IPSWICH has capped off one of its most transformative years with major transport expansions, landmark planning reforms and strengthened community services reshaping the city’s direction and delivering tangible benefits for residents.
Significant improvements to the city’s transport network have already begun to take effect, with 198 new weekly bus services now operating and construction milestones reached on key road corridors.
The Springfield Parkway and Greenbank Arterial upgrade achieved a major step forward this year, doubling traffic capacity and improving safety for more than 30,000 daily commuters.
In another boost for the region’s growing south-east, work has officially begun on the long-awaited Ripley Rd upgrade. Backed by a record $73.6 million State Government investment in the Ripley Valley, the project is expected to unlock more than 11,000 new homes through essential road and infrastructure works.
One of Ipswich City Council’s most significant achievements was the adoption of the new Ipswich City Plan 2025 and Local Government Infrastructure Plan. Developed over seven years and shaped by almost 100,000 community contributions, the new scheme replacing a 20-year-old planning framework.
The year also marked a turning point in the long- running campaign to address odour impacts linked to the Swanbank waste industry. The Swanbank Public Health Inquiry, backed by more than 500 resident submissions, confirmed the health impacts experienced by some residents were real and in some cases debilitating.
Council continued to push for major infrastructure commitments, including upgrades at the Amberley intersection on the Cunningham Highway, the Mount Crosby Rd interchange, a new Warrego Highway interchange and essential repairs to the Bremer River Bridge. Planning for Brisbane 2032 infrastructure and a proposed synthetic athletics track also featured prominently in Council’s advocacy efforts.
Ipswich celebrated several major anniversaries throughout 2025, including the city’s 165th birthday and the 175th anniversary of Ipswich Libraries. The Ipswich Civic Centre also celebrated 50 years with a week of performances and community events.
The revitalisation of the Nicholas Street Precinct continued to gain momentum, attracting more than 2.2 million visitors this year and hosting more than 50 major events. The precinct also earned international attention after Ipswich’s spirited campaign to attract Ed Sheeran’s pop-up pub led to Warner Music Australia commissioning a new mural ahead of the singer’s 2026 tour.
Youth leadership, sport and community development surged ahead. Ipswich was confirmed as a co-host city for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, new lighting was installed at Ivor Marsden Park, and the Silver Jubilee Sports Facility Clubhouse opened at Spring Mountain.
Council’s Ipswich Sports Forum also brought 33 clubs together to set priorities and long-term goals for local sport.
Council also strengthened its engagement with the city’s diverse communities through the launch of the new Multicultural Advisory Committee.
Every milestone achieved in 2025 has been shaped by strong community input and collaboration. Ipswich now enters its next chapter with confidence, resilience and a renewed sense of civic pride.
