Ipswich Budget 2023-2024: Budget delivers cost of living support with below inflation rate rise

Ipswich City Council has delivered a measured, responsible budget once again keeping rate rises under inflation amid major economic pressures.

Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the daily impacts of rising costs of living on Ipswich residents was front of mind during council’s budget deliberations, with Council endorsing a total rates and charges increase of 5.5 per cent, or $1.99 per week.

“Like our residents, council has faced unprecedented budgeting challenges this year, but I’m proud that our city has stepped up to become more resilient, more efficient, and more supportive in the tough times,” Mayor Harding said.

“Our community has weathered natural disasters, COVID and inflation – council is now focused on harnessing that resilience to champion our growing city’s future.

“This year, we have delivered a record $692.6 million budget with a strong focus on roads, rubbish and recovery.

“This is supported by a significant investment of $267.2 million in our capital works program for the coming year, with $75 million going towards our city’s ongoing flood recovery.

“As our city grows, so does our road network with $49 million budgeted to maintain, upgrade and expand our local roads.

“Our two biggest road projects – Redbank Plains Road and Springfield Parkway and Greenbank Arterial – will receive a collective boost of more than $30 million to progress these vital upgrades.

“Council has also set aside over $70 million to boost our waste and resource recovery services and infrastructure.

“This Council is serious about waste and this budget reflects that, with commitments to upgrade waste infrastructure and fleet, and support the introduction of a citywide FOGO service and annual, on demand kerbside collection.”

The waste utility charge will increase by $22 to $419, with a 5.5 per cent increase, and the Enviroplan levy will increase by $1 to $53. The rural fire resources levy separate charge, will remain at $3.

“Council is facing the challenges of a booming population, a lack of proper investment in our roads and public transport from other levels of government, and the ongoing challenge of inflation affecting every part of our business,” Mayor Harding said.

“The cost of building roads and bridges has increased by nearly 11 per cent over the past 12 months, and 17 per cent over the past two years.

“With inflation still tracking above 7 per cent, council is working hard to deliver the infrastructure and services our city needs in a financially prudent and responsible way.

“We know how hard it is for all our residents, and we are determined to deliver a resilient city that all our residents enjoy living, working, and playing in well into the future.

“Council will also continue its full program of free and low cost events, activities and facilities for all residents.”

The total council rates and charges after discount for an average residential owner-occupied property is $1,971 annually.

Division 1 Highlights

Division 1 stretches from Mt Mort in the west to White Rock in the east and includes Blackstone, Calvert, Deebing Heights, Ebenezer, Flinders View, Goolman, Grandchester, Jeebropilly, Lower Mount Walker, Mount Forbes, Mount Walker West, Mutdapilly, Peak Crossing, Purga, Raceview, Redbank Plains, Ripley, South Ripley, Swanbank and Willowbank.

$11.7 million for Redbank Plains Road upgrades stage 3
$1.6 million for construction of clubhouse at Ironbark Park, South Ripley
$200,000 for wetland improvements at Harry Ratnam Park, Redbank Plains
$4.9 million for the design and construction upgrade of the intersection of Mary Street and William Street, Blackstone

>> More Division 1 highlights here.

Division 2 Highlights

Division 2 stretches from Gailes in the north to Spring Mountain in the south, and includes Augustine Heights, Bellbird Park, Carole Park, Brookwater, Camira, Goodna, part of Redbank, Springfield, Springfield Central and Springfield Lakes.

$23.7 million for continuation of the upgrades of Springfield Parkway and Springfield Greenbank Arterial (Stages 1 and 3)
$100,000 for a playground upgrade at Jane Gorry Park, Augustine Heights
$1.3 million for new lighting at Springfield Central Southern Sports Field
$905,000 for a new playground and amenities block refurbishment at Richardson Park, Goodna

>> More Division 2 highlights here.

Division 3 Highlights

Division 3 stretches from One Mile, Leichhardt and parts of Wulkuraka in the west to parts of Redbank and Goodna in the east, and includes Basin Pocket, Booval, Bundamba, Coalfalls, Collingwood Park, Dinmore, East Ipswich, Eastern Heights, Ebbw Vale, Ipswich, Newtown, North Booval, Riverview, Sadliers Crossing, Silkstone, West Ipswich, and Woodend.

$1.5 million for a new canteen and amenity upgrades at Wiley Street Park, Ipswich
$53 million for Nicholas Street Precinct revitalisation
$1.1 million for the construction of a clubhouse at Jim Donald Parklands, Silkstone
$250,000 for stormwater drainage upgrades at McCorry Drive, Collingwood Park

>> More Division 3 highlights here.

Division 4 Highlights

Division 4 stretches from Woolshed in the west to Barellan Point in the east, and includes Rosewood,
Walloon, Brassall, Amberley, Pine Mountain, Yamanto, Karalee, Marburg and more.