With the 2026 Ipswich Show only weeks away, the Ipswich Show Society has begun work on Stage 3 of their development, made possible with funding from the Albanese Government.

$4.5 million in funding for general upgrades was secured by Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann as a 2022 election commitment and an additional $1.5 million was pledged in 2024 from the Protecting Our Communities (Disaster Resilience) Program.

Stage 3 of the Ipswich Showgrounds Upgrade will refurbish ageing infrastructure including amenities, electrical upgrades, additional lighting, perimeter fencing and a cattle pavilion replacement.

Stage 3 also includes planning works for the Ken Roberts Pavilion replacement.

The project will deliver upgraded amenities to increase the functionality of the venue, improve animal welfare and ensure the site is a suitable emergency relief centre for the community.

Works have already commenced on upgrades to existing facilities, while the ground has been prepared for new buildings to be constructed, commencing after the Annual Ipswich Show in May 2026.

Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann and Ipswich Show Society President Darren Zanow announced the beginning of the new works at the Showgrounds on Monday.

Mr Neumann was pleased to see the progress being made on his local funding commitment, which he said would benefit the local community enormously.

“I’m proud to have advocated for this investment and to have worked with the Ipswich Show Society to provide these much-needed upgrades to the showgrounds, and it’s very satisfying to see the Show Society moving forward with the works,” Mr Neumann said.

“This funding injection will boost our flood resilience and allow us to upgrade the showground buildings to provide emergency accommodation and support for local residents during natural disasters.

“These upgrades will include toilets, showers and privacy for locals when emergencies strike.

“Ipswich is one of the fastest growing regions in the country and we need better community infrastructure to support the local population, and the project will also provide economic stimulus and local jobs.

“This will have facilities to transform the centre into a purpose-built emergency relief centre for use by the entire region.”

Mr Zanow said the Ipswich Show Society had been working on the business strategy for the Showground Precinct Redevelopment since 2012. 

“These new and improved facilities and amenities will be significant for the Ipswich Showgrounds,” Mr Zanow said.

“This upgrade will future-proof the Show Society’s capability to deliver high level events including support for displaced families and animals during times of disaster as an Evacuation Centre.

“In addition, the redevelopment of the showgrounds is an important step towards the Show Society’s plans for a future Ipswich Convention and Exhibition Centre.”

Background

The Ipswich Showground Precinct Redevelopment plan is divided into three stages:

• Stage 1 – Design of the Ipswich Convention and Exhibition Centre
• Stage 2 – Construction of the Ipswich Convention and Exhibition Centre
• Stage 3 (this project) - Modernisation and replacement of aged infrastructure

The Australian Government provided $6 million for the project, which is part of a larger redevelopment of the Ipswich Showgrounds precinct.

Project packages to be delivered under this grant program for completion by the end of 2026 include:

• A finished new laundry to service 25 guest caravanners
• Rejuvenated and upgraded amenities (toilets and shower facilities)
• The shovel ready plans for the new KR2 Building which will accommodate the Poultry & Pigeons for the Show whilst also providing a well needed function space for local business and organisations to host workshops and training. The building will also service Circus Ipswich classes
• New perimeter fence around Showgrounds including business signs
• Upgrades to electrical services/operations to enhance the capabilities and demands for future buildings and activities around the site, including savings to the electricity supply
• Additional lighting to improve the grounds appearance and safety in the evenings.