With only 11 development applications for multiple unit residential development in the past three years, the Council – southwest of Brisbane – has decided to take action.

Under the 2023-2024 Fees and Charges approved by Ipswich City Council, developers who propose new hotels or multiple dwellings in medium and high-density residential zones will have development application fees waived.

“Similar developer discounts have been employed in other south-east Queensland councils including Brisbane and the Gold Coast, successfully creating more stock in under-developed sectors including hotels, aged care facilities and student accommodation,” Growth, Infrastructure and Waste Committee Deputy Chairperson Councillor Paul Tully said.

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.

“While Ipswich leads the state with population growth and the delivery of an average 2,000 new houses annually, our city lacks much-needed high-density residential unit developments,” Growth, Infrastructure and Waste Committee Chair Mayor Teresa Harding said.

There are 15 Retirement Living and Retirement Villages for Ipswich, QLD, on villages.com.au.