Mayor’s column monthly newsletter – February 2025

Housing Action Plan

We all know that Ipswich is growing at a very rapid rate, but housing supply and affordability issues are making it hard for people to have a roof over their heads.

I’m very pleased that the new City of Ipswich Housing Action Plan has recently been adopted, with an aim for everyone in Ipswich to find a safe place to call home. The plan lays out a path to improve housing diversity, availability, choice and affordability.

Our city has a high proportion of detached residential housing – most houses are standalone homes on a single block of land but not everyone needs this type of house. This plan aims to diversify the housing we have in our city and provide more choice, from townhouses to duplexes to apartments.

Though housing is mostly the responsibility of State and Federal governments, council is advocating for more investment through this plan. But our residents still need to be able to move around, and this is why we need the State and Federal governments’ support to fund more public transport options for residents.

This plan will help many families and individuals who have diverse housing needs. To read the plan, click here.

Ipswich Economic Development Strategy Report

It’s wonderful to see that the Ipswich Economic Development Strategy 2023-2027 has been progressing well, with key deliverables being achieved since its adoption.

Every six months, a report is prepared to track the progress of the strategy, with the most recent report being moved at the December 2024 Council Ordinary Meeting.

Over the past six months, council officers have worked with 72 local businesses to foster investment and growth. We have continued to offer key services, such as the Local Business Concierge, supporting new business enquiries and supporting investment enquiries.

Council also runs the Mentoring for Growth program and The Small Business, Home Business and Entrepreneurship Program held in Ipswich Libraries, with a number of businesses joining the programs.

Our local businesses are the backbone of our thriving economy and council is committed to equipping our businesses with the necessary tools to succeed.

Read the full report here.

Springfield Parkway Road upgrade

The next step of our city’s biggest road upgrade has taken place, with the tender being awarded for earthworks, drainage and sleeper walls on Springfield Parkway and Springfield Greenbank Arterial Road.

It’s great to have BMD Construction Pty Ltd onboard to deliver the works following a competitive tender process.

These works are crucial to the road upgrade and will lay a solid foundation. Thousands of motorists use these key roads each day, whether they’re heading to local businesses, watching a game at Brighton Homes Arena or taking the kids to school. I look forward to seeing the community benefit from this important upgrade.

To keep up to date with the works, click here.