Ipswich funding blind spot continues in Queensland State Budget
Published on 26 June 2026
While the 2026-2027 Queensland Budget delivered important funding commitments in youth justice, health and education, funding for some of the city’s much-needed major road and public transport infrastructure projects remains overlooked.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said despite Ipswich having the crown as Queensland’s fastest growing city, investment in infrastructure from other levels of government continued to lag well behind the levels necessary to secure the city’s enviable lifestyle into the future.
“Just as we saw in the Federal Budget last month, Ipswich is still being asked to do more with less, delivering major roads and bridge upgrades with no new funding for these projects in the State Budget,” Mayor Harding said.
“Ipswich is Queensland’s fastest-growing city taking on the brunt of new population and welcoming thousands of new residents each year, with an expected population of 533,000 by 2046.
“I’m pleased that the State has committed to delivering a new primary school in the Ripley Priority Development Area at White Rock, one of our fastest-growing suburbs, and to further expansions and upgrades to Bundamba TAFE and other educational facilities.
“Continued funding for Ipswich Hospital Stage 2 is also necessary and welcome, as are upgrades to the Goodna Police Station.
“Residents tell us that community safety is one of their highest priorities so it’s reassuring to see investment into short-stay programs for Ipswich youths exhibiting high-risk behaviours, a Crime Prevention School and a new Youth Foyer for 16 to 25-year-olds experiencing homelessness.
“Ongoing commitments to projects already underway, such as the tripartite commitment to the North Ipswich Reserve Western Grandstand, are welcome but come without further commitments to meet our vision of the full North Ipswich Sport and Entertainment Precinct.”
Anticipated relief from the impact of the State’s Waste Levy on ratepayers did to materialise, with Ipswich households expected to pay more over the next four years.
“When the State’s Waste Levy was first introduced, it came with a promise that ratepayers would not have to pay more. Instead, the Queensland Government will be charging council $135 for every tonne of waste sent to landfill,” Mayor Harding said.
“There was some hope that the introduction of the State’s new waste strategy may bring some relief for ratepayers. From what I see, it’s not a waste strategy, it’s a tax strategy which will see ratepayers footing the bill.
“Ipswich City Council is still being asked to do more with less, and we must find ways to meet the growing demands of our city while maintaining our affordable, family-friendly lifestyle.
“Council’s 2026-2027 Annual Plan and Budget, to be handed down on 30 June, will face the task of managing inflation on basic materials such as concrete, asphalt and bitumen, with the urgent need to deliver safer roads and infrastructure for our residents.
“Council will continue to seek ways to deliver cost-of-living relief for our 275,000 residents while delivering the infrastructure our city urgently needs.”