Ipswich, a city in south-east Queensland, is anticipating a significant population increase, expected to double to around 535,000 by 2046. In response to this burgeoning demand, the local council has initiated plans for the construction of an additional 100,000 homes over the next two decades. A large area situated in the Ripley Valley has recently been approved for over 400 new homes, which are already attracting interest from developers eager to meet the housing needs of the growing population.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding highlighted that the city has transitioned from having the oldest planning scheme in Queensland to one of the most contemporary, a process that took six years to devise. The new planning framework allows for increased residential density and building height limits, especially in areas near transport lines, ensuring growth is well-planned rather than random. For instance, height limits in the central business district are being raised from 10 to 15 storeys, facilitating taller buildings.
Harding emphasised the importance of maintaining a sense of community identity while welcoming newcomers, stating that Ipswich values its close-knit community atmosphere. Additional planning allowances will enable around 22,000 properties to apply for granny flats with fewer regulatory hurdles, streamlining development processes.
The city’s growth is largely attributed to both interstate and international migration, alongside a shift in housing preferences as single-person households become increasingly common. Flood risk considerations have also informed these development plans, ensuring that growth does not exacerbate potential disaster risks.
Overall, Ipswich is poised for remarkable urban expansion, with strategic planning at its core to embrace change while safeguarding the character of the community.