Incentive Policies

Those looking to establish or expand small-scale rural tourism activities in rural Ipswich areas, e.g. eco-lodges, farm stays and activity based short-term accommodation. This policy aims to make it easier and more affordable to start and expand these experiences.

Incentives Include:

• 100% discount on infrastructure charges (up to $65,000)
• Payment deferral available for remaining charges (no indexation)
• 50% discount on application fees.

Example:
A local farmer wants to diversify their income by adding a farm stay experience on their property. They plan to build a small eco-lodge with four cabins and offer activities like fruit picking and guided nature walks.

The development meets the eligibility criteria because:

• it is in a rural area
• the gross floor area is under 250 m²
• it provides short-term accommodation for fewer than 30 guests
• it has minimal impact on existing infrastructure.

Eligibility criteria applies. Read full policy terms and conditions here(PDF, 378KB).

Designed to reduce upfront development costs for charities, community groups and other not-for-profit community organisations in Ipswich that are looking to build non-residential community facilities. Whether you are planning a new community hub or just upgrading facilities, this policy turns your vision into something achievable, sooner.

Incentives Include:

• 100% discount on infrastructure charges (up to $50,000)
• Payment deferral available for remaining charges (no indexation)
• 50% discount on application fees.

Example:
A registered charitable organisation plans to build a community hall that will host free workshops, social events and support programs for residents. The hall is non-residential, open to the public and not for commercial purposes.

The organisation meets the eligibility criteria because:

• it is registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission
• it provides facilities for the community
• it is not a childcare centre and does not involve retail or commercial activity.

Eligibility criteria applies. Read full policy terms and conditions here(PDF, 372KB).

If you are a developer, community housing provider or organisation wanting to build multiple dwellings to support the development of affordable, diverse and well-located housing then this policy is your opportunity to build faster and cheaper.

Incentives Include:

• Discounts on infrastructure charges (up to 100%, contribution caps apply)
• Payment deferral available for remaining charges (no indexation)
• Discounts on application fees (up to 100%)
• Reduces on-site parking requirements
• Faster approval process with dedicated support.

Example:
A private developer plans to build a 70-unit apartment complex in a housing diversity area with 20% having one bedroom.

The developer meets the eligibility criteria because:

• it is three storeys, consistent with the planned building height for the locality
• 20% of the units are designated as affordable housing, maintained in perpetuity
• it is located within 800m of a passenger railway station, promoting public transport use.

Eligibility criteria applies. Read full policy terms and conditions here(PDF, 8MB).

Ipswich has a rapidly expanding economy, and council is actively partnering with hotel developers and operators to accelerate the delivery of hotels and short-term accommodation that is built and commenced by 30 June 2029.

• 50% discount on infrastructure charges (contribution caps apply)
• Payment deferral available for remaining charges (no indexation)
• 50% discount on application fees
• On-site parking relief
• Faster approval process with dedicated support.

Example:

 A national hotel chain proposes a 150-room hotel near a major railway station to cater to visitors for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.

 This development meets the eligibility criteria because:

• it is six storeys, consistent with the planned building height for the major centre locality
• located within 800m walking distance of a passenger railway station
• includes a restaurant and conference facilities, meeting the policy’s eligibility requirements.

Eligibility criteria applies. Read full policy terms and conditions here(PDF, 8MB).

Do you have a pre-1946 character building you think could receive a new lease on life? This policy supports developers, creatives and business owners to transform their buildings into vibrant non-residential spaces while preserving the city’s unique identity.  

Incentives Include:

• 100% discount on infrastructure charges (up to $40,000)
• Payment deferral available for remaining charges (no indexation)
• Reduced onsite parking requirements.

Example:
A local business owner wants to convert a Schedule 7 listed Queenslander house (built before 1946) into a small cafe and art gallery. The building is in a centre area and has a gross floor area of 200m².

The business owner meets the eligibility criteria because:

• it is an existing character building
• the reuse is for a non-residential purpose
• the floor area does not exceed 250m²
• the site is suitable for low-impact community use under the planning scheme.

Eligibility criteria applies. Read full policy terms and conditions here(PDF, 370KB).

Council is actively partnering with businesses seeking to invest in Ipswich to create jobs, improve liveability, bring major investment or strengthen supply chains but face financial or practical barriers.

Incentives Include:

• Offset or reduction in development application fee
• Assistance in removing quantifiable barriers preventing investment
• Additional case by case support including easing planning provisions, financial assistance and in-kind support.

Example:
A leading national advanced manufacturing company is planning to invest $25 million in a state-of-the-art production facility in Ipswich. However, the project faces a significant financial challenge due to higher infrastructure delivery and operational costs compared to an alternative site outside the Ipswich region.

The manufacturing company meets the eligibility criteria and would be eligible for assistance in overcoming the barrier because the project would:

• create 50 full-time equivalent jobs, driving local employment growth
• strengthen local supply chains by sourcing raw materials from Ipswich-based suppliers
• support the development of a Regional Economic Cluster in advanced manufacturing, aligning with council’s strategic vision for economic growth.

Eligibility criteria apply. Read full policy terms and conditions here(PDF, 242KB).