Ipswich launches Suburban Renewal with Booval and Rosewood pilots
Published on 03 July 2026
Two Ipswich suburbs are stepping into the spotlight, with Booval and Rosewood chosen to kick off a new Suburban Renewal program aimed at revitalising local centres through community collaboration.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the success of revitalisation efforts in Ipswich Central showed how Suburban Renewal could breathe renewed life into an area.
“Ipswich Central is back to being the beating heart of our city, highlighted by our vibrant Nicholas Street Precinct which now attracts more than two million yearly visits,” Mayor Harding said.
“Council is looking to build on that success by investing in our suburbs, improving local amenity and strengthening connections so each community across Ipswich can thrive.
“First cabs off the rank will be Rosewood and Booval where we will develop Place Plans to give the community an opportunity to help shape the future of these important local centres.”
The Place Plans will set out a shared vision and action plan for the heart of Rosewood across key areas such as public spaces, community facilities, business, heritage and arts and culture.
This Plan will be delivered in partnership between community, council, local businesses, service providers and others.
“Rosewood has a charming character as one of Ipswich’s most historic towns and is well positioned to continue to evolve as a welcoming hub within the Western Growth Corridor,” Mayor Harding said.
“We want to build on what people already love about the Rosewood, enhancing it as a place for people to connect with their fellow residents and support local business, especially as more young families choose to call the area home.
“This is about ensuring Rosewood grows in a way that reflects its character while meeting the needs of future generations.”
Mayor Harding said Booval also presents a significant opportunity to strengthen a well-established centre and unlock new growth.
“Booval plays an important role as a centre for economic, social, community and cultural activity, with strong public transport connections, including a train station, and a long history as a retail and commercial hub, with planning allowances encouraging greater housing diversity,” Mayor Harding said.
“The Queensland Government is providing funding support for the work in Booval, which is aimed at boosting housing affordability and supply to deliver more Queenslanders a place to call home.
“This funding will be used for planning investigations to help create improvements to attract medium-rise housing investment to the area, this includes the Booval Place Plan.”
“This Place Plan will be shaped by the community, ensuring local voices guide how the area grows and evolves into the future.
“Council is committed to delivering suburban renewal across Ipswich and encourages residents to stay up to date and be part of shaping their local communities.”
Community engagement for the Rosewood Place Plan is underway with the community able to have its say via Shape Your Ipswich until 2 August 2026.
Community consultation for the Booval Place Plan is set to be held between 10 August and 20 September.
For more information, including details about where and when community pop-ups promoting the Place Plans will be held, visit https://www.shapeyouripswich.com.au/rosewood-place-plan