New residents boost Ipswich growth rate
Ipswich’s growth rate has shot to 3.5 per cent with more than 2,300 new residents unpacking the moving boxes over the past three months, particularly in Greater Springfield and Ripley.
Our beautiful city is now home to just over 268,000 people, with Ripley, Spring Mountain, White Rock, South Ripley, and Redbank Plains our fastest-growing suburbs.
This growth has been supported by the construction of 840 new residential dwellings during the September quarter of 2025 – a 19.3 per cent rise on the previous quarter.
Council is supporting housing availability and affordability required for the entire South East Queensland region, with 1,178 lots approved from July to September, 348 lots created and 54 reconfiguring a lot applications determined.
We are on track to become a city of 270,000 by the end of the year, part of the growth trajectory that will see an expected population of 534,000 within 20 years.
Let the Games begin – in six short years
Two years ago council released Leveraging 2032: Our Roadmap to the Olympic Games, outlining council’s strategic approach to achieving its shared vision for community advancement.
Our priorities remain harnessing the opportunities of the Games and shaping a lasting legacy for current and future generations. Two years on, council’s recently released progress report highlights achievements against the legacy outcomes.
Of 59 key actions, 61 per cent are on track, 14 per cent have been completed, and 21 per cent remain not started or are on hold pending decisions at a state level.
We will continue to work with the Organising Committee as they finalise the competition program over the next 12 months to secure a medal event for Ipswich.
That is something exciting to look forward to in 2026 as events are confirmed and locked in, with the Modern Pentathlon set to feature right here in the heart of Springfield.
Economic Development Incentive Policy updated
An updated Economic Development Incentive Policy represents a timely and strategic refresh of council’s approach to investment attraction.
By aligning with contemporary policy frameworks and incorporating best practices from other local governments, the revised policy ensures Ipswich City Council is well-positioned to support high-value, job-generating developments.
It reinforces our commitment to fostering sustainable economic growth and signals to industry that we are a proactive and capable partner in delivering transformative projects that align with our strategic objectives.
It will replace the existing 2015 policy and aims to attract and support new investment opportunities in the city. It also ensures we have the right mechanisms in place to encourage significant, high-value projects that contribute to economic growth in line with our strategic goals.
Christmas countdown is on – so get crackering
The sleigh bells are already ringing in Springfield, with Orion Springfield Central shopping centre having hosted an appearance by the man in the red suit on 8 November for Santa’s Arrival Parade.
The festivities continue with the Orion Twilight Christmas Markets on Tuesday, 23 December, giving those needing a last-minute gift a chance to get their hands on artisan and handcrafted items.
Our Letters to Santa initiative gives children the chance to collect and post a letter to Santa at all Ipswich City Council libraries and UB’s Milk Bar Ipswich, with the response to be sent directly to their home address.
The Springfield Carols in Springfield Central is a great chance for the community to come together on Saturday, 13 December, for another year as residents gather in the beautiful Robelle Domain to enjoy the festive spirit together.
If I don’t see or talk to you before the big day, have a wonderful Christmas everyone and a happy and joyful festive season with family and friends.