On The Homefront: Movement & Land Use

As Ipswich entered World War II several major infrastructure projects were underway – construction of an inland defence road from Ipswich to Charters Towers, avoiding vulnerable coastal locations; and construction of a new aerodrome to serve as a home for the RAAF. The Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor would also see an influx of American servicemen and the works required to accommodate them. Extensive war work was undertaken by existing industries and companies. The war years saw normal patterns of working, living, travelling, communicating, and construction disrupted, and often under government control. Usual progress on construction of housing, commercial and industrial buildings, new suburbs and government facilities was limited to those serving the defence of the nation and supporting the Allied war effort.

Ipswich emerged from the war years to continue to face shortages, some for a number of years. At the same time, there was a need to catch up on much delayed infrastructure development and industrial upgrades, while also serving a population which was growing via natural increase and immigration. A grand Master Plan that would see Ipswich through to c. 2025 was adopted, and then almost immediately abandoned by a newly elected Council which wanted to concentrate on only the basics.