Ipswich Economic Update February 2008

February 2008
MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR and Chairperson of Economic Development Cr Paul Pisasale It was tremendous to see such a huge turn-out at the official launch of the Ipswich Regional Centre Strategy this month. The large number of attendees proved that the Strategy is not solely Council's plan - it's the people's plan. The vast majority of those who attended the launch had in some way played a part in the Strategy's development. As individuals we may be strong, but as a united force working for the future of our great city, we are unstoppable. My thanks go to all those who have helped make the Strategy a reality over the past 12 months. Deputy Premier Paul Lucas has been a supportive Task Force co-chair with me and I thank him for his valuable input. The Task Force itself and all who took part in the various workshops and consultations were simply amazing in their commitment to the project. Now it is up to the community as a whole to embrace the Strategy and help us work towards making its recommendations come to life. The development of the Strategy has brought all levels of government, business and community together with the single goal of transforming Ipswich into a city for the future. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CONTACTS Office of Economic Development Tel (07) 3810 6938 Fax (07) 3810 6644 ipswichcity@ipswich.qld.gov.au Ipswich Mayor and Chairperson of Economic Development Cr Paul Pisasale (07) 3810 6201 paulp@gil.com.au CEO of Ipswich City Council Carl Wulf (07) 3810 6203 cwulff@ipswich.qld.gov.au Chief Operating Officer Economic and Community Development Andrew Harvey (07) 3810 6620 aharvey@ipswich.qld.gov.au Business Development Manager Laurie Mundt (07) 3810 6627 lmundt@ipswich.qld.gov.au	In this issue... Strategy Guides City Centre's Future New Business Openings Oak's Aspire Opens Doors Springfield Welcomes Shakespeare Other News Indigenous Land Use Agreement a Queensland First Websites of Interest STRATEGY GUIDES CITY CENTRE’S FUTURE A new, fully-integrated transit centre and railway station, a government office centre and a multi-purpose performing arts complex are among 17 key projects identified as part of the Ipswich Regional Centre Strategy released this month. A joint initiative between Ipswich City Council and the State Department of Infrastructure and Planning, the Strategy has been developed in response to the forecasted growth of Ipswich which is expected to more than double in population in less than 20 years. The Strategy’s development has been guided by the Ipswich Centre Task Force, co-chaired by Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Paul Lucas and Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale. The Task Force has brought together the community, key stakeholders, local business leaders, government representatives and an independent panel of experts to develop the Strategy in less than 12 months. With a vision for Ipswich “to be a vibrant and prosperous regional activity centre for the western corridor of south east Queensland”, the Strategy will be delivered via five principles, 22 strategies and 158 actions. The overriding principles envisage Ipswich as a working, connected and living centre, one of celebration and place and which fosters community, health, education and wellbeing. The 17 identified catalytic projects will kick-start the revitalisation necessary to realise these principles and ensure the Strategy remains focused on delivering key actions. One of the catalytic projects already underway is the development of the Ipswich Regional Centre Master Plan which outlines the strategic framework and principles of the Strategy including pedestrian connectivity, green space networks, overall transport networks and building design parameters to guide the future form, land use and vitality of the centre. The Master Plan supports the evolution of Ipswich into a world class city that is both independently successful and contributes to the overall vibrancy and sustainability of the region. It aims to provide a compelling and deliverable framework for the city centre’s development over the coming decades with an emphasis on capitalising the existing strengths and seizing current opportunities. Government and private sector partnerships, where appropriate, may be undertaken to realise and deliver key agreed actions, catalytic projects and initiatives as the Strategy progresses. For more information on the Ipswich Regional Centre Strategy, visit the website at www.ipswichcentrestrategy.com.au Member for Ipswich West Wayne Wendt, Deputy Premier Paul Lucas, Mayor Paul Pisasale and Member for Ipswich Rachel Nolan welcome the launch of the Ipswich Regional Centre Strategy. [ Back to Top ]
NEW BUSINESS OPENINGS Brewers Choice Yamanto A popular Brisbane home brew specialist has opened a store in Ipswich. Brewers Choice Yamanto offers a wide range of home brew supplies as well as advice on beer brewing, home distillation and wine making. The store is located on Warwick Road just opposite the Yamanto Shopping Centre. Since the picture opposite was taken, the building has been painted bright yellow so it’s even easier to find. [ Back to Top ] Casablanca Costume Hire Ann Maree Ling has taken over Casablanca Party Hire and moved the popular business to new premises in Lobley Street. Formerly located on Brisbane Rd, East Ipswich, the business offers over 2000 costumes in sizes ranging from children’s sizes to large adult’s, in a variety of categories at reasonable prices. A large variety of retail accessories is also available for purchase. [ Back to Top ] Shapland Swim School Shapland Swim Schools officially opened its new school in Ipswich on Australia Day. The Silkstone franchise in Cambridge St is owned and managed by Paul and Erica Thomas. Featuring a fully enclosed, heated pool with separate, air-conditioned viewing room, the swim school offers learn-to-swim classes catering for everyone from six-month-old children to adults. [ Back to Top ] Queensland Bedding and Furniture Direct A live broadcast by River 94.9 and a sausage sizzle marked the official opening of the showroom at 21 Brisbane St on 26 January. The new business is six times bigger than a former store at Redbank Plains and offers a wide range of furniture, white goods and selected household items. Established in 1985, the manufacturing and import business guarantees savings of up to 70 per cent.. [ Back to Top ]
OAKS ASPIRE OPENS DOORS Oaks Hotels and Resorts helped create history this month when “Oaks Aspire”, Ipswich’s first high-rise apartment building, opened its doors to guests and long-term residents for the first time. Located in the heart of Ipswich, the 14-level, 108-room property brings luxury high-rise accommodation to the city and signals a much-anticipated coming of age. Oaks Aspire offers a choice of studio, one and two bedroom fully self-contained apartments, each with a sleek, modern décor and ultra stylish furniture. The complex is expected to be particularly popular with corporate travellers due to its range of business facilities including broadband access, secretarial services and meeting rooms. Oaks Hotels and Resorts is one of Australia’s fastest growing apartment management groups and currently manages 35 hotels and resorts across Australia and New Zealand. [ Back to Top ]
SPRINGFIELD WELCOMES SHAKESPEARE Shakespeare’s classic love story Romeo and Juliet will unfold under the stars in Springfield next month as part of the University of Southern Queensland’s (USQ) 2008 Shakespeare in the Park Festival. The much-loved tragedy of two ‘star-cross’d lovers’ will be performed on the Education City Mini Oval in performances running from 27 to 30 March. Directed by USQ Acting Lecturer Scott Alderice and starring USQ acting students Kate Murphy and Chris Hunter, the production is billed as a unique version of the classic love tale which will include music, dance, movement and singing. Tickets can be purchased from the Ipswich Civic Hall Box Office by phone on 3810 6100 or online at www.ipswichcivichall.com.au . Tickets can also be purchased on-site at the Festival Box Office which opens one hour prior to each performance. For more information, visit the Festival website at www.usq.edu.au/shakespeare [ Back to Top ]
OTHER NEWS Nature Centre Stage 2 Opens The abundant attractions of Queens Park were strengthened even further last month with the official opening of Stage 2 of the Nature Centre. New animals include pythons, lace monitors and rock wallabies, with rare spotted quolls and echidnas due to arrive later. A new wombat display and extensive landscaping are other features of the upgrade which has been taking shape over several months. Queens Park remains one of Ipswich’s biggest tourist drawcards, attracting visitors from throughout the region as well as Brisbane, Logan and beyond. [ Back to Top ] New EPA Office Member for Ipswich Rachel Nolan announced this month that a new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) office would open in the soon-to-be superseded courthouse building on the corner of Limestone and East streets. This will be the first regional EPA office for the City and will house 25 staff. The Ipswich EPA office will provide assistance in local environmental issues such as the Woodend bat colony and the City’s industrial growth. [ Back to Top ] Work Starts on Home HQ The bulldozers have moved in and work as commenced on the Home HQ site at West Ipswich. The 2.9 hectare Charter Hall development, which will be anchored by Spotlight and Fantastic Furniture stores, is widely regarded as further evidence of the confidence being shown in the future of Ipswich. Construction at the site is expected to be completed for an official opening of the 13,000 square metres of retail space with parking for 257 cars in October. [ Back to Top ] Ipswich Club Goes Public After years of restricting its clientele to private members and their guests, the Ipswich Club in Gray Street has opened its licensed restaurant to public diners. The Club’s Gallery Room Restaurant had a soft opening just before Christmas before officially opening in January. The restaurant features an Italian-themed menu and is open for dinner Wednesday to Saturday. Coffees, morning teas and lunches are available from Tuesday to Friday. [ Back to Top ] $1.1 Billion Pledged for Motorway The Federal Government pledged last month to make the Ipswich Motorway upgrade its top priority in road projects as part of a $1.1 billion funding announcement. Transport Minister Anthony Albanese told the media there was no single road more important in the tackling of traffic congestion in the region. Construction on the long-awaited project, which will convert the current four lanes to six, is expected to commence next year. [ Back to Top ] Ripley Valley Plan Approved Ipswich City Council’s approval of the finalised Ripley Valley Structure Plan in December marked another step forward for Australia’s largest master-planned community. Tens of thousands of jobs are expected to be generated over the 20-year construction period and the area is also anticipated to represent more than ten per cent of south east Queensland’s future growth. [ Back to Top ] Rosewood Shopping Development on Track Stage one of Rosewood’s new shopping precinct, which includes a 2150sqm Supa IGA, opened on the corner of John and William streets in January. Supa IGA will be joined by seven specialty stores due for completion in late May. Hutchinson Builders are currently working on the second stage of the project with the completed centre also featuring 114 car parks, a pharmacy and doctor’s surgery. [ Back to Top ]
INDIGINEOUS LAND USE AGREEMENT A QUEENSLAND FIRST An historic milestone was achieved in Ipswich late last month with the signing of an Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA). Ipswich’s traditional owners and Ipswich City Council signed the ILUA in a special ceremony at the Ipswich Art Gallery. Ipswich is the first council in Queensland to enter into an ILUA covering its entire local government area. Developed over two years, the ILUA is expected to greatly assist Council with future native title and indigenous culture issues. Indigenous sites of significance in Ipswich will also be better protected and recognised. The agreement structure features two separate but linked documents - the ILUA which is the parent document and the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Remuneration Agreement (ACHR) which deals directly with cultural heritage matters. The agreements feature a number of agreed procedures with the traditional owners and the consultation process involved will help Council to comply with the relevant acts of both State and Federal Government legislation. Council will also employ at least three people drawn from the Jagera, Yuggera and Ugarapul people to assist with the implementation of the agreement: two as rangers for parks, open space and other land and another as a partnerships co-ordinator. [ Back to Top ]
WEBSITES OF INTEREST If you are aware of a funding program or funding website that we have not listed, please contact us at ipswichcity@ipswich.qld.gov.au Ipswich City Council - www.ipswich.qld.gov.au Details of Council Services, News and Events, Business Information, Community Services, Histoy and Library Services. Australian Local Government Association - www.alga.com.au Local Government Directory with links to all Councils with website addresses. Queensland Government Services - www.qld.gov.au Services provided by the Queensland Government. Queensland Government Department of Tourism, Regional Development and Industry - www.dtrdi.qld.gov.au Starting a Small Business, Expanding an Existing Business, Investment opportunities in Queensland, Export and Trade assistance, Queensland Regulations. Small Business Solutions - www.smallbusinesssolutions.qld.gov.au Commonwealth Government Services - www.australia.gov.au Services provided by the Australian Government Commonwealth Government Information - www.fed.gov.au Access to Australian Commonwealth Government. Information such as Benefits & Payments, Communications & IT, Defence, Employment, Finance & Taxation, International Relations, Sport & Recreation, Tourism & Travel. Australian Bureau of Statistics - www.abs.gov.au Statistics and Census Data online. Ipswich & Regional Area Consultative Committee - www.iracc.asn.au Link business, government and the community and provide assistance for access to Australian Government programs and services. Ipswich Chamber of Commerce & Industry - www.ipswichchamber.org.au Grants & Subsidies Funding Opportunities: These websites assist business and community to access government funding programs and associated guidelines:- Regional Development Program - Queensland Events Corporation - www.qldevents.com.au Gambling Community Benefit Fund - www.gcbf.qld.gov.au Jupiters Casino Community Benefit Fund - www.jccbf.org.au Show Societies Grant - www.lgp.qld.gov.au Department of Education, Training and the Arts - www.deta.qld.gov.au Ausindustry - www.ausindustry.gov.au Festivals Australia - www.dcita.gov.au Sport & Recreation Qld - www.sportrec.qld.gov.au Regional Partnerships Program - www.regionalpartnerships.gov.au Q150 Community Funding Program - www.q150.qld.gov.au [ Back to Top ]
IPSWICH CITY COUNCIL PO BOX 191, IPSWICH QLD 4305 PHONE (07) 3810 6627 www.ipswich.qld.gov.au