Our Community
About the Ipswich region
www.ipswich.qld.gov.au/about_ipswich/
The fast-growing Ipswich region – is just a 40-minute drive from Brisbane City – encompasses the local government areas of Ipswich City, Boonah Shire, Esk Shire and Laidley Shire. The area is predicted to be the major growth corridor for the entire South-East Queensland region over the next 15 years.
Ipswich has a strong and diverse economy with many exciting opportunities for investors; it ‘s a great place to do business and a great place to invest!
This year Ipswich was officially recognised by the International Awards for Liveable Communities for being the world's most liveable mid-sized city. Ipswich scored the win in Category C for cities with a population between 75,001 - 200,000, from a field of eight other cities around the world.
In addition Ipswich was also a finalist in the 2007 Tourism Queensland Friendliest Town Award and South East Queensland Regional Winner of the 2007 Tourism Queensland Friendliest Town Award
Urban planning has played a critical part in establishing this future growth trajectory, with the swelling of South-East Queensland over the past 10 years providing the impetus to look to the Western Corridor to solve the growing space problem in the region.
The result has been the creation of two major master planned communities to the southeast of Ipswich City CBD; ‘Greater Springfield’ and ‘Ripley Valley’, which are set to reinvigorate the region with new vibrancy and prosperity.
These new developments are drawing strong investor interest, with the State Government partnering with the Ipswich City Council, and major developers including Springfield Land Corporation, Delfin, Mirvac, Amex Corporation, and Wingate Properties to realise their vision for the Western Corridor.
Facts and Figures
$7 billion total GRP for the region 4.3% share of Queensland’s total GRP
$12.5 billion in planned projects over the next five years 13% growth in jobs for construction workers
10% growth in jobs for tradespersons and related workers $727 average weekly individual income
Population Statistics
The population in the Ipswich region grew steadily over the past five years. In 2006, the region recorded a population growth rate of 3% on the previous year or an additional 4,982 persons.
Between 2006 and 2021, the region is expected to experience a population growth rate well above the rate projected for all major cities, as well as Queensland and Australia. By 2021 it is projected that an additional 149,222 persons will live in the region.
Facts and Figures
In 2006, there were 184,428 people living in the Ipswich region, a 3% increase over the previous year
Median age of the population is 35 years and is lower than the state average
In 2004-05, mean taxable income in the region was $37,827
Living costs in the Ipswich region are generally 5% lower than those for Brisbane
Over the past year, the population growth rates recorded for the Ipswich region were well above the rates recorded for all major cities, and the Queensland and Australian average
Message from the Mayor
Ipswich is the oldest provincial city in Queensland, and this is reflected by the grace and magnitude of more than 6,000 heritage listed sites.
Ipswich Central as the destination of choice in South-East Queensland for shopping, recreation, leisure and business.
It is no surprise that Ipswich is an attractive destination for residents and visitors alike.
Ipswich Central is the busy hub of South East Queensland's top growth centre.
The true vibrancy of the city is reflected in its range and quality of offerings for residents and visitors and its unpretentious, village-style ambience.
Our thriving city centre boasts:
• Open air malls and air conditioned shopping centres;
• Parking convenience;
• Restaurants, cafes and bars; Cinemas;
• Expansive parklands and waterways;
• A cultural precinct including Civic Hall, Ipswich Art Gallery, Ipswich Library;
• One of the finest collections of early colonial architecture in Queensland;
• Ipswich City Council;
• Many government, health and medical services;
• Access to major public transport networks.
Sunny