About 7,005 new residents moved to Ipswich for the previous financial year, increasing the city’s total population to 3.16 percent or 228,544, latest statistics revealed.
According to the Planning and Regulatory Services Annual report, nearly 2,500 new houses were built in the city from 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2020. Spring Mountain continues to have the highest population growth with 1,247 new residents followed by Redbanks Plain with 900. South Ripley, Bellbird Park and Ripley also gained new residents and new dwellings.
The increase does not surprise Mayor Teresa Harding who said that many people are slowly recognising the benefits of living in this city.
“Ipswich is one of the most liveable regions in Queensland. Our beautiful parks and natural areas, world-class heritage sites and vibrant local restaurant scene attract a diverse range of new residents every day,” Ms Harding said.
However, with an increasing population, Ms Harding said that Council will need to “gear-up” with developments and improvements with the help of the State and Federal governments.
“Our growing communities will require new infrastructure and services and this Council is committed to ensuring both the State and Federal governments understand the current and future investment opportunities.”
In line with this, the Council is asking for inputs from residents on a number of issues, especially for flood control and catchment management.
“The new plan goes above and beyond basic flood mitigation and as such will guide council’s action and future investment in everything from land use planning and new infrastructure, through to community awareness and ecosystem health,” Ms Harding said.
The Council will open public comments for the following topics until October 2020:
- Community Awareness and Resilience
- Physical Mitigation
- Property Specific Actions
- Current/Future Flood Risk
- Land Use Planning and Emergency Management
Residents can provide their feedback and ideas at Shape Your Ipswich.