Thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts on this project. We have now reviewed your feedback.
See a summary under the "what you shared" tab, or read the engagement reports:
North Ipswich Reserve is one of Ipswich's major sporting and entertainment precincts.
Council is committed to transforming the precinct into a best-in-class regional venue, enhancing the quality of entertainment and event experiences for the community. As part of this commitment, Council has undertaken a range of early planning and pre–community engagement activities to help inform the project direction.
A series of proactive enabling works will be progressed ahead of the main construction phase. These include site and services investigations, early works planning, and the demolition of the existing grandstand to facilitate delivery of the upgraded facility.
The first stage of the redevelopment will involve constructing a new grandstand to a contemporary standard, providing increased seating capacity and significantly improving amenity for patrons and event operators.
At present, North Ipswich Reserve is classified as a park. As part of the proposed upgrades, Council intends to formally designate the site as a Major Sport, Recreation and Entertainment Facility, as defined under the Ipswich City Plan. This designation reflects the venue’s role in hosting large-scale events, including major sporting, recreational, conference, and entertainment activities.
Thank you to everyone who provided feedback on the proposed design elements and the future use of the venue. All feedback received has now been reviewed. See a summary under the "what you shared" tab, or read the engagement reports:
Your feedback will be considered as part of council’s next steps and decision‑making process for North Ipswich Reserve Western Grandstand.
Click and drag the slider to the left to see the artist impression of how the grandstand will be transformed.
Due to the limited number of contributions and some missing demographic groups, this feedback is not considered statistically representative of the impacted community.
The community prioritised comfort, accessibility and amenity. Key themes included full shade coverage, steep-rake seating for better sightlines, ample toilets, food and beverage close to the stands, and paths wide enough for prams, wheelchairs and mobility devices. Native planting, soft night-time lighting and culturally safe spaces were also raised.
Respondents wanted the grandstand to reflect Ipswich's identity. Suggestions included heritage design references such as Art Deco brickwork, wrought iron and timber aesthetics, celebrating 150 years of football in Ipswich, and a chronological garden walk from early settlement to the modern era.
Traffic was the standout concern, with 50% of respondents very concerned about event-related traffic near the venue. The reliance on the David Trumpy Bridge was raised by multiple respondents. Suggestions included improved public transport, multiple access and exit points, dedicated active transport paths, and resolving parking before the grandstand is built.
Respondents ranked transport priorities as:
Participants called for visible integration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture throughout the venue, including flags, Yagara language signage and murals celebrating local Aboriginal sporting heroes. Spaces should feel safe and comfortable for all.
A 100% native and local planting palette was requested, with plants labelled using Country language names alongside botanical names. Key species: Swamp Tea Tree, Melaleuca, Eucalypts and Grass Trees.
The site sits on Dulmur, a gathering place for mobs travelling to the Bunya Mountains. Yagara language should be woven throughout the entire site. The Bremer River, known in Yagara as Ngararar (pronounced Nah-ra-ra), should be central to the design narrative.
The community was able to share their feedback on this project using one of the engagement channels below:
Targeted First Nations engagement was also facilitated by Burrundi Design Studio through an in-person workshop on 19 May 2026.
Project decision making will also consider themes identified as part of previous community engagement. This includes:
In 2025, the community were asked about what they would like to see prioritised over the next five years.
The North Ipswich Reserve Western Grandstand will help support priorities identified by the community under the outcome, Deliver active and healthy activities, facilities, and services. This includes:
Ipswich City Council respectfully
acknowledges the Traditional Owners, the Jagera, Yuggera and Ugarapul People of
the Yugara/Yagara Language Group, as custodians of the land and waters we
share. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, as the keepers of
the traditions, customs, cultures and stories of proud peoples.
Phone: (07) 3810 6666
Email: communityengagement@ipswich.qld.gov.au
Postal: PO Box 191, Ipswich QLD 4305, Australia
Ipswich City Council protects your personal information in accordance with the Information Privacy Act 2009 (Qld) and the Queensland Privacy Principles (QPP).
