Ipswich City Council : Eastern suburbs lead landmark year of population growth

31 January 2017

Redbank Plains, Springfield Lakes and Bellbird Park led Ipswich to a landmark year of population growth in 2016.

The top three suburbs were followed by Leichhardt and South Ripley as Ipswich's population increased by 6,932 people to break the 200,000 barrier.

Council's 2016 Planning and Development Annual Report showed 2,749 new dwellings were created across the city during the year.

Planning, Development and Heritage Committee Chairman Councillor Andrew Antoniolli said Ipswich's growth was being driven by major projects in the city's east.

'We finished the year with 200,012 people calling Ipswich home,' he said.

'Redbank Plains welcomed 1,051 new residents, followed by 960 in Springfield Lakes and 620 in Bellbird Park.

'Investment in Ipswich continued to be strong with council approving 3,393 new residential lots during the year.

'This growth was matched by increased infrastructure - 35.1km of new footpaths and bikeways and 20.5km of new roads were created.

'The city also received 7.6 hectares of new parkland, equivalent to more than 15 football fields in total area.'

Cr Antoniolli said the 2016 statistics were supported by the latest Planning and Development Quarterly Activity Report.

'The December quarter report showed Redbank Plains finished 2016 very strongly, confirming its position as Ipswich's fastest growing suburb,' he said.

'Ripley Valley led the way in terms of new lots created for the quarter.

'Our biggest growth suburbs all offer affordable housing options for everyone from first homeowners to retirees.

'That's one of the great things about Ipswich - housing remains affordable and ultimately it means the Australian dream of owning a home is possible in our city.'

Planning and Development Annual Report by the numbers:

• 1,272: Development applications lodged

• 35.1km: Footpaths and bikeways

• 7.6 hectares: New parkland

• 3.2 hectares: Community land

• 673,309: Website visits including 462,699 property searches

To view the planning and development reports go here.

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