GROWTH continues to be a big theme in Ipswich real estate, as the quarter-year from July to September saw the city add 2107 residents and complete 773 new homes.
The emerging suburbs of the city are beginning to take shape and with the population of the city expected to double by 2040, that won’t be stopping any time soon.
“The population growth represents opportunity for more jobs, economic growth and investment, and we now have plans in place to grow sustainably,” Mayor Harding said.
“In this quarter, Council approved an incredible 1164 new lots and oversaw the creation of a further 913 lots for sale.
“Ripley, Redbank Plains and Spring Mountain remain some of our fastest-growing suburbs, with Ripley alone welcoming 364 new residents and 117 new homes.
“New development White Rock makes its first appearance in the top-five fastest-growing areas in Ipswich, welcoming 51 new homes and 160 new residents in the past three months.”
As is often the case, the mayor called on the State Government to do more for the city. She said, “Ipswich is facing immense population growth in the coming years, and the State Government’s draft update to the South East Queensland Regional Plan, Shaping SEQ 2023, reveals just how quickly we are expected to grow.
“While the council is currently approving an average 50 homes per week, the State Government’s growth targets expect us to take on 100 homes per week.
“Without equally rapid and meaningful investment from the State Government in Ipswich’s public transport infrastructure and road network, these new suburbs risk being left behind.”
Councillor Paul Tully said council had seen an increase in the number of development applications determined in the quarter.
“Council officers assessed and determined 326 development applications in the quarter, up 4.5% from the June quarter,” he said.
“Across the board, our growth and development is increasing, with more new residents, more lots created, more new dwellings and more lots approved in the July-September quarter than in the April-June quarter.
“This quarter, council also added more than 7 km of new pathways and bikeways, 4.3 km of new local roads, and a further hectare of new local parks.”
Cr Tully also took the opportunity to take a swing at the State Government, adding, “Our city’s growth is increasing, and this growth only emphasises the urgent need for the State Government to work with us on delivering the much-needed critical infrastructure to support Ipswich.”