IPSWICH is accelerating onto the global sporting stage, positioning itself as a high-performance training base for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Ipswich City Council has released a new international team attraction brochure, City of Ipswich: Your Next High Performance Base, promoting the city’s elite sporting facilities as ideal pre-Games training and preparation venues for athletes, coaches and support staff from around the world.
Mayor Teresa Harding said the brochure marked a major milestone in Ipswich’s Olympic and Paralympic journey.
“The release of City of Ipswich: Your Next High Performance Base is a pivotal moment, ensuring our city and its facilities leap off the page and into the global spotlight,” Mayor Harding said.
“Council is determined to secure lasting legacy benefits from this global mega-event, including the economic and social uplift that comes from welcoming the world’s best athletes to Ipswich.”
Mayor Harding said Ipswich’s reputation for developing elite athletes was built on decades of investment in grassroots sport and high-quality infrastructure.
“From Ash Barty and Mollie O’Callaghan to rising stars like Gout Gout and Eithen Leard, Ipswich has a proven track record of producing world-class athletes,” she said.
“Now it’s time to share one of the biggest reasons behind that success – our elite facilities.”
Leading the city’s high-performance offering is Brighton Homes Arena, confirmed as a Games venue in the Brisbane 2032 Delivery Plan. The venue features an outdoor oval, a 50m by 35m indoor field, a state-of-the-art gymnasium, and lap and recovery pools, positioning it as a premier training hub.“It’s little wonder the Brisbane Lions are back-to-back AFL premiers, as well as AFLW two-time champions and seven-time grand finalists,” Mayor Harding said.
Council is also progressing the North Ipswich Sport and Entertainment Precinct, with construction set to begin on a new $40 million western grandstand, including multiple changerooms, media facilities and hospitality spaces.
Other venues highlighted in the brochure include the Redbank Plains Recreation Reserve Skate and Youth Area, Briggs Road Hockey Complex, Willey Street Park BMX Track, Hidden Vale Adventure Park and Brookwater Golf and Country Club.
Mayor Harding said the Games would mark a significant period in the city’s sporting history.
“As a sports-loving city, this will be one of the most exciting times Ipswich has ever experienced, and we’re ready to welcome the world with open arms.”
Council is also progressing its Hotel and Short-Term Accommodation Plan to increase options for national and international sporting teams.
