Brisbane Residents Flock To New Ipswich Masterplanned Community

Brisbane’s residents are moving west, with the new suburb predicted to accommodate 10 per cent of South East Queensland's population growth, over the next 20 years.

Ripley Valley, a new suburb only 5 kilometres from the Ipswich CBD is attracting buyers out of the capital.

Providence, Ripley Valley’s large development has had 60 per cent of all enquiries coming from people residing in Brisbane.

The suburb was created with the intention of creating more affordable housing which seems to be the main attraction for buyers.

Providence project director Michael Khan said high Brisbane prices and a lack of community networks, and facilities in older neighbourhoods are causing the shift to Ipswich.

He said a recent expansion of the railway networks is closing the gap between Ipswich and Brisbane.

“With the newly-opened Springfield train station, Brisbane residents are realising that Ripley Valley is on their backdoor,” Mr Khan said.

Given the distance from Brisbane city, there is an increase in the availability of green spaces.

“People are buying in early to maximise their capital growth, but because we’re putting in millions of dollars of parkland and recreational facilities for the community as first residents arrive, they’re getting social capital early too,” Mr Khan said.

The 670 hectare masterplanned community is being developed by Australian company,

Amex Corporation.

Cameron Shephard, Director of Amex Corporation said the Australian company is committed to making Providence a stand out community from the first day new residents make it their home.

“Our first stage includes essentials, like the bridge construction that links Providence to Ripley Road and a display village of homes on offer,” Mr Shephard said.

“We are also delivering early facilities including a neighbourhood centre with community space, café, and parkland recreation with adventure play, so that from the very first day residents arrive there will be a great amenities for families.”

Mr Shephard said families are the key focus across the development.

“Providence will offer families a healthy, outdoor lifestyle with sporting fields and club facilities, an adventure play with flying fox and rock climbing wall, BBQ and picnic areas and connected walking and cycling trails all built into the community,” he said.

Providence will be developed over the next 20 years and will eventually house 20,000 people. It will also include two future primary and secondary schools, a health and wellbeing precinct and 200 hectares of green and open space.