|
April 2008  | |
Message from the Mayor
Foot traffic at Riverlink alone shows our booming retail sector is keeping shoppers in Ipswich as well as employing hundreds of locals in their hometown, easing the commuter congestion into Brisbane by road and train. With major retail chains now knocking on Ipswich's door, including those who once would not even give the city a second look, the future for Ipswich's retail sector is not just bright, it's almost blinding. Thanks go to our Federal MPs Bernie Ripoll and Shayne Neumann for pushing our cause in parliament and helping put Ipswich on the map in terms of gaining further significant Federal funding. With the united support of our Federal and State MPs, Ipswich will be well-placed to play our part in the future growth of the western corridor. Stay tuned to Ipswich Economic Update for more news of big name outlets staking their claim in our fantastic city. Mayor Paul Pisasale ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CONTACTSOffice of Economic Development Ipswich Mayor CEO of Ipswich City Council Chief Operating Officer Economic and Community Development Business Development Manager |
In this issue...State Government Continues to Back IpswichNews last month that a Department of Main Roads Office would be established in Ipswich is the latest in a series of State Government announcements showing strong support for the city. Around a dozen staff will be located at the new office which will be involved with major local projects such as the Centenary Highway extension and the Ipswich Motorway upgrade. It will also provide more direct and accessible contact with the Ipswich community. The Main Roads office announcement came soon after Premier Anna Bligh revealed plans to make Ipswich Central a State Development Area through which her government could take responsibility for its planning and relocate 1200 public servants as part of the process. The latest announcement follows on from the Environmental Protection Agency opening a regional office in the Ipswich courthouse building earlier this year and news that Home and Community Care would open a Carers Queensland Regional Office in Ipswich in the near future. The decentralisation of government services and opening of regional offices in Ipswich has been met with much enthusiasm from local business leaders. It is seen as a sure sign of the booming growth of the western corridor in which the city continues to be among the major players. Member for Ipswich Rachel Nolan told media Ipswich's continued growth meant it was entirely appropriate for the city to have a full complement of State Government service providers. The construction of the new Ipswich Courthouse and Police Station and the upgrade of Ipswich Railway Station are further examples of the State Government's support of the city's future as local business leaders and developers look on with much interest. 
Pictured: an artist's impression of the future look of Brisbane Street looking westwards towards the Post Office tower. [ Back to Top ] |
News Highlights2008 Telstra Business AwardsNominations have now opened for the 2008 Telstra Business Awards program which is dedicated to recognising the achievements of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across the country. The Telstra Business Awards has encouraged thousands of Australian businesses to greater success since its inception in 1992 and this year the categories have changed to better represent SMEs. The Awards are now open to all eligible businesses with between one and 200 employees and a new category, the Social Responsibility Award, recognises SMEs for demonstrating leadership and making contributions to the environment, people, education or the community. Nominate now by visiting http://www.telstrabusinessawards.telstra.com/home.aspx Sunfresh Linen Goes GreenWest Ipswich business Sunfresh Linen was presented with a certificate last month to recognise its participation in the Environmental Protection Agency'ss (EPA) ecoBiz program. The initiative assists businesses in helping the environment while at the same time reducing operating costs, gaining competitive advantages and improving practices. Under the program, the EPA contributed $150,000 towards the $2 million upgrade of Sunfresh which improved the business'ss eco-efficiency and replaced manually intensive practices with more efficient processes. It is anticipated the changes will result in more than $400,000 of cost savings annually. Further information about the ecoBiz program is available via the website at www.epa.qld.gov.au/ecobiz. Fine Dining Offered at NICHE HotelAfter experiencing overwhelming success with its Sunday High Teas, the five-star NICHE Hotel at Springfield has introduced Friday and Saturday night fine dining. This unique culinary experience with personalised service complements the high standards of existing boardroom and accommodation facilities. Friends of Ipswich Economic Update can enjoy special introductory offers of all NICHE facilities. Simply telephone 3818 9600 or visit www.nichehotels.com.au for details. Local Fresh Produce Markets
The monthly farmers market held at Brookwater Golf Club is perfect for stocking up on your favourite gourmet foods and the freshest fruit and vegetables on the market. Brookwater Gourmet Markets are held on the third Sunday of every month from 6.00am to 11.00am at the Brookwater Golf Club carpark. There are more than 60 stall holders selling fresh produce, breads, meat, fish, poultry, organics and all things gourmet. Parking is free and everyone is welcome. Leichhardt resident Isabell Kormos (pictured with son, Selby) has established a monthly farmers market at the Leichhardt-One Mile Community Centre. The markets are held on the first Saturday of each month from 5.00am to 1.00pm, with stall holders offering a range of produce including fresh Chinese vegetables, home-grown herbs, seasonal fruit, honey and free range eggs. [ Back to Top ] EventsExpression of Interest in Qld Jobs on ShowThis is an excellent opportunity to address skill shortages in your industry. Queensland is simultaneously experiencing great economic growth and unprecedented shortage of skilled employees. The aim of Qld Jobs on Show 2008 is to entice new workers to Queensland. The State Government is inviting businesses to promote local employment opportunities to the southern states in 2008. Ipswich City Council is seeking expressions of interest for your company to participate either attendance at an Ipswich Region Booth or by the provision of promotional material regarding your business and job opportunities. If you are interested in participating in the show, or would like further information, please contact the Office of Economic Development on 3810 6938 or email ipswichcity@ipswich.qld.gov.au by close of business on 9 May 2008. Ipswich Business Opportunities in ChinaTuesday 20 May 2008 - 5.30pm to 7.30pm Ipswich City Council in conjunction with the Australia China Business Council invites you to attend the free "Ipswich Business Opportunities in China". If you are thinking about or already doing business in China, this is a great opportunity to find out more and to network with other businesses. Peter Osborne, who has just returned from Beijing, was Australia's Senior Trade Commissioner and Minister (Commercial) and Austrade's Country Manager for China. He will provide first hand, recent experience and information in regards to the potential available for Australian businesses to expand into China. Two local businesses, who are already doing business in China, will also share their stories. Additional take home information will also be available on the night. Light refreshments will be provided. To secure your attendance please RSVP - Office of Economic Development - 07 3810 6938 or email ipswichcity@ipswich.qld.gov.au by Wednesday 14 May 2008. [ Back to Top ] New Business OpeningsWelcome to the following new businesses in Ipswich: Commonwealth Bank Business Banking Centre
The Commonwealth Bank has opened a business banking centre in Bell Street as part of the bank'ss nationwide initiative to strengthen relationships with local business communities. The new centre is one of 25 opening nationally with plans to recruit around 270 new business banking specialists as part of a three-year expansion program. Pictured at the opening are (from left) Commonwealth Bank corporate banking area manager David Laing-Short, Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale, Ipswich corporate financial services executive general manager Robert De Luca and Commonwealth Bank corporate financial services Queensland general manager Mark Toon. Mother NaturesA supermarket with a difference opened in Riverlink last month. Mother Natures Ipswich offers a diverse range of products, from traditional fresh fruit and vegetables to a wide selection of specialty cheese and continental groceries. Customers can sample various products on a daily basis and organic and gluten-free products are available. The business is open seven days a week and is located in Riverlink East, next to Aldi. Mitre 10 YamantoNational hardware chain Mitre 10 opened a new store in Yamanto last month, making a "mighty helpful" addition to the retails choices in the area. Manager John Mawdsley told media the new store was under the same roof as Betaboard, an established local business specialising in Boral plasterboard and James Hardie fibre cement products. He said his main aim was for the store to be a one-stop-shop for home handymen and tradespersons alike. Mitre 10 Yamanto is located at 490 Warwick Road. MEGTMEGT (Australia) Ltd opened a new office in Springfield Central earlier this month. Located on the ground floor of the World Knowledge Centre in Education City, the office is staffed by consultants Ron Russell and Caraline Preston. MEGT's Australian Apprenticeships Centres offer a free service to all employers, visiting workplaces to answer any queries regarding apprenticeships and traineeships. For more information, telephone 3470 2188. [ Back to Top ] | |
Websites Of InterestIf you are aware of a funding program or funding website that we have not listed, please contact us at ipswichcity@ipswich.qld.gov.au
Grants & Subsidies Funding Opportunities:These websites assist business and community to access government funding programs and associated guidelines:-
[ Back to Top ]
| |
|
IPSWICH CITY COUNCIL | |
A year on from the opening of Riverlink Shopping Centre, Ipswich's retail sector is becoming the envy of regional centres around the country. The overwhelming success of Riverlink and Orion Springfield Town Centre has resulted in Council's Office of Economic Development being inundated with inquiries from retail giants interested in having a piece of our pie.