Advocacy is an important role of council in representing the needs of the Ipswich community to decision makers in State and Federal governments.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to advocacy. But working at its best, advocacy combines elements of influencing policy, informing decision-making, and involving the community in the process.

Why is advocacy important for Ipswich?

Ipswich will grow at a faster rate than any other council in Queensland over the next twenty years. By 2046, our population is forecast to reach 533,802 – nearly double its current size. With such rapid growth, it is critical that infrastructure keeps pace to meet demand and support our expanding population. In parallel, preparation is also underway for the opportunities presented by a successful Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games with Ipswich named as an official co-host city and a games delivery partner.

Council's advocacy activities aim to provide decision makers with clear and consistent messages about what is needed to deliver beneficial outcomes for the communities that they serve.

Our priorities

Council’s advocacy priorities are known as Regionally Significant Projects (RSPs). These are future-focused projects that will have a positively transformational impact on the whole of the Ipswich region. They will lead to job creation, increased investment, better transport options and improved connectivity, greater sustainability and improved health outcomes. These projects are outside the city’s control and require Queensland and/or Australian Government funding to be delivered.


Tracking Recent Wins

COMMITMENT

LEVEL OF GOVERNMENT

DATE

$200 million to upgrade the Amberley Interchange

Federal Government election commitment

April 2025

$24 million in catalyst infrastructure funding to upgrade Ripley Road from Cunningham Highway to Fischer Road

Queensland Government

November 2024

$4 million to fund the business case for Ipswich Central Second River Crossing

State Government election commitment

September 2024

Funding for Stage 1 of the Better Bus Network for Ipswich

State Government Budget

June 2024

$7.5 million as part of the SEQ City Deal to deliver a Detailed Business Case for Ipswich to Springfield rail line

Federal, State and Local Government contribution

June 2024

$277 million on a 50:50 (Federal:State) basis towards the Mount Crosby Road Interchange on the Warrego Highway

Federal and State Government

June 2024

$85 million on a 50:50 (Federal:State) basis to strengthen the westbound Bremer River Bridge on the Warrego Highway at Karalee

Federal and State Government

June 2024

$10 million towards the North Ipswich Sport and Entertainment Precinct

State Government – Ipswich West by-election commitment

March 2024

$20 million towards the North Ipswich Sport and Entertainment Precinct

Federal Government election commitment

April 2022

$2.5 million as part of the SEQ City Deal towards the Stage 2 Business Case for the Springfield to Ipswich rail line

Federal, State and Local Government contribution

2020-2022

$20 million on an 80:20 (Federal:State) basis for detailed planning on the Cunningham Highway, which will be used to undertake businesses cases on the Ipswich-Rosewood Road intersection and Ripley Road and Swanbank Road interchanges.

Federal and State Government

2019

Ipswich City Council respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners, the Jagera, Yuggera and Ugarapul people of the Yugara/Yagara Language Group, as custodians of the land and waters we share. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, as the keepers of the traditions, customs, cultures and stories of proud peoples.