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Ipswich’s Rise: The Western Workhorse Building SEQ’s Future

Forget the old stereotypes.

In a little over 20 years, Ipswich didn’t just grow. It exploded.

Since 2003, your city’s population has 2x'd, house prices have 5x'd, and the “sleepy town” became a powerhouse.

You can now explore an updated version of the original report, complete with an improved timelapse.

See Ipswich’s transformation in the updated report

• Watch the improved timelapse: Google Earth imagery showing Ipswich’s growth from 1984 to 2026.
• Discover what’s driving it: Defence, logistics, hospitals and entire communities built from scratch.
• See what comes next: Another 143,000 residents are projected by 2041, bringing even more homes, jobs and pressure on the roads you use.

The rise isn’t coming. It’s already here.

Watch Ipswich rise →

🎁 Last Chance to Win a $629 Ryobi Mower

Our Insider Partner, Loan Market Ripley Valley, is giving away a Ryobi battery powered lawn mower worth $629.

This is the same mower giveaway we shared last week. If you've already entered, you're in the draw. No need to enter again.

Here's Justin's message for you:

Entries close 11:59pm Thursday 24 Sep, with the winner announced on Sunday. Haven't entered yet? Add your name and email to their giveaway form below.

New student-run café in Ipswich – Grab a coffee at Bean There and support 7 Arethusa College students gaining hospitality and business skills. Find it on the corner of Brisbane and Thorn streets. Open 7–10am, 22–25 September. Regular term-time hours: Tuesday–Friday, 7–9am. Find out more →

Wolston Farmhouse Open Day – Explore the historic farmhouse at Wacol on Sunday 4 October, 10am–2pm. Bring a picnic to enjoy in the grounds, then hear from Arthur Frame AM, who helped establish Great Houses of Ipswich, from 10:30–11:30am. Books available for purchase and signing. Adult entry $12. See more info →

Medical Superintendent’s Residence – Michael Pick, editor of the Ipswich Historical Society’s Cooneana Newsletter, is asking locals to support state heritage listing for the residence, grounds and historic bunya tree on the corner of Court and Nicholas streets. Email a supporting submission to heritage@detsi.qld.gov.au, quoting HRN 650290, by 5pm on 19 October. View the application and submission requirements →

$1 books at the YMCA Book Fair Fundraiser – Browse over 5,000 ex-Ipswich City Library books, from children’s stories to fiction and non-fiction. Thursday 24 September, 10am–3pm, at 53 Springfield Lakes Boulevard, Springfield Lakes. Every purchase supports the community centre’s local programs. Cash and EFTPOS available. See event details →

🗳️ Vote

🤔 Trivia

🧩 SWICHEROO

Unscramble the word to reveal your GuessWhere hint

Click the Swicheroo card to play on the gameboard, or have a go in your head!

Play Swicheroo #080

📍 GuessWhere

How to play: Look close at the photo, guess where it was taken from in Ipswich. Click the link and drop your pin to see how close you can get.

GuessWhere #080 →

🌳 Ipswich Nature Centre Reopens Boardwalk and Animal Enclosures

Ipswich Nature Centre has reopened its 130-metre northern boardwalk and several animal enclosures as part of a $3.6 million refurbishment. Visitors can again access the barnyard, aviary, dingo and wallaby enclosures, while a small trail section remains closed for further works.
Australasian Leisure Management →

🔥 Fire Broke Out at Woodend’s Commercial Hotel Site

A fire broke out behind Woodend’s Commercial Hotel on Ellenborough Street on Wednesday 16 September. Mayor Teresa Harding’s police update confirmed the fire was extinguished and the hotel was safe. Facebook LIVE →

🚒 Fire Near Ripley Town Centre Triggered Smoke Warning

A fire near Main Street in Ripley prompted a Queensland Fire Department smoke warning on Tuesday 15 September. Residents in Ripley and surrounding areas were advised to stay indoors and close windows and doors where smoke was thick. 7News →

🏉 Ipswich Renews Push for NRL’s 20th Licence

Ipswich West MP Wendy Bourne has renewed calls for the Jets to secure the NRL’s 20th licence, writing to the Premier and league officials. The campaign seeks an Ipswich-based NRL team, with the $40 million North Ipswich Reserve redevelopment forming part of the city’s case. West Bremer Radio →

🏛️ Councillor Media Proposal Raises Questions Over Ratepayer Costs

Councillor Paul Tully has proposed allowing Ipswich council communications staff to prepare and distribute individual councillors’ statements, with the amendment awaiting a final council vote. Mayor Teresa Harding says the additional cost to ratepayers remains unknown and has called for further scrutiny. 9 NEWS →

Quick-fire snippets—local buzz & chatter:

• 🦁 Safari in the City Brings Free Holiday Fun to Nicholas Street →
• 🌿 Queens Park Enviro Centre Offers Free School Holiday Activities →
• 🏎️ Powercruise 100 Organisers Report Record Queensland Raceway Crowd →
• 🥊 Taylah Gentzen Moves to Super Featherweight With No. 2 IBF Ranking →
• 💰 Ipswich Youth Employment Project Secures State Funding →
• 🗑️ Illegal Dumping Cost Ipswich Ratepayers $160,000 Last Year →
• 🤝 Ipswich Council Adopts Five-Year Indigenous Accord →
• 🌳 Environmental Review Opens for Ripley and Fischer Road Upgrades →

Wednesday (23 September)

Thursday (24 September)

Friday (25 September)

Saturday (26 September)

Sunday (27 September)

Monday (28 September)

Tuesday (29 September)