Glimpse of the future: The 10 major projects to transform Ipswich

Driverless ‘green’ trains and a floodproof super bridge are among the 10 projects destined to put Queensland’s fastest growing city on the map. INSIDE THE PLANS

Queensland’s fastest growing city, Ipswich, is booming and millions of dollars are being spent on major projects to allow Brisbane’s western neighbour to keep pace with its population surge.

Ipswich’s population of 240,000 is expected to double in the next 20 years with estimates of 550,000 residents by 2041.

The unprecedented growth is putting pressure on health services, the housing market, education, and vital transport infrastructure.

Here’s a sneak peek at 10 of the major projects in the pipeline to ease the squeeze.

THE 10 GAME-CHANGING PROJECTS FOR IPSWICH

1. NICHOLAS STREET PRECINCT REDEVELOPMENT

Futuristic glimpse: 10 major projects for Queensland's fastest growing city, Ipswich.

More than $250 million of ratepayers’ money has been funnelled into revamping and revitalisation the Ipswich CBD.

The major shopping and leisure hub will have a world-class cinema, gym, hotel, library, and retail shops.

A number of businesses have already opened, including gelato eatery Gelatissimo and a Terry White Chemmart with a Zambrero, That Dumpling Place, and Sushi Hyo to soon follow.

In its 2022-2023 budget, Ipswich council allocated an extra $41.5 million to the project.

More details here.

2. NORMAN STREET BRIDGE

A second Ipswich Central river crossing has been officially recognised by Infrastructure Australia.

Ipswich may soon be home to a second river crossing to alleviate congestion, improve CBD transport, and provide access during floods.

Infrastructure Australia identified the $372 million river crossing at Norman St as a national priority last month.

The council said the crossing was vital to sustain the region’s population growth.

Ipswich mayor Teresa Harding asked the state government to support the project to ensure it can be constructed in a timely manner.

3. INLAND RAIL TUNNEL

A $14.5 billion vision to build a 52km inland rail tunnel underground from Ipswich to the Port of Brisbane could revolutionise the way freight is transported.

The ambitious PortConnex project would include driverless and battery-operated trains.

The visionaries behind the project, former Thiess CEO Martin Albrecht and the National Trunk Rail consortium, said the project could be built in five years.

More details here.

4. SPRINGFIELD HOSPITAL EXPANSION

An artist’s impression of the new Mater Hospital which is due to open in Springfield.

The long-promised and vital expansion of the Springfield Mater Hospital is one of the region’s most anticipated developments as residents continue to suffer through the pandemic.

The project will include both public and private health care facilities.

The expansion will include a maternity ward, intensive care facility, emergency department, and 233 hospital beds, 174 of which will be public.

More details here.

5. DRUG AND ALCOHOL REHABILITATION CENTRE

Plans for a state government residential rehabilitation service in Goodna were cancelled. Picture: Contributed

Queensland Health plans to build a state-of-the-art residential rehabilitation and withdrawal facility at Ipswich.

The centre is part of an effort to address a lack of support services for residents who suffer with addiction.

However, it is not yet known where it will be built.

The voluntary adult facility was earmarked for a large parcel of bushland at Goodna but Queensland Health received backlash from environmentalists and concerned locals.

More details here.

6. NEW AUGUSTINE HEIGHTS SCHOOL

A new state primary school is planned for Augustine Heights in 2023.

Augustine Heights State School will be one of Queensland’s newest schools with the capacity to teach up to 1000 students once completed.

The $85 million project started construction in early 2022 and is expected to open in 2023 for term one.

The school will be located at the end of Keidges Rd and is designed to cater for families living in the rapidly expanding western corridor.

More details here.

7. RETIREMENT VILLAGE AND AGED CARE FACILITY

PGS Invest Pty Ltd will build a retirement village on a 11.4 hectare block in Goodna. Picture: Artist impressions Precinct Urban Planning

PGS Invest Pty Ltd plans to build Australia’s leading retirement village and aged care centre at Goodna.

The inclusive aged care facility, to be called Abadi Gaia, which translates to “mother Earth” will have 189 independent living units, an aged care and dementia facility with another 81 beds, and 15 special disability accommodation units.

Developers claim the project will offer a luxury lifestyle among rolling hills at 107 Bertha St. Plans include a sauna, gym, restaurant, library and business centre but the plans are yet to be approved by the council.

More details here.

8. BRISBANE GREYHOUND CENTRE

An artist’s impression of the greyhound racing complex proposed for Purga, Ipswich.

The construction of a controversial $40 million greyhound racing track at Purga is yet to get the green light from the state government.

The project is tipped to be a major drawcard for the Ipswich economy.

Racing Queensland wants to build on the site of the former Swifts Football Club at the intersection of the Cunningham and Centenary highways.

More than 72,986 people have signed an online petition to stop the track and a number of protests have been held since the project was announced.

More details here.

9. EBBW VALE BUSINESS HUB

A large commercial precinct is in the works for Ebbw Vale, which may become a retail hub for furniture outlets, appliance stores, carpet retailers and construction suppliers.

Ipswich City Council approved the demolition of four homes so the development could be built at 74 Brisbane Rd.

The DJS Pty Ltd development application noted there was limited land in Ebbw Vale for commercial development.

“A commercial development use is seen to be the most logical use for the site, as it provides amenity to the residents of Ebbw Vale and creates employment opportunities within a growing suburb,” DJS said.

More details here.

10. DAWN WALLOON ESTATE

Plans for the proposed 1022 new houses in the Dawn Walloon Estate.

A number of housing estates are planned for the Ipswich region, however the Dawn Estate at Walloon will have more than 1022 houses once completed.

Early this month, Walloon Developments Pty Ltd submitted its development application to the council for 7001 Parkland Dr, 33-153 Caledonian Rd, and 246 Taylors Rd, Walloon.

The homes will be near the Amberley RAAF air base, a quick 9km drive to the Ipswich CBD.

More details here.