Wendy Bourne MP, State Member for Ipswich West, has used a speech in Parliament to call on the Queensland Government to actively back Ipswich’s bid for the NRL’s 20th licence.
Speaking in Parliament, Ms Bourne said Ipswich had a compelling case for NRL expansion, built on generations of rugby league success, strong participation pathways and one of the fastest-growing populations in the country.
Ipswich has produced some of the biggest names in rugby league such as Ali Brigginshaw, Allan “Alfie” Langer and Kevin, Kerrod and Steve Walters, along with countless others, including emerging stars like Shalom Sauaso, who have gone on to make their mark at the highest levels of the game.
That tradition continues today through local clubs, schools and the Ipswich Jets, with thousands of players, volunteers and supporters contributing to a rugby league culture that runs deep throughout the region.
Ms Bourne recently wrote to Australian Rugby League Commission Chairman Peter V’landys in support of the Ipswich Jets bid and has raised the issue directly with Premier David Crisafulli, calling on the Queensland Government to champion Ipswich’s case.
Work is also progressing on the $40 million Western Grandstand redevelopment at North Ipswich Reserve, funded under the former Queensland Labor Government, the Albanese Government and Ipswich City Council. The redevelopment is a significant vote of confidence in Ipswich sport and further strengthens the case for an NRL licence in one of rugby league’s heartlands.
Ms Bourne said Ipswich had earned its place in the conversation about the future of rugby league and deserved stronger backing from the Queensland Government.
Quotes attributable to Wendy Bourne MP, State Member for Ipswich West:
“In Ipswich, rugby league isn’t something people just watch on the weekend. It’s part of our identity. Generations of local families have played, coached, volunteered and built clubs that continue to shape the game today.”
“Every conversation about the 20th licence comes back to the same question: where can rugby league grow while staying true to its heartland? Ipswich is one of the few places that can do both.”
“I’ve written to Peter V’landys and I’ve raised this directly with the Premier because Ipswich has a genuine claim to the 20th licence. What I want to see now is the Queensland Government actively backing our bid, not simply leaving Ipswich to make the case on its own.”
“An NRL team would mean more than a new club. It would bring investment, jobs, visitors and opportunities to our region, while creating a pathway for local kids to see a future in the game without having to leave Ipswich behind.”
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