Council investing in the city with expanded three-year capital program
25 June 2021
Ipswich City Council is investing in the city’s bright future with a significant commitment of almost $450 million to its three-year capital works program.
Growth, Infrastructure and Waste Committee Chair, Mayor Teresa Harding outlined the three-year program as part of the new Annual Plan, incorporating the 2021-22 Budget.
Council has allocated $156 million in 2021-22, $162 million in 2022-23 and $116 million in 2023-24 for a total of $434 million across the three years.
Mayor Harding said council is committed to investing for the long-term.
“Ipswich is Queensland’s fastest growing city, with an additional 325,000 residents set to join our community by 2041,” Mayor Harding said.
“This council extended the horizon for capital works planning for the first time in 2020, introducing a three-year program.
“We remain committed to the long-term. Investing for the future means building the infrastructure and upgrading the facilities that will bring social services and jobs to Ipswich.”
For 2021-22, the capital works program has been split into corporate projects ($59 million) and infrastructure and environment projects ($97 million).
The budget will also see investment of $1 million to extend kerbside collection for another 12 months, after council adopted the Resource Recovery Implementation Plan in April. Maximising resource recovery opportunities in line with circular economy principles and providing excellence in customer service are two key principles for council activities under the plan.
The $246 million Nicholas Street Precinct is an investment priority, with council set to complete a make-over of retail, dining and entertainment spaces in 2022.
Council has committed almost $40 million to construction and related costs of the retail and entertainment precincts, and finalising the administration building, library and civic space. That includes new shops, cafes, restaurants, entertainment spots – venues which will be ultimately be leased by big name brands.
There is a $5.6 million contribution to development of the new Brisbane Lions sports complex at Springfield Central. The Mayor turned the first sod alongside State and Commonwealth representatives last month, and construction is well underway with a completion target of September 2022.
“As Queensland’s sporting heartland – the home of Ash Barty, the Walters Brothers and Ali Brigginshaw – Ipswich understands the value of hosting a national franchise,” Mayor Harding said.
“This $70 million boutique stadium, the home of the Brisbane Lions women, is more momentum for South East Queensland ahead of a host decision on the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
Ipswich is currently under consideration for the modern pentathlon and football preliminaries as part of South East Queensland’s 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games proposal. The International Olympic Committee is expected to name the 2032 Games’ host in July.
Council has also allocated $2.2 million to community safety and innovation, primarily through Safe Cities, and over $1 million to its advanced libraries program, including more self-service library pods and facility upgrades.