A new Hilton hotel coming to Ipswich, the search is on for Ed, and population boom exposes infrastructure shortcomings. Meanwhile council is begging to be heard in its state and federal budget submissions, latest twist in North Ipswich development application, what’s on at Ipswich Civic Centre and we remember 1980s TV with a song. Walter Williams and Ashleigh Mac join the show for another yarn over the back fence.
Recorded: 18 February 2026.
Published: 19 February 2026.

Theme music: AudioJungle - Mark_Music and Matt Steiner
Just in case you need help: https://www.ipswich.qld.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/1/live/our-community/domestic-and-family-violence/documents/just-in-case-card-november-2025.pdf
Ipswich City Council: www.ipswich.qld.gov.au/
Ipswich City Council meeting agendas and minutes: bit.ly/2JlrVKY
Council meetings on YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/IpswichCityCouncilTV
Ipswich Planning Scheme: https://bit.ly/3g4Jwb7
Shape Your Ipswich: www.shapeyouripswich.com.au/
Ipswich Civic Centre: www.ipswichciviccentre.com.au/
Ipswich Festivals: https://www.ipswichfestivals.com.au/
Black Swan Art (David Pearce): https://www.blackswanart.com.au/
Ipswich Art Gallery: www.ipswichartgallery.qld.gov.au/
Ipswich Community Gallery: https://ipswichartgallery.qld.gov.au/community/ipswich-community-gallery
Discover Ipswich: www.discoveripswich.com.au/
Discover Ipswich what's on: https://whatson.discoveripswich.com.au/
Workshops Rail Museum: https://www.museum.qld.gov.au/rail-workshops
Ipswich Showgrounds: https://ipswichshow.com.au/upcoming-events
Ipswich Libraries: www.ipswichlibraries.com.au/
Studio 188: www.studio188.com.au/
Nicholas Street Precinct: www.nicholasst.com.au/
The Leads music: https://theleadsmusic.bandcamp.com/
Picture Ipswich: www.pictureipswich.com.au/
Lost Ipswich Facebook: https://bit.ly/3pLLBwNc

Stream audio recommended. If auto download enabled some apps require a re-download or refresh RSS content to hear most recent version should there be an episode update

Ipswich Today is supported by listeners like you. Help keep it online with a small one-off or regular donation. Visit https://ipswichtoday.com.au/

Advertise on Ipswich Today https://ipswichtoday.com.au/advertising/

Ipswich Today recommended listening: Twenty Thousand Hertz - stories behind the world's most recognisable and interesting sounds https://www.20k.org/

Swanbank's big battery is now online at the former power station site, Australia’s love affair with solar panels and home batteries is stronger than ever, all while there are still calls to extend the life of coal-fired power. Queensland shadow minister for energy Lance McCallum joins the show to talk about big batteries, home batteries, solar, wind and the energy transition.
Published: 13 February 2026.
Image: Member for Bundamba Lance McCallum (supplied)
Theme music: AudioJungle - Mark_Music and Matt Steiner
Powerlink renewable projects: https://www.powerlink.com.au/projects?project%5B16%5D=16&status%5B22%5D=22&status%5B23%5D=23
Just in case you need help: https://www.ipswich.qld.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/1/live/our-community/domestic-and-family-violence/documents/just-in-case-card-november-2025.pdf
Ipswich City Council: www.ipswich.qld.gov.au/
Ipswich City Council meeting agendas and minutes: bit.ly/2JlrVKY
Council meetings on YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/IpswichCityCouncilTV
Ipswich Planning Scheme: https://bit.ly/3g4Jwb7
Shape Your Ipswich: www.shapeyouripswich.com.au/
Ipswich Civic Centre: www.ipswichciviccentre.com.au/
Ipswich Festivals: https://www.ipswichfestivals.com.au/
Black Swan Art (David Pearce): https://www.blackswanart.com.au/
Ipswich Art Gallery: www.ipswichartgallery.qld.gov.au/
Ipswich Community Gallery: https://ipswichartgallery.qld.gov.au/community/ipswich-community-gallery
Discover Ipswich: www.discoveripswich.com.au/
Discover Ipswich what's on: https://whatson.discoveripswich.com.au/
Workshops Rail Museum: https://www.museum.qld.gov.au/rail-workshops
Ipswich Showgrounds: https://ipswichshow.com.au/upcoming-events
Ipswich Libraries: www.ipswichlibraries.com.au/
Studio 188: www.studio188.com.au/
Nicholas Street Precinct: www.nicholasst.com.au/
The Leads music: https://theleadsmusic.bandcamp.com/
Picture Ipswich: www.pictureipswich.com.au/
Lost Ipswich Facebook: https://bit.ly/3pLLBwNc

Stream audio recommended. If auto download enabled some apps require a re-download or refresh RSS content to hear most recent version should there be an episode update

Ipswich Today is supported by listeners like you. Help keep it online with a small one-off or regular donation. Visit https://ipswichtoday.com.au/

Advertise on Ipswich Today https://ipswichtoday.com.au/advertising/

Ipswich Today recommended listening: Twenty Thousand Hertz - stories behind the world's most recognisable and interesting sounds https://www.20k.org/

There’s no stopping population growth in Ipswich, Australia’s defence force bands tune up for the Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Brisbane this month, last-ditch plea for synthetic running track, governor visits Ipswich Hospital, summer flu warning, and what’s on at Ipswich Civic Centre.
Published: 6 February 2026.
Image: Ipswich City Council is seeking in its federal and state pre-budget submissions further commitments to the Ipswich Central to Springfield Central Public Transport Corridor (supplied)
Theme music: AudioJungle - Mark_Music and Matt Steiner
Just in case you need help: https://www.ipswich.qld.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/1/live/our-community/domestic-and-family-violence/documents/just-in-case-card-november-2025.pdf
Ipswich City Council: www.ipswich.qld.gov.au/
Ipswich City Council meeting agendas and minutes: bit.ly/2JlrVKY
Council meetings on YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/IpswichCityCouncilTV
Ipswich Planning Scheme: https://bit.ly/3g4Jwb7
Shape Your Ipswich: www.shapeyouripswich.com.au/
Ipswich Civic Centre: www.ipswichciviccentre.com.au/
Ipswich Festivals: https://www.ipswichfestivals.com.au/
Black Swan Art (David Pearce): https://www.blackswanart.com.au/
Ipswich Art Gallery: www.ipswichartgallery.qld.gov.au/
Ipswich Community Gallery: https://ipswichartgallery.qld.gov.au/community/ipswich-community-gallery
Discover Ipswich: www.discoveripswich.com.au/
Discover Ipswich what's on: https://whatson.discoveripswich.com.au/
Workshops Rail Museum: https://www.museum.qld.gov.au/rail-workshops
Ipswich Showgrounds: https://ipswichshow.com.au/upcoming-events
Ipswich Libraries: www.ipswichlibraries.com.au/
Studio 188: www.studio188.com.au/
Nicholas Street Precinct: www.nicholasst.com.au/
The Leads music: https://theleadsmusic.bandcamp.com/
Picture Ipswich: www.pictureipswich.com.au/
Lost Ipswich Facebook: https://bit.ly/3pLLBwNc

Stream audio recommended. If auto download enabled some apps require a re-download or refresh RSS content to hear most recent version should there be an episode update

Ipswich Today is supported by listeners like you. Help keep it online with a small one-off or regular donation. Visit https://ipswichtoday.com.au/

Advertise on Ipswich Today https://ipswichtoday.com.au/advertising/

Ipswich Today recommended listening: Twenty Thousand Hertz - stories behind the world's most recognisable and interesting sounds https://www.20k.org/

Upgrade plans revealed for Ipswich Nature Centre, long-awaited safety improvements to Springfield Parkway a step closer, the future of animal management, and a petition calls for Rosewood pool to open in winter. All that and more when mayor Teresa Harding joins the show after the January meeting of Ipswich City Council.
Published: 30 January 2026.
Image: Ipswich Nature Centre in Queens Park Ipswich (supplied)
Theme music: AudioJungle - Mark_Music and Matt Steiner
Queensland Parliament committees: https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Work-of-the-Assembly/Live-and-Archived-Broadcasts/live
Just in case you need help: https://www.ipswich.qld.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/1/live/our-community/domestic-and-family-violence/documents/just-in-case-card-november-2025.pdf
Ipswich City Council: www.ipswich.qld.gov.au/
Ipswich City Council meeting agendas and minutes: bit.ly/2JlrVKY
Council meetings on YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/IpswichCityCouncilTV
Ipswich Planning Scheme: https://bit.ly/3g4Jwb7
Inside Ipswich: https://ipswichtoday.com.au/inside-ipswich/
Shape Your Ipswich: www.shapeyouripswich.com.au/
Ipswich Civic Centre: www.ipswichciviccentre.com.au/
Ipswich Festivals: https://www.ipswichfestivals.com.au/
Black Swan Art (David Pearce): https://www.blackswanart.com.au/
Ipswich Art Gallery: www.ipswichartgallery.qld.gov.au/
Ipswich Community Gallery: https://ipswichartgallery.qld.gov.au/community/ipswich-community-gallery
Discover Ipswich: www.discoveripswich.com.au/
Discover Ipswich what's on: https://whatson.discoveripswich.com.au/
Workshops Rail Museum: https://www.museum.qld.gov.au/rail-workshops
Ipswich Showgrounds: https://ipswichshow.com.au/upcoming-events
Ipswich Libraries: www.ipswichlibraries.com.au/
Studio 188: www.studio188.com.au/
Nicholas Street Precinct: www.nicholasst.com.au/
The Leads music: https://theleadsmusic.bandcamp.com/
Picture Ipswich: www.pictureipswich.com.au/
Lost Ipswich Facebook: https://bit.ly/3pLLBwNc

Stream audio recommended. If auto download enabled some apps require a re-download or refresh RSS content to hear most recent version should there be an episode update

Ipswich Today is supported by listeners like you. Help keep it online with a small one-off or regular donation. Visit https://ipswichtoday.com.au/

Advertise on Ipswich Today https://ipswichtoday.com.au/advertising/

Ipswich Today recommended listening: Twenty Thousand Hertz - stories behind the world's most recognisable and interesting sounds https://www.20k.org/

Ipswich City Council names six worthy winners at annual awards and mayor Teresa Harding exposes tension and conflict behind the scenes at council during public hearings into a new Bill which proposes more changes for local government. Content note: This episode names a deceased First Nations person.
Published: 27 January 2026.
Image: Ipswich mayor Teresa Harding at Adelong Ave Thagoona December 2025 (supplied)
Theme music: AudioJungle - Mark_Music and Matt Steiner
Queensland Parliament committees: https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Work-of-the-Assembly/Live-and-Archived-Broadcasts/live
Ipswich Australia Day Awards: https://www.ipswich.qld.gov.au/News-Articles-Folder/2026/Trailblazer-Ali-Brigginshaw-crowned-Ipswich-Citizen-of-the-Year
Just in case you need help: https://www.ipswich.qld.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/1/live/our-community/domestic-and-family-violence/documents/just-in-case-card-november-2025.pdf
Ipswich City Council: www.ipswich.qld.gov.au/
Ipswich City Council meeting agendas and minutes: bit.ly/2JlrVKY
Council meetings on YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/IpswichCityCouncilTV
Ipswich Planning Scheme: https://bit.ly/3g4Jwb7
Inside Ipswich: https://ipswichtoday.com.au/inside-ipswich/
Shape Your Ipswich: www.shapeyouripswich.com.au/
Ipswich Civic Centre: www.ipswichciviccentre.com.au/
Ipswich Festivals: https://www.ipswichfestivals.com.au/
Black Swan Art (David Pearce): https://www.blackswanart.com.au/
Ipswich Art Gallery: www.ipswichartgallery.qld.gov.au/
Ipswich Community Gallery: https://ipswichartgallery.qld.gov.au/community/ipswich-community-gallery
Discover Ipswich: www.discoveripswich.com.au/
Discover Ipswich what's on: https://whatson.discoveripswich.com.au/
Workshops Rail Museum: https://www.museum.qld.gov.au/rail-workshops
Ipswich Showgrounds: https://ipswichshow.com.au/upcoming-events
Ipswich Libraries: www.ipswichlibraries.com.au/
Studio 188: www.studio188.com.au/
Nicholas Street Precinct: www.nicholasst.com.au/
The Leads music: https://theleadsmusic.bandcamp.com/
Picture Ipswich: www.pictureipswich.com.au/
Lost Ipswich Facebook: https://bit.ly/3pLLBwNc

Stream audio recommended. If auto download enabled some apps require a re-download or refresh RSS content to hear most recent version should there be an episode update

Ipswich Today is supported by listeners like you. Help keep it online with a small one-off or regular donation. Visit https://ipswichtoday.com.au/

Advertise on Ipswich Today https://ipswichtoday.com.au/advertising/

Ipswich Today recommended listening: Twenty Thousand Hertz - stories behind the world's most recognisable and interesting sounds https://www.20k.org/

Detour tips around Mount Crosby Road overpass while it is closed, councillors to finally face some hard planning decisions on controversial applications likely to be decided in 2026, North Ipswich Reserve western grandstand demolition finally underway, memories of attending the Marburg dances, and before the winners are announced predictions on the six Ipswich Australia Day awards categories. All that and more as Ashleigh Mac and Walter Williams join the show for another yarn over the back fence. Content note: This episode names a deceased First Nations person.
Published: 20 January 2026.
Theme music: AudioJungle - Mark_Music and Matt Steiner
Just in case you need help: https://www.ipswich.qld.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/1/live/our-community/domestic-and-family-violence/documents/just-in-case-card-november-2025.pdf
North Ipswich Reserve grandstand: https://www.ipswichfirst.com.au/design-and-construction-set-to-kick-off-for-north-ipswich-reserve-grandstand/
Ipswich City Council: www.ipswich.qld.gov.au/
Ipswich City Council meeting agendas and minutes: bit.ly/2JlrVKY
Council meetings on YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/IpswichCityCouncilTV
Ipswich Planning Scheme: https://bit.ly/3g4Jwb7
Inside Ipswich: https://ipswichtoday.com.au/inside-ipswich/
Shape Your Ipswich: www.shapeyouripswich.com.au/
Ipswich Civic Centre: www.ipswichciviccentre.com.au/
Ipswich Festivals: https://www.ipswichfestivals.com.au/
Black Swan Art (David Pearce): https://www.blackswanart.com.au/
Ipswich Art Gallery: www.ipswichartgallery.qld.gov.au/
Ipswich Community Gallery: https://ipswichartgallery.qld.gov.au/community/ipswich-community-gallery
Discover Ipswich: www.discoveripswich.com.au/
Discover Ipswich what's on: https://whatson.discoveripswich.com.au/
Workshops Rail Museum: https://www.museum.qld.gov.au/rail-workshops
Ipswich Showgrounds: https://ipswichshow.com.au/upcoming-events
Ipswich Libraries: www.ipswichlibraries.com.au/
Studio 188: www.studio188.com.au/
Nicholas Street Precinct: www.nicholasst.com.au/
The Leads music: https://theleadsmusic.bandcamp.com/
Picture Ipswich: www.pictureipswich.com.au/
Lost Ipswich Facebook: https://bit.ly/3pLLBwNc

Stream audio recommended. If auto download enabled some apps require a re-download or refresh RSS content to hear most recent version should there be an episode update

Ipswich Today is supported by listeners like you. Help keep it online with a small one-off or regular donation. Visit https://ipswichtoday.com.au/

Advertise on Ipswich Today https://ipswichtoday.com.au/advertising/

Ipswich Today recommended listening: Twenty Thousand Hertz - stories behind the world's most recognisable and interesting sounds https://www.20k.org/

A new year and another round of local news to kick it off. In this episode 15 years since the 2011 flood, more Warrego Highway pain to come at the Mt Crosby Road overpass, changes planned for Paperbark Flats at Redbank Plains, demolition work starts at North Ipswich Reserve, a new bridge for Purga, arts and culture vision updated, February highlights at Ipswich Civic Centre, and local music from The Leads.
Published: 12 January 2026.
Updated: 13 January 2026. (to include overpass closed for longer period)
Updated: 20 January 2026. (council meeting date)
Image: Paperbark Flats picnic area (supplied)
Theme music: AudioJungle - Mark_Music and Matt Steiner
Just in case you need help: https://www.ipswich.qld.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/1/live/our-community/domestic-and-family-violence/documents/just-in-case-card-november-2025.pdf
North Ipswich Reserve grandstand: https://www.ipswichfirst.com.au/design-and-construction-set-to-kick-off-for-north-ipswich-reserve-grandstand/
The Leads music: https://theleadsmusic.bandcamp.com/
Ipswich City Council: www.ipswich.qld.gov.au/
Ipswich City Council meeting agendas and minutes: bit.ly/2JlrVKY
Council meetings on YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/IpswichCityCouncilTV
Ipswich Planning Scheme: https://bit.ly/3g4Jwb7
Inside Ipswich: https://ipswichtoday.com.au/inside-ipswich/
Shape Your Ipswich: www.shapeyouripswich.com.au/
Ipswich Civic Centre: www.ipswichciviccentre.com.au/
Ipswich Festivals: https://www.ipswichfestivals.com.au/
Black Swan Art (David Pearce): https://www.blackswanart.com.au/
Ipswich Art Gallery: www.ipswichartgallery.qld.gov.au/
Ipswich Community Gallery: https://ipswichartgallery.qld.gov.au/community/ipswich-community-gallery
Discover Ipswich: www.discoveripswich.com.au/
Discover Ipswich what's on: https://whatson.discoveripswich.com.au/
Workshops Rail Museum: https://www.museum.qld.gov.au/rail-workshops
Ipswich Showgrounds: https://ipswichshow.com.au/upcoming-events
Ipswich Libraries: www.ipswichlibraries.com.au/
Studio 188: www.studio188.com.au/
Nicholas Street Precinct: www.nicholasst.com.au/
Picture Ipswich: www.pictureipswich.com.au/
Lost Ipswich Facebook: https://bit.ly/3pLLBwNc

Stream audio recommended. If auto download enabled some apps require a re-download or refresh RSS content to hear most recent version should there be an episode update

Ipswich Today is supported by listeners like you. Help keep it online with a small one-off or regular donation. Visit https://ipswichtoday.com.au/

Advertise on Ipswich Today https://ipswichtoday.com.au/advertising/

Ipswich Today recommended listening: Twenty Thousand Hertz - stories behind the world's most recognisable and interesting sounds https://www.20k.org/

Work to begin on the revamp of North Ipswich Reserve western grandstand, what’s going on at Swifts Booval, Walt’s car park gripe, emerging local issues in 2026, Stitch in the Swich wraps up for the year, what’s on at Ipswich Art Gallery and local music from Damien J Johnson. All that and more as Walter Williams and Ashleigh Mac join the show for another yarn over the back fence.
Published: 16 December 2025.

Theme music: AudioJungle - Mark_Music and Matt Steiner
Just in case you need help: https://www.ipswich.qld.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/1/live/our-community/domestic-and-family-violence/documents/just-in-case-card-november-2025.pdf
North Ipswich Reserve grandstand: https://www.ipswichfirst.com.au/design-and-construction-set-to-kick-off-for-north-ipswich-reserve-grandstand/
Damien J Johnson music: https://damienjjohnson.com/
Ipswich City Council: www.ipswich.qld.gov.au/
Ipswich City Council meeting agendas and minutes: bit.ly/2JlrVKY
Council meetings on YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/IpswichCityCouncilTV
Ipswich Planning Scheme: https://bit.ly/3g4Jwb7
Inside Ipswich: https://ipswichtoday.com.au/inside-ipswich/
Shape Your Ipswich: www.shapeyouripswich.com.au/
Ipswich Civic Centre: www.ipswichciviccentre.com.au/
Ipswich Festivals: https://www.ipswichfestivals.com.au/
The Leads music: https://theleadsmusic.bandcamp.com/
Black Swan Art (David Pearce): https://www.blackswanart.com.au/
Ipswich Art Gallery: www.ipswichartgallery.qld.gov.au/
Ipswich Community Gallery: https://ipswichartgallery.qld.gov.au/community/ipswich-community-gallery
Discover Ipswich: www.discoveripswich.com.au/
Discover Ipswich what's on: https://whatson.discoveripswich.com.au/
Workshops Rail Museum: https://www.museum.qld.gov.au/rail-workshops
Ipswich Showgrounds: https://ipswichshow.com.au/upcoming-events
Ipswich Libraries: www.ipswichlibraries.com.au/
Studio 188: www.studio188.com.au/
Nicholas Street Precinct: www.nicholasst.com.au/
Picture Ipswich: www.pictureipswich.com.au/
Lost Ipswich Facebook: https://bit.ly/3pLLBwNc

Stream audio recommended. If auto download enabled some apps require a re-download or refresh RSS content to hear most recent version should there be an episode update

Ipswich Today is supported by listeners like you. Help keep it online with a small one-off or regular donation. Visit https://ipswichtoday.com.au/

Advertise on Ipswich Today https://ipswichtoday.com.au/advertising/

Ipswich Today recommended listening: Twenty Thousand Hertz - stories behind the world's most recognisable and interesting sounds https://www.20k.org/