Ipswich jobs boom strengthens lifestyle of QLD's top growth city
Published on 28 September 2026
Ipswich is in the middle of a jobs boom that is reshaping the city, adding more than 17,000 new jobs in just five years as investment continues to pour into the city.
The city’s economy has rocketed to a record Gross Regional Product of $16.8 billion in 2025, up from $15.08 billion the year before, a 4.1 per cent growth rate that leaves Queensland’s 2.7 per cent in the rear-view mirror.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the city’s number of increased local jobs has been achieved a year earlier than projected, highlighting the strength of the economy in Queensland’s fastest growing city.
“Ipswich is enjoying a powerful jobs boom with local jobs rising 4.08 per cent to 99,323 jobs in the year to 30 June 2025, eclipsing the national job creation rate of 2.6 per cent and smashing through our 2027 target of 95,040 jobs set in council’s Economic Development Strategy,” Mayor Harding said.
“That’s a staggering 3,893 jobs created in a single year, with our city adding 17,615 jobs from 2021 to 2025.
“More jobs means opportunities for our residents to prosper, strengthening local communities and allowing people to build fulfilling careers closer to home. This supports our beloved lifestyle so we can do the things we love, whether it’s sharing a meal at a local restaurant, getting active at sporting clubs and parks or coming together for events.
“Confidence in our economy is booming, even in the face of stubborn cost of living pressures, higher interest rates and global uncertainty.
“There are now 13,888 registered businesses operating in Ipswich, 840 more than last year, a 6.43 per cent increase supporting $3.47 billion in annual total business spend in Ipswich.
“Investment continues to flow into Ipswich, and we are attracting major projects that lift our economic strength and future potential. Recently, this has included a proposed Hilton Garden Inn hotel in Ipswich Central, Australia’s first new steel mill in 30 years, Future Forgeworks, the largest indoor entertainment venue in the southern hemisphere, Area 51, and a $35 million new major logistics hub for Independent Liquor Group.
“This strong economic growth hasn’t happened by accident. We have taken steps to stimulate growth and support business confidence through initiatives like our Economic Development Incentive Strategy and Elevate Business program.”
Economic and Cultural Development Committee spokesperson Councillor Pye Augustine said Ipswich had recorded strong growth across multiple industries.
“Healthcare and social services, education and training and public administration and safety, which includes our defence sector, are our major employers, comprising of 19,088, 11,101 and 10,147 jobs respectively,” Cr Augustine said.
“It was also encouraging to see the private-led retail sector is flourishing, adding 488 jobs to be the city’s fourth biggest employer with 9,822 jobs.
“This is underlined by our successful Nicholas Street Precinct development in Ipswich Central, which now attracts more than 2 million yearly visits on the back of marquee shopfront openings by nationally recognised retail and hospitality brands such as HOYTS, General Public, Vapiano, Hello Harry, miniBOUNCE and Kickin’ Inn.
“Manufacturing rounds out the top five employers, with 9,807 jobs in this industry as we continue to attract new investment, with a potential land supply of almost 8,000 hectares for industrial purposes.
“I also want to acknowledge the important contribution of our events and tourism sectors, with Ipswich recording a visitor spend of $1 billion in the year to 30 June, 2025.
“This was supported by council’s quintet of City Events – Planes, Trains and Autos, Festival of Horsepower, SPARK Ipswich Arts Festival, Galvanized – A Festival of Heritage and Christmas in Ipswich – bringing 115,376 visitors from outside Ipswich and generating $38.67 million in economic impact.”
For more information, view the Ipswich City Council Office of Economic Development Report Card 2025-2026 here.