Mayor Harding and councillor Doyle flying visit to Canberra, Redbank Plains Road speed reduction at Greenwood Village Road, Redbank Plaza library to expand, provisional projects and discretionary funds explained, green bin roll-out completed, and the latest on future works at Mount Crosby Road overpass and Warrego Highway Bremer River bridge. Teres…

A new University of Southern Queensland study reveals 7000 step a day could be the magic number leading to better health, Supercar drivers set to take over Nicholas Street, Redbank Plaza library revamp and expansion, and entries for this year’s Ipswich Art Awards open next month. Published: 29 July 2025. Image: University of Southern Queensland Pro…

Three-year-old complaints against two councillors dismissed by Councillor Conduct Tribunal, greyhound trials and racing to resume at The Q after racing was suspended, local newspaper changes hands, Ipswich and Brisbane now one big traffic jam, Paul Tully announces the sad passing of his wife Liza, and we reminisce about the silly things you’ve done…

National tree day planting event on July 26 targets Bundamba Creek, Ipswich Civic Centre officially marks 50 years and this year’s ARTiculate workshops return in July and August. Also in this episode Paul Tully gets David Pahlke back in front of a camera 12 months after the former Division 10 councillor’s brush with death in a car accident. Publish…

SPARK Ipswich brings more delight to Ipswich Central as the city centre lights up. On the first night (July 11) Ipswich families came out in big numbers to enjoy the sights, sounds and soak up the atmosphere. In this episode you’ll hear from two of the nine artists featured in the deLIGHT program. The good news is there’s plenty more to come until …

NAIDOC week marks 50 years with a week of celebrations from July 6 to 13, SPARK Festival about to light up Ipswich, Ipswich Civic Centre ramps up its 50th anniversary celebrations, nurse navigators on hand for First Nations patients at West Moreton Health, and Ipswich council pushes what it says are the highlights of the annual city budget. Publish…

Rates and charges up as council hands down a $678 million annual budget. What it means for individual ratepayers, more on the new infrastructure levy, and the sudden closing of a highway bridge brings many suburbs to a standstill. Mayor Teresa Harding joins the show after the special budget meeting of Ipswich City Council. Published: 2 July 2025. U…

To coincide with SPARK Ipswich in July, Yamanto Central will open a new community share space. Centre marketing manager Andrew Spark joins the show along with local Indigenous artist Jacob Sarra. Jacob has been selected as the first artist to showcase his work in the centre. Published: 30 June 2025. Image: Jacob Sarra (supplied) Theme music: AudioJ…

Five years ago the presses rolled for the last time on the print edition of the Queensland Times. Popular chief photographer and former postman Rob Williams was one of many made redundant across more than 100 News Corp mastheads. Rob joins the show to reflect on the forced changes to his career and reveals what shaped his interest in photography at…

Ipswich ratepayers hit with a surprise new charge, changes coming for busy intersection on Redbank Plains Road, Nicholas Street latest including the first hint council is actively preparing to offload commercial property in Ipswich Central, midwinter festivals, and Ipswich Civic Centre to mark 50 years. Mayor Teresa Harding joins the show after the…

Two lanes are better than one on Mount Crosby Road overpass, free dental clinic opens at Silkstone, noise about RAAF noise, Willowbank Raceway’s 40th, festival time in Ipswich, Ipswich Civic Centre to mark 50 years and what's on at Ipswich Art Gallery. Walter Williams and Ashleigh Mac join the show for another yarn over the back fence. Published: 1…

Ipswich council moves to save a majestic bottle tree in Marburg, Riverview Resource Recovery Centre in need of repairs, Animal Welfare League offers free vaccinations for cats and dogs, Ipswich MP Jennifer Howard calls for independent greyhound regulator after deaths reported at new track and a new name for Ipswich Hospital Foundation revealed. Pub…

What does carrot farming have to do with drag racing? Not a lot really, except if you are Phil Lamattina. Phil is one of the top competitors in the Top Fuel category. This year also marks the 40th anniversary of drag racing in Ipswich. Local identity Paul Casos joins the show with the story behind local families who bravely backed their instinct to…

Extraordinary and embarrassing scenes with insensitive comments at this month’s meeting of Ipswich City Council, new city plan adopted, no end in sight to Warrego Highway woes at the Bremer River bridge and Mount Crosby Road overpass, disagreement over payments to Healthy Land and Water, increase in waste charges, still no word on the future use of…

Festival of Horsepower back for another year, Ipswich City Council takes on management of another community centre, new shows announced at Ipswich Civic Centre including Westmac’s Addams Family musical, and an early call for entries in the annual Ipswich Art Awards. Published: 27 May 2025. Theme music: AudioJungle - Mark_Music and Matt Steiner Nati…

A truck driving expert comments on the wind turbine under Mount Crosby Road overpass mishap, dogs and footpath parking among the top numbers in council’s quarterly report, final thoughts on the federal election result, could Ed Sheeran really come to Ipswich, and we reminisce about childhood picnics. Pro Drive’s Dave Cullen joins the show along wit…

Ipswich Libraries want to know how you feel about their services, unstoppable Ipswich where the population keeps growing, Adelong Avenue Thagoona and two eastern suburb parks get more love from council, West Moreton Health is recruiting and Ipswich City Council is closer to adopting its first new town plan since 2004. Published: 16 May 2025. Image:…

AI or Artificial Intelligence is here stay whether we like it or not. In this episode we explore what it is and, if you own a business, how it can be your best friend. Just like the telephone, light bulb, motor vehicle, printing press and umbrella which were initially scoffed at, AI is another world-changing breakthrough. My guest Ben Hayward expla…

Stray cats are a major environmental threat in Australia. They have contributed to the extinction of native animal species. Instead of trapping and killing, the Australian Pet Welfare Foundation says it has a better way to control the cat population. University of Queensland's Emeritus Professor Jacquie Rand joins the show to explain more. Also in …

It’s show time again in Ipswich. Show president Darren Zanow joins us to reveal what’s new and exciting in sideshow alley this year plus other highlights scheduled for the 2025 Ipswich Show. Also in this episode Rozina Daniels from Ipswich Pickleball Association explains what it is and hopes to entice you try out the game. Published: 3 May 2025. Im…

The suspected councillor conduct breach levelled against Andrew Antoniolli has dragged on longer that anyone would have liked. At this week’s meeting of Ipswich City Council on Wednesday April 30 a report about his referral to the OIA and subsequent investigation was considered by all councillors. Cr Antoniolli joins this bonus episode of Ipswich T…

Controversy at Ipswich council meeting as councillors vote on Cr Andrew Antoniolli’s alleged misconduct, cemetery heritage project latest, finally a standard for suburb signs, Swifts saga resolved and a call for a new synthetic athletics track. Mayor Teresa Harding joins the show after the April 30 meeting of Ipswich City Council. Recorded: 30 Apri…

It has been 23 years since the first River Heart vision for Ipswich Central was unveiled, before Riverlink and the parklands were developed. In this special episode you’ll hear exclusive behind the scenes insights into how the original River Heart vision came to life and why. The vision itself was more than the parklands you see today. It was about…

Walter Williams and Ashleigh Mac are back on the show for another yarn over the back fence. In this episode Easter holiday fun, we can’t escape the federal election campaign, council committee highlights including the proposal to help right a few wrongs from the past at Ipswich Cemetery, ArtsConnect popup shop in Booval Fair and Gout Gout has lost …

Are you job hunting with the help of artificial intelligence? There are shortcuts to a great resume but what about the pitfalls. To help you avoid the traps when using AI University of Southern Queensland careers expert Dr Jennifer Luke joins the show with priceless advice to help you score that next job. Published: 15 April 2025. Image: UniSQ care…

At close of nominations last week 17 candidates are listed across the federal seats of Blair and Oxley. In this episode find out who is running and the ballot paper order. Plus, local rivers get a cleanup and the Ipswich Film Festival for Youth is back for another year. Published: 14 April 2025. Theme music: AudioJungle - Mark_Music and Matt Steine…

Campaigning is now in full flight for the May 3 poll. Shayne Neumann joins this episode. He was first elected to the seat of Blair in 2007 and has put his hand up to run again. What has he achieved, why much-needed infrastructure is yet to materialise and what he’s promising to get done if re-elected. Plus we talk about Ipswich Civic Centre, four-y…

The first week of the federal election campaign throws up a few surprises, a prediction Shayne Neumann will win Blair, what Trump’s tariffs could mean for Ipswich and differences in voter sentiment between states. University of Southern Queensland's Emeritus Professor John Cole is an expert in social and economic development in regional Australia. …

Australian households could be hit with a $581 million annual pesticide bill if fire ant eradication efforts fail, a new report by the Australia Institute has revealed. In this episode Rod Campbell from the institute joins the show to explain a potential nationwide cost burden of more than $1 billion. Published: 31 March 2025. Theme music: AudioJun…

Suspected councillor conduct breach matter delayed until next month, new Ipswich planning scheme due to commence July 1, CEO contract renewed, the latest on proposed developments in WM Hughes Street North Ipswich and usefulness of sandbags questioned. Mayor Teresa Harding joins the show after the March 27 meeting of Ipswich City Council. Recorded: …

In this episode Ipswich City Council reveals allegations against councillor Andrew Antoniolli. Since publishing episode 429 earlier today council has published online late today the full agenda with attachments for Thursday’s council meeting. Published: 24 March 2025. Theme music: AudioJungle - Mark_Music and Matt Steiner Image: Ipswich councillor …

Another big week for Ipswich councillors as they prepare for Thursday’s council meeting. Among other things on the agenda there’s a major $67 million green waste contract to vote on, a suspected councillor conduct breach, a report on the new Ipswich Planning Scheme and a contract renewal for CEO Sonia Cooper. Also in this episode microchip company …

Alfred, the cyclone that was. Did we suffer from information overload? The war of words continues between Teresa Harding and Andrew Antoniolli, fire ants love a good flood, dog rego increase flagged as is a possible move for the Visitor Information Centre. All this and more with Walter Williams and Ashleigh Mac as we catch up for another yarn over …

Cyclone Alfred gives Ipswich residents a scare as life returns to normal for most, however please spare a thought for those still dealing with the trauma of being flooded. Council flood mapping the best to date, radio maintains its relevance and superiority during an extended weather emergency and fire ants hitch a ride on floodwaters. Published: 1…

Councillors on their best behaviour with state government officials in the public gallery, media policy review taken behind closed doors, mayor back from Nerima, Singapore and Europe, and lots of talk about suburb entry signs after an underwhelming new Wulkuraka sign surprises everyone. Mayor Teresa Harding joins the show after the February meeting…

Ipswich's population reaches 260,000, now there are six candidates for Blair, Discover Ipswich what’s on makeover, bulk rubbish collection chalks up 12,000, South Street demolitions gather pace and a new First Nations midwifery program at Ipswich Hospital. Published: 27 February 2025. Image: Jaghu Midwifery Group Practice midwives Bethany Salter, C…

Another surprise from Ash’s radio past, candidates are lining up for the seat of Blair, mayor back from Nerima visit, Cr Andrew Antoniolli declares low morale, former council buildings make way for new hospital car park, odour inquiry expands areas of interest and a call for local artists to create major works of public art. Time for another yarn o…

A new year and a new president for Ipswich Region Chamber of Commerce. Long-term president Phillip Bell announced he was stepping down earlier this month. In this episode meet new president David Wiltshire. Published: 14 February 2025. Image: New chamber president David Wiltshire (left) receives a welcome from Phillip Bell (supplied) Theme music: A…

If it has been a while since you last visited the Old Flour Mill in Brisbane Street then it might be the right time to rediscover hidden treasures in the arcade downstairs. In this episode you’ll meet two entrepreneurs who have taken the plunge to open businesses in this historic top of town building. They are diverse and interesting. You’ll hear w…

The Invasive Species Council was formed in 2002 over shared concerns that the Australian landscape was being radically altered by the invasion of weed and pest species, and this includes fire ants. Conspiracy theories have emerged recently which could derail the fire ant treatment program. Advocacy manager Reece Pianta joins the show. Published: 7 …

Dust-up over council’s media policy comes to naught but only for now, destination Nerima, Singapore and Europe for the mayor who is still the mayor while travelling overseas regardless of a resolution at December’s meeting. Also in this episode, the pre-Christmas industrial action by waste drivers and calls for critical transport infrastructure and…

Late change of date for January’s Ipswich City Council meeting, we remember former alderman (councillor) Norm Kruger, the battle is on for the federal seat of Blair, health inquiry good to go, garbos strike gold, Colleges Crossing passes first flood test but where’s the food trucks, and we reminisce about the first song we requested on the radio. T…

A new year and a new theme for Ipswich Today. First up in 2025 a look at some local news you may have missed including new traffic signals in Springfield Central and Karrabin, Redbank Plains Road stage 3 completed, multi-million-dollar upgrade to Cameron Park, two Ipswich churches tackle disadvantage and Ipswich Showgrounds presents Bull-O-Rama. Pu…

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. Recorde…

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 s…

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.p…

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…

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 intervie…

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 Ashlei…

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: 1…