
The Ipswich City Council has given the green light to a new incentive program aimed at enticing more high-quality hotels and multiple residential developments to the area.
As part of the 2023-2024 Fees and Charges approved by the council, developers proposing new hotels or certain types of residential buildings in medium and high-density residential zones will have their development application fees waived.
This move is expected to boost the growth of the city’s real estate sector by promoting the construction of premium projects.
Ipswich Council Growth, Infrastructure and Waste Committee Chair Mayor Teresa Harding said the city lacks much-needed high-density residential unit developments.
“Council has only received eleven applications for multiple unit residential developments over the past three years,” she said.
“While this initiative, if taken up, will see council forgo some revenue from application fees, the benefits and returns to the city through more housing and hotel stock in Ipswich will vastly outweigh any initial losses if the initiative is successful.”
A new policy has been introduced to focus on fostering the expansion of residential units in medium or high-density zones as well as commercial centers, which are identified as areas with significant potential for economic growth.
This initiative aims to alleviate the ongoing housing affordability challenges faced by Ipswich and the Southeast Queensland (SEQ) region, providing much-needed relief to residents.
“The property industry often calls out local government for its role in slowing down development applications, holding up supply and driving up costs – and we will continue to do so when it’s there to be called out,” Retirement Living Council Executive Director Daniel Gannon said.
“But when government models the right behaviour, this needs to be upheld for other jurisdictions to follow suit.
“Ipswich City Council’s decision to waive development application fees for medium- and high-density communities – including retirement villages – is a new gold standard.
“This is what leadership looks like amidst a national housing crisis, where supply and affordability are under threat and building costs are escalating.
“While this isn’t a silver supply bullet, it is a practical solution at a time when more Australians need a roof over their heads, and quick smart.”
Recent multiple dwelling units approved by Ipswich City Council include a 303-apartment residential project in North Ipswich, a 41-unit supported independent living development in Basin Pocket, and another 100-unit project in North Ipswich now under construction.