Council and the community’s strong advocacy to see North Ipswich Reserve transformed into a boutique rectangular stadium has paid off, as the Queensland Government announces its commitment of $10 million to the redevelopment.
The $10 million commitment from Premier Steven Miles joins Ipswich City Council’s long-standing commitment of $10 million as well as a $20 million Australian Government commitment secured by the Member for Blair, the Hon. Shayne Neumann MP.
Ipswich Mayoral candidate Teresa Harding, Patron of the Ipswich Jets, said the commitment would see the much-loved North Ipswich Reserve expanded to become a modern venue for multiple sports and community events.
“North Ipswich Reserve has been a major advocacy priority for this Council and we’ve worked extremely hard this term to secure commitments from the Australian and Queensland governments to bring this project to life,” she said.
“I have had many discussions with our local members, ministers and the Premier himself about the importance of this project to Ipswich and the ongoing revival of our city centre.
Most recently, I made the pitch to the Queensland Cabinet while they were in Ipswich last month.
“I am delighted by the commitment which is no doubt due to the strong advocacy and collaboration that exists between Council and our local State and Federal members.
Without us working together, this simply would not be possible.”
She add added that the timing of the announcement would elevate North Ipswich Reserve’s prospects of being included in the Brisbane 2032 venue masterplan, which is currently undergoing a 60-day review.
“Ipswich is honoured to already be a co-host city for the Brisbane 2032 Games, having secured Brighton Homes Arena a place on the existing venue masterplan.
“I strongly believe North Ipswich Reserve, which is now funded for redevelopment and in close proximity to heavy rail and the Nicholas Street Precinct, should be seriously considered as a cost-effective option for the Brisbane 2032 masterplan.
“I have certainly made a strong pitch to Mr Graham Quirk and the 2032 review team, when we met last month, about the inclusion of North Ipswich Reserve, and this announcement will only strengthen this case.
“Council is already in the market to commence the planning and design phase of this project, with the aim of completing these works in time for the 2032 Games.
“North Ipswich Reserve would make an ideal location for football or rugby in the 2032 Games, or alternatively has the space to accommodate modern pentathlon which frees up Brighton Homes Arena for new 2032 sports such as cricket.
FAST FACTS:
IN November 2022, the Australian Government committed $20 million to the redevelopment of North Ipswich Reserve in a bid to attract high level sports and concert events to Ipswich.
In April 2023, Ipswich City Council amended an existing council resolution to confirm its commitment of $10 million towards the redevelopment of North Ipswich Reserve.
The resolution was subject to commitments of at least equivalent funding by both the Australian and Queensland governments.
