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Division 1 highlights: Community reaps benefits in 2025-2026 Budget

01 July 2025

The largest division in Ipswich – Division 1 – will benefit from a diverse range of projects to match the growing community’s needs in the Ipswich City Council 2025-2026 Budget.

Division 1 Councillor Jacob Madsen said the 2025-2026 Budget has a strong focus on planning for the major growth Division 1, which covers about 55 per cent of the city, is facing.

“One of the most raised concerns among residents is the road network keeping up with the substantial growth our division is facing, and this budget responds to those concerns,” Cr Madsen said.

“Division 1 is leading the way when it comes to growth in our city. Ripley is one of the fastest growing suburbs in Ipswich, along with South Ripley and Redbank Plains.

“Managing this growth responsibly and ensuring that infrastructure is ready to handle this growth was at the forefront of our minds when putting this budget together.

“To help address the growth, a number of roads are set to receive upgrades as part of a citywide $21 million investment for strategic transport projects.

“This includes $9 million for stage one of the upgrade of Ripley Road to a standard four-lane urban road from the Cunningham Highway to Fischer Road as part of a $113.8 million upgrade over four years, funded in part through EDQ Catalyst Funding and DCOP Municipal Charges.

“Ripley Road is a key piece of infrastructure linking the Cunningham and Centenary highways. This important investment will future proof the suburb from the influx of residents who will soon call Ripley home.”

Cr Madsen said the Purga community will also benefit from a replacement of the Purga School Road Bridge.

“Our rural communities make up a big part of Division 1 and it’s important that we invest in these communities alongside more urban areas in the city,” Cr Madsen said.

“Almost $7.3 million will be invested in the replacement of the Purga School Road Bridge, with up to $5 million of that being contributed under the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program,” Cr Madsen said.

Division 1 Councillor Pye Augustine said delivering for the community is key focus of the 2025-2026 Budget.

“Residents have asked for the basics to be done well. That includes maintaining roads, parks and community assets to meet the needs of our residents – and we’ve listened,” Cr Augustine said.

“Recently, a petition was brought before council to maintain Bremervale Park, Raceview after seeing that maintenance had fallen behind.

“I’m pleased that their voices have been heard and $100,000 has been allocated in 2025-2026 as part of $1.3 million over four years for the Bremervale Park Upgrade Constructed Wetlands project.

“More than $760,000 has been allocated towards parks rehabilitation across the division and $457,000 will be used to replace the existing pathway and improve stormwater drainage at Hazelwood Park, Flinders View, while $190,000 will be used to reconstruct fencing at Rex Hawkes Park at Redbank Plains.

“Paddington Park, Flinders View users will be excited to hear that work will progress on design of a new playground, with construction expected to start in the 2026-2027 financial year.

“Ipswich libraries remain a popular community hub, and the carpark at the Redbank Plains Library will receive a $550,000 expansion to meet the needs of our library users, funded through the South East Queensland Community Stimulus Program.

“Several unmaintained gravel roads in Calvert and Mount Forbes will be upgraded to maintained standards, improving travel for many residents who use these roads.”

Division 1 2025-2026 Budget highlights:

  • $9 million for stage 1 of the Ripley Road upgrade as part of $113.8 million over four years
  • $7.3 million to replace the Purga School Road Bridge
  • $1.6 million to improve footpaths
  • $747,000 to rehabilitate Hazelwood Park, Flinders View, Rex Hawkes Park, Redbank Plains and Paddington Park, Flinders View.
  • $650,000 to upgrade Fischer Road, Ripley as part of $28.5 million over four years
  • $600,000 to replace footbridge on Shanahan Parade at Redbank Plains
  • $550,000 to expand the existing car park adjacent Redbank Plains Library, Redbank Plains.
  • $355,000 to upgrade unmaintained gravel roads to maintained standard
  • $254,000 to update traffic signals at Redbank Plains
  • $100,000 to replacement of existing lighting at Ipswich Motorsport Precinct, Willowbank

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.