Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann has welcomed the news that construction of the upgraded sport and entertainment precinct in North Ipswich is set to take off.

Mr Neumann said that stage 1, which delivered vital design and planning activities, is complete.

“With a funding agreement now in place for the second stage, this paves the way for works to begin,” Mr Neumann said.

“Stage 2 of the project will construct a new two-storey western grandstand with player and spectator facilities, upgrade the existing Corporate Centre, and deliver associated public plaza works at the North Ipswich reserve.”

This second stage is expected to get underway shortly and be complete by mid-2027, supporting up to 31 direct and 61 indirect jobs during construction.

The Australian Government is investing $20 million across both stages of the North Ipswich Sport and Entertainment Precinct project, with the Queensland Government investing $10 million and Ipswich City Council investing nearly $11.4 million.

The State Government contribution was secured through the hard work and tenancity of Member for Ipswich West Wendy Bourne, who secured the funding from the former Miles Labor Government.

“This is an exciting project that will upgrade the North Ipswich Reserve into a state-of-the-art facility able to cater to our growing community and ready to host top-level NRL and A-League fixtures, soccer matches and concert events,” Ms Bourne said.

“Ipswich is one of Queensland’s fastest growing regions and a sporting powerhouse, so we deserve world-class sporting facilities.

“I have been championing this marquee project for several years and I know it will be a real game-changer for our city.”

The redeveloped North Ipswich Sport and Entertainment Precinct will increase Ipswich’s ability to attract and host major sporting and cultural events, including being used as a training venue for Olympic and Paralympic athletes in 2032, which would deliver legacy benefits for the Ipswich region.

“I look forward to seeing the precinct take shape, with construction set to support over 90 jobs.”