The Ipswich Regional Centre Strategy is a joint initiative between the Department of Infrastructure and Planning and the Ipswich City Council. In 2006 the Queensland Government and Ipswich City Council each committed $1.1 million dollars to develop the strategy. The strategy focuses on reinforcing and further developing the role of Ipswich as a principal activity centre.

The state government has announced it will spend $5 million to kick-start detailed planning for a combined transport, business and residential precinct in the heart of Ipswich.

The state government and Ipswich City Council have been working closely to create a blueprint for the Ipswich city centre that will stimulate new opportunities for the business and residential community. The Ipswich Regional Centre Taskforce endorsed an integrated strategy and action plan in February 2008.

The strategy is underpinned by a master plan that outlines the strategic framework and overarching principles for development within the Ipswich Regional Centre. The master plan will inform the preparation of statutory amendments to the Ipswich Planning Scheme in accordance with the Integrated Planning Act 1997.

17 catalytic projects are put forward in the plan. While each of the projects in the plan can help to improve Ipswich's position in South East Queensland, the state and local governments are committed to ensuring each project goes through standard social and environmental assessment processes before final decisions are made.

The state and local government strategy has set the framework for the this grand future. The major transformation will be implemented by a strategy team in collaboration with state and local government, but only the support of the community and private sector will make this vision a reality.

Further information

Details on the strategy, action plan, master plan and 17 catalytic projects are available on the Ipswich Centre Strategy website.