Ipswich City Council’s record-breaking 2026–27 Budget, the start of NAIDOC Week and the return of the SPARK Ipswich Festival are among the major highlights for the city this week, according to Mayor Teresa Harding.
Speaking on West Bremer Radio, Mayor Harding said Council’s newly adopted budget delivers the largest capital works investment in the city’s history, with a strong focus on improving suburban infrastructure.
Record Investment Across Ipswich
The budget includes a $672 million Capital Works Program over the next three years, with 90 per cent of that investment directed to projects outside the Ipswich CBD.
“It is our largest ever capital works spend over three years,” Mayor Harding said.
“What that means is more roads being upgraded, more sporting facilities being built, more footpaths and continued investment in the infrastructure our growing city needs.”
Among the major projects are:
- $35 million over two years to complete the Western Grandstand redevelopment at North Ipswich Reserve.
- $108 million over three years to continue upgrades to Ripley Road.
- $8.1 million for improvements to Limestone Park, including a new off-leash dog park, upgraded fitness equipment and improved facilities.
- $5 million towards a new sporting facility adjacent to Brighton Homes Arena at Springfield Central.
- $3 million over two years for flood mitigation works at the Marburg Detention Basin.
Mayor Harding said while projects such as sporting facilities often attract attention, flood mitigation remains equally important for protecting local communities.
“It may not be as exciting as a new sporting facility, but people in Marburg are very happy about those flood mitigation works,” she said.
Strong Financial Position
Mayor Harding said Council had worked hard to balance infrastructure investment with responsible financial management.
The budget includes $6.8 million in organisational efficiencies, a projected $9.2 million operating surplus and a reduction in Council debt of $23.3 million.
“We’ve made significant efficiencies across the organisation so we can redirect that money into roads, parks and community infrastructure,” she said.
Mayor Harding also noted Ipswich’s rates increase remained among the lowest in South East Queensland despite rising construction and maintenance costs.
“We’re not immune from the same cost increases affecting households and businesses,” she said.
“Things like asphalt have increased dramatically over the past few years, so we have to keep investing if we want to maintain our roads and public spaces.”
NAIDOC Week Celebrations Begin
Mayor Harding encouraged residents to take part in NAIDOC Week celebrations, marking 50 years of the national event celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, history and achievement.
Activities are being held at Tulmur Place from 10am to 2pm, featuring cultural performances, entertainment, community stalls, food vendors and activities for families.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for all Australians to recognise the history, achievements and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” Mayor Harding said.
The celebrations also coincide with the launch of community consultation for the next City of Ipswich Indigenous Accord, which will guide Council’s engagement with First Nations communities from 2026 to 2031.
Ipswich has maintained an Indigenous Accord since 1995, making it one of the longest-running agreements of its kind in Queensland.
Residents can provide feedback through Council’s Shape Your Ipswich consultation platform.
SPARK Festival Returns
The city’s annual SPARK Ipswich Festival also begins this week, bringing five days of arts, music and cultural events to venues across Ipswich.
Mayor Harding said demand had been exceptionally strong, with several headline events already selling out.
“I went to book tickets for Jimmy Rees and it had already sold out,” she said.
“Then I tried to book the Vivaldi by Candlelight performance and that had sold out too.”
Among the festival highlights are:
- Circus Ipswich Gala performances.
- Little Day Out children’s music festival.
- World of Music at Springfield.
- Creative Hub activities.
- Chalk and Cheese events.
- Saplings Musical.
- SPARK After Dark entertainment.
Mayor Harding will also participate in an ambitious attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the largest trombone ensemble, with organisers aiming to surpass the current record of 368 musicians by attracting more than 400 performers.
“I’ve even got a trombone lesson booked,” she laughed.
The world record attempt will take place on Sunday 12 July.
Sports Awards Nominations Open
Council is also calling for nominations for the 2026 Ipswich Sports Awards, recognising athletes, volunteers, coaches and sporting organisations that have made an outstanding contribution to local sport.
Categories include:
- Junior Sportsperson of the Year
- Senior Sportsperson of the Year
- Masters Sportsperson of the Year
- Team of the Year
- Coach of the Year
- Official of the Year
- Volunteer of the Year
- Sporting Organisation of the Year
Nominations close on 9 August, with finalists to be announced on 11 September.
Mayor Harding encouraged residents to recognise the volunteers and athletes who make a difference in their local sporting communities.
“Often people think someone else will nominate them,” she said.
“If there’s someone in your club or community doing a wonderful job, now is the time to put their name forward.”
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