ROAD congestion, cost-of-living pressures and long-delayed transport projects are topping the priority lists of Ipswich’s elected representatives as the region looks ahead to 2026, with leaders calling for decisive action to keep pace with record population growth.
Mayor Teresa Harding and Councillor Jim Madden said all levels of government must work together to deliver long-promised infrastructure and coordinated investment, as Ipswich continues to grow faster than any other region in Queensland.
“As our city continues to grow at a faster rate than anywhere else in Queensland, my wish for 2026 is for all levels of government to work together to ensure this growth is managed in a sustainable, safe and balanced way so we continue to protect what is great about living in Ipswich,” Mayor Harding said.
“Our city has been tasked with taking on significant growth, but that should not come at the expense of our existing residents. In 2026, I want to see more investment flowing into Ipswich to deliver the roads and transport, green spaces, and sporting and community infrastructure our city needs to thrive.”
Mayor Harding said Ipswich’s role as a co-host city for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games must translate into lasting benefits for the local community.
“As a proud co-host city of the Brisbane 2032 Games, we are eager to ensure the community benefits from this opportunity,” she said. “We are advocating for a synthetic athletics track to be built in Ipswich and to attract elite teams and competitors by ensuring our facilities, clubs and accommodation options are ready to welcome the world.”
She said transport infrastructure would be critical to supporting both Ipswich’s rapid population growth and its Olympic legacy ambitions.
“The Ipswich to Springfield Central Public Transport Corridor is progressing, with the Detailed Business Case set to begin in 2026, paving the way for a mass transit link through our rapidly expanding communities,” she said.
Cr Madden said his focus for the year ahead was seeing a number of long-stalled State Government road projects finally completed.
He pointed to critical projects including repairs to the Bremer River Bridge on the Warrego Highway, where speed and weight restrictions were imposed in August 2023; repairs to the nearby Mount Crosby Road overpass struck by a truck in May 2025; construction of the long-planned Karalee Interchange; and the Amberley Intersection Upgrade on the Cunningham Highway.
Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann said his focus in the year ahead remained on easing cost-of-living pressures while delivering long-promised transport and community infrastructure for the fast-growing region.
“Having secured federal funding for several major projects in Ipswich and the Somerset, I want to see the Queensland Government progress the Amberley Interchange and Ipswich to Springfield rail business case, as well as upgrades to the Mount Crosby Interchange, Bremer River Bridge, Brisbane Valley Highway and Ipswich Motorway,” he said.
Mr Neumann said there were also several additional initiatives he hoped would gain momentum in 2026, including further redevelopment at North Ipswich Reserve, incorporating a new High Performance Centre, administration block and eastern grandstand.
Mr Neumann also reiterated his support for Ipswich Hospice plans.
Ipswich’s State MPs said 2026 must be the year when long-promised infrastructure and cost-of-living relief translate into tangible outcomes for local residents.
For State Member for Bundamba Lance McCallum, cost-of-living pressures remain front of mind as families continue to grapple with rising expenses.
As Ipswich continues to expand, the message from local leaders is clear: 2026 must be the year when growth is matched with infrastructure delivery, affordability measures and transparency that deliver real, lasting benefits for the community.
