Ipswich is set to reinforce its reputation as a hub of housing affordability, with the Ipswich City Council this week adopting the transformative Ipswich City Plan 2025.
The new planning scheme aims to unlock the construction of 100,000 homes over the next two decades, preparing the city for a population expected to double to over half a million by 2046.
Mayor Teresa Harding described the plan’s adoption as a watershed moment for the city, marking the culmination of seven years of consultation and strategic development.
“This new planning scheme will allow Ipswich, as one of Australia’s fastest growing communities, to capitalise on the opportunities and address the challenges that come with rapid growth,” Mayor Harding said.
The plan replaces a 20-year-old scheme with a modern framework designed to manage growth, protect the city’s character, and enhance quality of life.
A key feature of the plan is the introduction of the Local Government Infrastructure Plan (LGIP), which will guide the delivery of essential infrastructure to support the city’s expansion.
The Ipswich City Plan will boost housing stock from 92,700 to 192,400 homes, promoting a diversity of housing options and putting downward pressure on prices.
Notably, the policy encourages building upwards rather than outwards, with relaxed rules for secondary dwellings such as granny flats, potentially creating 22,000 additional homes and reducing urban sprawl.
Councillor Andrew Antoniolli, Chairperson of the Infrastructure, Planning and Assets Committee, highlighted the plan’s responsiveness to community needs.
“The previous planning scheme was put in place in 2004 when we were a city of just 140,000 people — it is no longer fit for purpose, with Ipswich City Plan 2025 allowing us to manage growth so that Ipswich has the right balance of residential, commercial, industrial and green spaces going forward,” Cr Antoniolli said.
The plan also strengthens flood risk management and prioritises environmental protection through new overlays and zoning.
Supported by industry groups like the Urban Development Institute of Australia, the Ipswich City Plan 2025 will come into effect on 1 July 2025, positioning Ipswich as a leader in sustainable, affordable urban growth.
