QUEENSLAND’S fastest growing city, Ipswich, has hit a major population milestone.
Dave and Philisha Riddell last week received the keys to their newly built home at Walloon, pushing the city’s population up to 250,000.
The Riddells were identified as the landmark residents by Ipswich City Council’s innovative Ipswich Population Modeller which tracks the number of wheelie bins issued to new residents.
Mayor Harding said Ipswich has come a long way since it was founded in 1860 and was proclaimed a city in 1904, at the time home to just 8,637 people.
“This latest milestone reaffirms our status as Queensland’s fastest growing city, with six new homes being added on average per day and more than 6,200 new residents choosing to call Ipswich home in the 12 months to 30 June.
Dave and Philisha Riddell said they chose Ipswich for the lifestyle it had to offer.
“We wanted to find somewhere that suited us, somewhere that was a little bit quieter. Walloon absolutely ticked that box for us,” Dave said.
“My work sometimes takes me to the RAAF Base at Amberley, so the location is convenient.
“We have two grown children now, and this home is for the next phase of our life. We’re really looking forward to being a part of the Ipswich community.”
The Riddell’s highlight the importance of new development and growth not coming at the cost of lifestyle choices such as housing types and range of lot sizes.
Cr Paul Tully said the Riddells had joined the Ipswich community at an exciting time for the city.
“Ipswich is poised to grow significantly in the years ahead, with our city’s population projected to grow from 250,000 today to 535,000 by 2046,” Cr Tully said.
“This growth brings some challenges but also significant opportunities for families choosing to live, work and play in Ipswich. There’s no better place to be right now in South East Queensland.”
