Ipswich is officially on the countdown to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, with Mayor Teresa Harding saying the next six years present a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the city to grow, attract investment and showcase itself on the world stage.
Speaking on West Bremer Radio, Mayor Harding said Ipswich is proud to play a key role as one of the region’s official co-host cities.
“Last Thursday we marked six years to go until the 2032 Olympic Games, and in just six years the world’s attention will turn to our region,” she said.
“I’m particularly excited that Brighton Homes Arena has been confirmed as a Games venue, giving our residents the chance to experience Olympic competition right here in our own backyard.”
The Mayor said Ipswich has already produced a number of elite athletes who have represented Australia at the highest level, including Mollie O’Callaghan, Ella Ramsay, Poppy Wilson, Taymon Kenton-Smith and Tara McGrath-West, with many expected to continue their international success in the lead-up to 2032.
Beyond sport, Mayor Harding said the Games are already delivering economic benefits.
“The Games will create huge economic momentum for us. We’re seeing more investment and businesses coming to our region,” she said.
She pointed to the recently announced Hilton Garden Inn development in the Ipswich CBD as one example of investment helping prepare the city for the influx of visitors expected during the Games.
As Ipswich’s representative on the Brisbane 2032 Host City Advisory Group, Mayor Harding said she is focused on ensuring the community enjoys lasting benefits long after the Olympic flame is extinguished.
Community Invited to Shape Ipswich’s Future
Residents are also being encouraged to help shape several major projects that will redefine the heart of Ipswich.
Council has received a $3.8 million Australian Government Urban Precincts and Partnerships Program grant to develop plans for five significant city projects, with community consultation now underway.
The proposed projects include:
- Expansion of the Ipswich Art Gallery.
- Redevelopment of the Ipswich Civic Centre.
- Creation of a revitalised Cultural Heart linking Nicholas Street and d’Arcy Doyle Place.
- A refresh of Brisbane Street.
- Improved connections to the City Centre Bikeway.
Mayor Harding said community feedback will play an important role in shaping the projects.
“We know people are coming into our city and we know they have very strong views, so we’re asking residents to come forward and give us their feedback.”
Consultation remains open until Sunday, 2 August through Council’s Shape Your Ipswich website.
Celebrating 32 Years of Friendship with Nerima
The Mayor also welcomed 66 students from Ipswich’s Japanese sister city of Nerima, who are participating in the annual Nerima Study Tour.
Now in its 32nd year, the exchange program sees students hosted by local families while attending schools across Ipswich, including Bremer State High School, Bundamba State Secondary College, Ipswich State High School, Redbank Plains State High School and Woodcrest State College.
Mayor Harding said the program continues to strengthen cultural ties between the two cities.
“It’s a great way to celebrate our 32-year sister city relationship with Nerima,” she said.
She also thanked the many Ipswich families who volunteer to host students each year.
“The families get so much out of it. Some have been hosting for more than 20 years because they love being part of the program.”
Community Spirit on Display
The Mayor rounded out the week by taking part in National Tree Day at Cribb Park, where more than 60 volunteers joined Council and local bushcare groups to plant trees as part of the long-running Garden of Eden Project.
She also attended the popular Great Marburg Bake Off, where entrants competed across several baking categories.
Mayor Harding said one of the highlights was learning how competition judges assess cakes.
“Even something as simple as wrinkles in the baking paper leaving marks on the bottom of the cake can cost you points,” she laughed.
From preparing for the Olympics to planning the city’s future and celebrating community traditions, Mayor Harding said Ipswich continues to build momentum on multiple fronts as it looks ahead to an exciting future.
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