Federal government funds $6m upgrade for Ipswich Showgrounds

Fresh after another successful Show, ageing infrastructure will be upgraded at the Ipswich Showgrounds under a $6 million federal government cash injection.

Federal Blair MP Shayne Neumann at the 151st Ipswich Show opening ceremony on May 17, 2024.

Fresh after another successful Show, ageing infrastructure will be upgraded at the Ipswich Showgrounds under a $6 million federal government cash injection.

The funding includes $4.5 million for general upgrades and $1.5 million to improve the grounds, with basic amenities to act as a refuge and shelter for people displaced during disasters.

The funds would be used by the Ipswich Show Society to replace ageing infrastructure within the showgrounds, increasing the venue’s functionality as a disaster evacuation site for the community.

The upgrades formed part of a larger redevelopment project which included constructing a laundry facility, installing rainwater tanks and enhancing the electrical outlets and lighting of the showground precinct.

Replacing the existing Cattle Pavilion and Ken Roberts Pavilion and rebuilding the current boundary fencing along Warwick Road and Parker Avenue were also proposed for better accessibility and safety in the area.

Federal Blair MP Shayne Neumann said during the opening ceremony at this year’s Ipswich Show on Friday that the funding would benefit the local community.

“Ipswich has experienced many floods over the years with residents often forced from their homes and needing emergency accommodation and support,” Mr Neumann said.

“This funding injection will boost our flood resilience and allow us to upgrade the showground buildings to provide services that people need until they are able to return to their homes.

“Ipswich is one of the fastest growing regions in the country and we need better community infrastructure to support the local population.

Emergency management minister Murray Watt at the 151st Ipswich Show opening ceremony on May 17, 2024.

“These upgrades will include toilets, showers and privacy for locals when emergencies strike.

“This project will deliver vital community infrastructure to future-proof Ipswich against the impacts of devastating natural disasters, as well as providing economic stimulus and local jobs.

“In addition, the redevelopment of the showgrounds is an important step towards the Show Society’s ambitious plans for a future Ipswich Events and Exhibition Centre.

“This will have facilities to transform the centre into a purpose-built emergency relief centre for use by the entire region.”

Emergency Management Minister Murray Watt said the government was committed to keeping Queenslanders safe and making sure communities were better prepared for natural disasters.

“These upgrades will ensure the showgrounds will support evacuation efforts, and make sure the Ipswich community is better prepared and more resilient in the future,” he said.

Construction would start in June and was expected to be completed by December, 2025.

Originally published as Federal government funds $6m upgrade for Ipswich Showgrounds