Ipswich ratepayers will see an increase in household costs next financial year, with the city’s 2025–26 budget outlining higher rates and the introduction of a new infrastructure levy.
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The $678 million budget includes an overall 8.23 per cent rise in rates and charges, which will add about $196 to the average household bill, or $3.78 a week. The general rate will climb by nearly five per cent, while the annual waste charge will increase to $513.
To help address a long-term funding shortfall, a new levy will be introduced in 2025–26. Most property owners will pay $55, with higher-valued properties contributing more. The charge will be dedicated to funding major infrastructure projects across the city.
Despite the added costs, council’s budget delivers a $165 million capital works program. Among the largest allocations is $9 million for stage one of the Ripley Road upgrade, more than $7 million for the Purga School Road Bridge replacement, and $4.6 million for a new grandstand at the North Ipswich Sport and Entertainment Precinct.
Community facilities will also benefit, with $17 million set aside for parks and open spaces, including improvements at the Ipswich Nature Centre, and more than $5 million directed to waste and resource recovery initiatives.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said it was a responsible Budget that balanced cost-of-living pressures facing residents with choices that would deliver for the city today and for the next 20 years.
“Council continues to offer value for money, a sensible approach and a range of discounts that ensure we maintain one of the lowest general rate and charges in South East Queensland,” Mayor Harding said.
“We’ve done this by finding operational efficiencies of around $4.5 million which we can redirect to the delivery of essential services and keeping our rates and charges low.
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The overall budget forecasts a modest surplus of $8.1 million and sets council debt to exceed $400 million for the year ahead. Officials have emphasised that Ipswich’s financial indicators remain within safe limits and that the spending program is designed to keep pace with the city’s rapid population growth.
Published 18-August-2025
