Ipswich’s rapidly expanding economy and thriving tourism sector will be given a platform to grow as council rolls out a prospectus to attract more hotels and short-term accommodation to the city.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the city needs more than 310 new hotel rooms by 2033 to meet growing demand, with a new Ipswich Hotel Investment Prospectus endorsed at Thursday’s Council Ordinary Meeting.
“The prospectus will turn the accommodation sector’s attention to Ipswich with its attractive benefits, including a 50 per cent reduction on infrastructure charges and a streamlined application process, ensuring shorter timelines for applications,” Mayor Harding said.
“We are also offering a complete waiver of minimum parking standards, allowing investors to tailor their development to the needs of their hotel, which will make many buildings unable to have parking built under them, now able to be considered for the purpose of accommodation.
“This year, the Ipswich economy hit $13 billion for the first time ever, with the tourist economy contributing an incredible $396 million.
“Our packed event schedule books out every available room in Ipswich 26 weekends of the year, proving our need for more hotels and short-term accommodation.
“We are in a unique position with the RAAF Amberley Air Base, significant health developments and major global businesses conducting Australia operations right here in Ipswich.
“We are also home to Australia’s premier Country Music Festival, CMC Rocks, bringing more than 20,000 people together each year.
“On top of this, Ipswich hosts major sporting events throughout the year and our calendar boasts a diverse range of Ipswich Festivals.
“Almost 2 million people visited our city last year, and we want to keep them here for longer to experience all Ipswich has to offer, from the Queensland Museum Railway Workshops to our in-demand school holiday programs; there’s plenty to see and explore.
“In coming years, we will have many tourism and economic growth opportunities, and council is working hard to ensure we take advantage of these, especially as the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games quickly approach.”
Economic and Cultural Development Chairperson Councillor Pye Augustine said the demand for more hotels and accommodation is growing, with existing accommodation reaching capacity.
“Similar benefits were previously offered in other south-east Queensland councils, successfully attracting hotels and short-term accommodation; we know these incentives work,” Cr Augustine said.
“Council collaborated with Lucid Economics to identify the factors driving accommodation demand, confirming that our city offers unparalleled opportunities.
“To sustain this level of growth, we need to attract more hotel and short-term accommodation options to our city so council will be presenting this research and the prospectus to potential investors.
“It’s an exciting time to be in our city as council continues to deliver a revitalised city heart, with HOYTS Cinemas, General Public, Hotel Commonwealth and Kickin’ Inn opening soon.
“Locals and visitors will be flocking to the Nicholas Street Precinct, with hotels rounding off the project, attracting more people to our city.”
The prospectus outlines the following benefits:
- Up to 50 per cent reduction on infrastructure charges
- A Payment plan for the remainder of the balance over five years
- Complete waiver of minimum parking standards
- Shorter timeline for well-made applications, with council allocating an officer to work alongside.
To qualify for the discounts, developments must be a minimum of 50 units and 3 stories in height and be within 800 metres of a railway station. It must also include a restaurant and function facilities.
The total discount for each development will be capped at $1 million for the delivery of up to 200 units.
The incentives are expected to come into effect in coming months, alongside the draft Ipswich Plan 2024.
The Ipswich Hotel Investment Prospectus is available here.
