On the back of another successful Ipswich Show, it was announced last weekend that the Showgrounds would receive a $6 million investment from the Federal Government.
Not only does the venue provide a base for events, but it also plays its part as a hub during emergencies and disaster.
The Ipswich Show Society received the funding through the Government’s Investing in Our Communities Program and Protecting Our Communities (Disaster Resilience) Program, with it consisting of $4.5 million for general upgrades as part of the redevelopment, and a further $1.5 million to improve the grounds with basic amenities to act as refuge and shelter for displaced people during a disaster.
The funding will 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.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt and Member for Blair Shayne Neumann made the announcement at the official opening of the show.
Mr Neumann said he was pleased to see another election commitment delivered, which would benefit the local community.
“I’m proud to have advocated for this investment and to work with the Ipswich Show Society to provide these much-needed upgrades to the showgrounds,” he said.
Mr Neumann said Ipswich was one of the fastest-growing regions in the country and needed better community infrastructure to support the local population.
“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.
“This will have facilities to transform the centre into a purpose-built emergency relief centre for use by the entire region.”
Work will begin in June and is expected to end in December 2025.
