Ipswich Today

Colleges Crossing reopens just in time for Christmas holidays, wheelie bins stranded by industrial action, more pushback on new residential developments, council meetings; the gift that keeps on giving, Christmas in Ipswich and we reminisce to wrap up the year. Time for another yarn over the back fence with Ashleigh Mac and Walter Williams. Recorded: 16 December 2024. Published: 17 December 2024....

The final council meeting of the year wasn’t without a few complications as the mayor packs her bags to join a Council of Mayors (SEQ) delegation to Singapore and Europe via Japan next year. Public participation revealed hostilities between two Ipswich rugby league clubs and a major project approved for Ripley Road. Mayor Teresa Harding joins the show after the December (2024) meeting of Ipswich C...

It’s been another big year for Ipswich Region Chamber of Commerce, including membership growth, Business After Five (BA5) events and the annual Business Excellence Awards. Chamber president Phillip Bell joins the show with the year in review, business challenges and sentiment, and what’s ahead in 2025. Published: 4 December 2024. Theme music: www.purple-planet.com Image: Chamber president Phillip...

Petition calls for new dog park in Goodna, your ideas wanted on what to do with flood buy-back land, the big three entertainment venues now open in Nicholas Street precinct and council rolls out the red carpet to encourage 4 and 5 star hotel developments. Teresa Harding joins the show following the November meeting of Ipswich City Council and rules out running for the federal seat of Blair. Publis...

Very sad music industry news earlier this week with the passing of the original drummer for the Bee Gees Colin Petersen on November 18, 2024. I spoke with Colin in October 2022 before a Best of the Bee Gees show at Ipswich Civic Centre. The boy born in Kingaroy was generous with his time and loved a chat. This episode features most of that interview with Colin. May he rest in peace. Published: 22...

Three major business openings mark a major milestone after 15 years of redevelopment in Ipswich Central, local sporting champions and officials recognised at the annual Ipswich Sports Awards and Ripley Valley spearheads Ipswich’s surge in population growth. All this and whole lot more in this yarn over the back fence with Walter Williams and Ashleigh Mac. Published: 20 November 2024. Theme music:...

Ipswich City Council CEO thanked for guiding council through planning scheme review and other complex issues, Queensland Audit Office final report for Ipswich City Council reveals serious deficiencies, with some issues already fixed. This month was also the first round of committees with questions and general business added to agendas. Published: 16 November 2024. Theme music: www.purple-planet.co...

Former Ipswich Division 4 councillor Kate Kunzelmann stepped away from running again this year. In this episode we get a first-hand account of how the post administration council 2020-2024 operated. Kate also reveals her views on the recent by-election and strained relationships in the council chamber. Published: 12 November 2024. Theme music: www.purple-planet.com Image: Former Division 4 council...

By-election dust settles with David Martin sworn in as Division 4 councillor, Ipswich region artists shine bright at city’s 2024 art awards, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas and the University of Southern Queensland  bids farewell to Geraldine Mackenzie. Published: 7 November 2024. Theme music: www.purple-planet.com Image: St Nicholas Precinct in 2023 (supplied) Christmas in Ipswich: ht...

In the era before television and the internet, the golden age of radio brought families together, where they would gather around their radios, eagerly awaiting the start of their favourite programs. The voices of actors, the use of music, and the artistry of sound effects painted pictures in the minds of listeners, such were radio plays. In this episode Swich Up Productions brings this era to life...

Does the thought of speaking in front of a group of people have you trembling with fear? You’re not alone. My guest might just have the answer to help cure those fears in this politics-free episode. Veronica Witham from Morning Talkers Toastmasters in Ipswich invites you to share your stories and to do something different. Published: 30 October 2024. Theme music: www.purple-planet.com Image: Veron...

Ipswich City Council's We Can’t Wait campaign produces some promises, concessions for developers of new hotel accommodation, council’s support of Healthy Land and Water under the microscope and the current Redbank Plains Road upgrade should be finished by Christmas. It was as close to convivial as you can get at the October council meeting under the watchful eye of senior officers from the Departm...

We’re on the home stretch to Saturday for the state election and Division 4 by-election. Time for another yarn over the back fence with Walter Williams and Ashleigh Mac. We talk about how Division 4 might pan out, the LNP's gagging of their state candidates and other local issues. Plus, a new winner for the title of Ipswich’s most expensive coffee, and Hotel Commonwealth and Hoyts to open very soo...

The pundits are predicting a change of state government on October 26. What are the drivers of change and where you live in Queensland often influences how you will vote. Emeritus Professor John Cole from the University of Southern Queensland is an expert in social and economic development. He joins the show to discuss the biggest issues affecting regional and city voters, and reveals his tip on w...

A rarely used dissent motion put and withdrawn and suspension of standing orders pepper this month’s Ipswich City Council Infrastructure, Planning and Assets Committee meeting. What’s all the fuss about? A declaration of interest and a discussion on proposed state government changes in relation to granny flats. Published: 17 October 2024. Theme music: www.purple-planet.com Image: Screenshot Ipswic...

Major policy announcements on the weekend from both major parties could reset the state election campaign. Labor’s promise of free lunches for all state primary school students and the LNP’s dam and water supply security plan have been released in an effort to woo voters as early voting begins. Published: 14 October 2024. Theme music: www.purple-planet.com Image: AI generated example of a healthy...

The final list of state election candidates for Ipswich electorates and so far local promises are thin on the ground, although one promise could finally see progress on the Norman Street bridge. Also in this episode four candidates on the ballot paper for the Division 4 by-election and Ipswich State High School receives Keys to the City for a second time. Published: 11 October 2024. Theme music: w...

This is episode 400 of the show. If you grew up in Ipswich and Brisbane in the 60s, 70s and 80s there’s plenty to reminisce about with special guest Brett Debritz. He worked in Ipswich, not once, but twice at the Queensland Times and the shared experiences with the capital will bring back a lot of memories. Plus, at the end of the show I ask Brett to make three bold predictions. ** Content warning...

Journalist, songwriter and guitar player Brian Bennion returns to the show with an update on The Leads who are about to release their new EP CD. Following on from the original November 2023 release of Trace, the band has also released a new Deadly Deebing Mix which again features Dirri’Ya-Gamil Kapithun on didgeridoo, Robbie James of GANGgajang and Yothu Yindi fame, James Grehan, Grant Gunnourie a...

The state election campaign is officially underway and in this episode member for Ipswich Jennifer Howard talks about local issues which plagued this term including stinky Swanbank, Scott’s farm and Deebing Creek development. Plus, a look at a big picture redevelopment plan for Bell Street, Ipswich Hospital expansion, cost of living and 50 cent fares. Published: 3 October 2024. Theme music: www.pu...

The state election campaign has officially begun, Ipswich State High School to receive ceremonial keys to the city, new clubhouse for Silver Jubilee Sports Facility at Spring Mountain, and netball and New Year’s Eve event funding approved by council. Also in this episode West Moreton Health records a 2.6 per cent increase in emergency department presentations. Published: 2 October 2024. Theme musi...

He loves this city, but can David Martin win enough votes to return to Ipswich City Council after his failed bids for mayor? He was elected councillor at a by-election in 2017 to represent the old Division 7 and has declared his intention to run at the Division 4 by-election on October 26. David Martin joins this episode. Published: 26 September 2024. Theme music: www.purple-planet.com Image: Divi...

Sue Dunne has declared a third tilt at Division 4 in the by-election set for October 26 but her true independence is under scrutiny. Also in this episode 50 cent public transport fares are here to stay, but how sustainable is this move and how long can they last. UniSQ consumer expert Park Thaichon has some answers and the savings for Ipswich commuters. Published: 23 September 2024. Theme music: w...

Division 4 by-election date set for October 26 with costs revealed by ECQ, council wants your views on the future of River Heart Parklands, CMC Rocks 2025 another sell-out, sports awards finalists announced, and have I found Ipswich’s most expensive coffee? Time for another yarn over the back fence with Ashleigh Mac. Published: 17 September 2024. Electoral Commission of Queensland: https://www.ecq...

The Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry will be central to recording the real story of Queensland and complete the picture of the state’s history. Truth will allow all Queenslanders to heal and move forward. In this special episode chairperson Joshua Creamer explains more about the Inquiry which aims to build and understand First Nations history and culture in Queensland. Published: 14 September 202...