Ipswich mayor Teresa Harding calls for federal, state government investment

More than 1600 people moved to Ipswich in the first quarter of this year, a new report has revealed, sparking pleas from Mayor Teresa Harding for the federal and state governments to chip in for vital infrastructure.

Ipswich mayor Teresa Harding has called for more federal and state government cash for infrastructure after a new report revealed 1600-plus people moved in during the first quarter of 2024.

The latest council planning and regulatory services quarterly report, released this week, found the city’s population had hit a new high 254,093, an increase of 0.7 per cent on the final figure for 2023.

“Growth in our eastern suburbs continues to deliver, with Ripley our fastest-growing suburb, welcoming 395 new residents and 129 new dwellings over the quarter,” Ms Harding said.

“Redbank Plains, South Ripley, Spring Mountain, Brookwater and Collingwood Park round out the top growth suburbs this quarter.”

Ms Harding said Ipswich was one of the fastest-growing cities in Queensland.

“Our latest figures support Council’s ongoing advocacy efforts for the public transport corridor between Ipswich Central and Springfield Central and state support for the booming Ripley development area,” she said.

Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding says new population statistics underlined the need for more federal and state infrastructure support. Picture: Tertius Pickard

“We need more road, rail and transport options to cater for our increasing population.

“This is something council will be fighting hard for with an upcoming election in Queensland and a federal election not too long after that.”

The overall growth was lower than the previous quarter.

The report also revealed 625 more housing lots were released to the market, an increase of 19.5 per cent which underlined a growing confidence in development.

“This is a clear sign that activity is set to pick up again in 2024 and we will likely see another boost to our population and the corresponding demands on infrastructure, including our traffic network,” Ms Harding said.

“It shows that people have confidence in Ipswich as a vibrant, attractive place to settle, an ideal city to live, work and play.

“Delivering our own major infrastructure and lobbying the state and federal governments for our fair share of funding are key issues this new council is focused on.”

Originally published as Ipswich mayor Teresa Harding calls for federal, state government investment