake Creek Festival at Marburg.
Ms Bourne praised the Marburg and District Residents Association for the work involved in delivering the event, which will feature markets, children’s activities and community entertainment.
The festival follows the Black Snake Creek Art Awards, with Ms Bourne describing the exhibition and awards as another successful part of the celebrations.
She will also operate a mobile office during the festival, giving residents an opportunity to discuss local issues while enjoying the day’s activities.
“Come along to the Black Snake Creek Festival and support these smaller communities,” she said.
The festival gets underway from 8am on Saturday.
Seniors invited to morning tea
Ms Bourne is also preparing to host an Ipswich West Seniors Morning Tea on Monday, October 19 at 10am at the Ipswich Sports Club.
The event will include guest speakers, information stalls and morning tea, with Ms Bourne saying it was also an opportunity to recognise the contribution older residents make to the electorate.
“We’d love to see them and thank them for everything they do, not only in the volunteering space but in their local community as well,” she said.
Residents interested in attending can contact Ms Bourne’s electorate office on 3447 3100.
With major population growth looming in Ipswich’s west and renewed attention on the city’s rugby league ambitions, Ms Bourne said ensuring the region receives the infrastructure and opportunities needed to support that growth would remain firmly on her agenda.
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