Ipswich on the 2032 starting blocks in pre-budget submissions
Published on 30 January 2026
Aspiring Ipswich athletes have nowhere to run in their home city, unless a submission to the Federal and State governments for a new $20 million 400m synthetic athletics track delivers a Brisbane 2032 legacy for Ipswich.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the remarkable success of home-grown teen superstar Gout Gout showed the importance of the right start, and the city was determined to help other would-be athletes find their feet.
The ask is one of several funding commitments Ipswich City Council is seeking in its Federal and State pre-budget submissions, including further commitments to critical highway upgrades and the Ipswich to Springfield Central Public Transport Corridor.
“A minimum forty-minute drive to the closest synthetic athletics track in Brisbane is simply not good enough – not for our young athletes and not for our city’s Olympic and Paralympic legacy,” Mayor Harding said.
“It’s past time that Ipswich had our own world-class synthetic athletics track, which would not only offer huge benefits for local athletes, but would contribute to a lasting Olympic and Paralympic legacy for our city.
“We know there is a shortage of synthetic athletics tracks in south-east Queensland. Our Federal and State pre-budget submissions are asking for a $10 million Federal contribution and a $5 million State contribution towards the construction of a new track.
“Our Federal and State pre-budget submissions make no bones about our future – Ipswich will grow at a faster rate than any other Queensland council in the next twenty years and we need infrastructure investment to match this growth.
“By 2041 we will welcome an extra 222,000 residents, bringing our total population to 533,000, and create a further 53,000 jobs. This submission outlines the critical transport and community infrastructure needed now to ensure our city can grow safely and sustainably.”
Economic and Cultural Development Committee Chairperson Councillor Pye Augustine said council’s submissions to the Federal and State were an important opportunity for Ipswich to make its case for fair funding.
“Ipswich is Queensland’s most family-friendly city and we are growing at an incredible rate, only last month reaching 270,000 residents,” Cr Augustine said.
“Knowing that we will double our population by 2041 makes it urgent that we receive the funding we need to develop our city’s infrastructure in pace with that growth.
“Council has identified the catalytic projects that will help shape our region’s future – major items such as a second Bremer River crossing, significant upgrades to the Cunningham and Warrigo Highways and Centenary Motorway, and ongoing commitments to better bus networks.
“These projects, along with securing the sporting infrastructure needed for Brisbane 2032, form the backbone of our funding asks.
“Our Federal and State Pre-Budget submissions clearly set out a path for all levels of government to work together to help Ipswich become a city of opportunity for all.”
Council’s Federal and State submissions are available on council’s website.