A town the size of Beaudesert moves into Ipswich
11 September 2021
Annual growth figures show that a town the size of Beaudesert is moving to Ipswich every year, with 2020-2021 financial year data showing 6,070 residents moved to the city, taking total population above 234,614.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding called the results a vote of confidence for Ipswich’s affordability and lifestyle, but warned that serious infrastructure investment was needed to support the region’s burgeoning population.
“I have real concerns about how critical infrastructure needs will be met – much of the region’s growth is in the Ripley development area, where there has been serious under-investment in important infrastructure like roads, water and sewerage, and public transport infrastructure a growing community wants and needs,” Mayor Harding said.
“We know that 70 per cent of the city’s population growth towards 2041 will occur between Ipswich Central and Springfield.
“Things like the Ipswich to Springfield Public Transport Corridor (I2S) need to be much further advanced.
“Public transport is critical to give our booming suburbs access to jobs, services and education.
“This work needs to happen now – it could take up to 10 years to be completed – residents can’t and shouldn’t have to wait that long.
“Our city is growing faster than 4 percent per year, through to 2026, and the population is set to more than double by 2041, meaning work needs to happen now to meet this future need.”
Council’s Planning and Regulatory Services Annual Report from 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021 provides a snapshot of development activity and population growth across the city, highlighting the need for action.
There were 2,547 dwellings approved and 1,508 new lots created in the past year, bringing our total dwellings to 86,603.
Two suburbs completed more than one new home a day: Spring Mountain leads with 427 new houses approved and 1,285 residents moving to the suburb.
Ripley, the second fastest growing suburb, completed 389 new homes and 1,199 new residents moving in.
Council has delivered substantial new recreation facilities across the city, to meet the lifestyle needs of both new and existing residents, as well as substantial road and cycle infrastructure.
An additional 17.42 hectares of local parks were created, and 14.13 hectares added to local reserves.
Bikeways and pathways have been extended by 43.42 kilometres and an additional 30.20 kilometres of local roads have been built.
Read the full Planning and Regulatory Services Annual Report here.