City’s 190,000th residents to call Ipswich home

NEVER in their wildest dreams did Nirvan Soogrim and Shae Freeth think they would be a part of a major city milestone.

ALL SMILES: At the award ceremony are (from left) Councillor Paul Tully, Addison and Nirvan Soogrim with Mayor Paul Pisasale, Shae Freeth and Councillor Sheila Ireland. Picture: PETER CHAPMAN

NEVER in their wildest dreams did Nirvan Soogrim and Shae Freeth think they would be a part of a major city milestone.

The Redbank Plains couple have been named as the 190,000th residents to call the region home.

Mr Soogrim said he was surprised to receive a call from Ipswich City Council informing him of the milestone.

He said it was an added bonus after making the decision to move to the region.

"We are extremely happy we moved to the region as all our family live here and it adds to our excitement," he said.

"It was a huge surprise to learn we were the 190,000th residents - it was pretty cool and very random actually."

• OPINION: Fast growth brings big changes

Mr Soogrim, along with his partner Shae and their daughter Addison, moved to the region from Springwood to be closer to work.

He said it was one of the best decisions the family has made.

"We both work for GE Money and when the company decided to move its headquarters from Woolloongabba to Springfield, we decided to move as well," he said.

"The housing is very affordable across the region and it was certainly a factor and an added bonus.

"There is so much opportunity here and it is an extremely family-friendly region.

"Ipswich has a strong community feel and people are extremely proud of where they live."

Ipswich is the fastest growing region in the state with forecasts tipping the city's population to reach 435,000 over the next two decades.