Message from the Mayor
Among the many achievements we'll see next year are the completion and full opening of Home HQ at West Ipswich, completion of the Centenary Highway extension through to Yamanto and the opening of the Queens Park Environmental Education Centre and new kiosk. The Ipswich Motorway upgrade will continue to take shape with the commencement of the Dinmore to Goodna section. Out at Springfield, the new parklands will become a reality and work is expected to commence on Stage 2 of Orion Springfield Town Centre. These are just a few of the fantastic things we'll see happening across Ipswich in 2009 with many more major projects to follow. It is indeed an exciting time for the city as we all watch on in interest as it continues to grow and prosper. Best wishes to all readers for a very merry festive season. Enjoy time with family and friends and please be careful on our roads.
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 |
Wishing You a Merry Christmas…Christmas is a time to stop and reflect on personal achievements and to share the joy of being with family and friends. Thank you for your contribution to another year of tremendous growth in Ipswich. Overall, the city is going well with the stage set for 2009 to be even bigger and better. We will continue to develop strong partnerships between council, business and the community to build a sustainable future for us all. Click here for your personal Christmas message and a greeting from the Ipswich Angel. In this issue...
New Centre Offers Support to Small Business OperatorsHelpful advice for local small businesses is now just a phone call away with the opening last month of the Ipswich Regional Business Enterprise Centre (BECIR). Located at 26 East Street, the Ipswich BEC is one of 36 centres across the country to receive $1.2 million in Federal Government funding over the next four years. BEC Australia is a national network which offers business advice and support to small and micro businesses with 20 employees or less. Services include planning advice, mentoring for new businesses, information on loans and banking products, simple marketing plans, legal and accounting advice and leasing guidance.
For more information, telephone the Ipswich BEC on 3282 7999. [ Back to Top ] City's First Technology Park Opens in GoodnaIpswich's first technology park was officially opened in late October by Federal Treasurer, the Hon Wayne Swan MP. Located at 225 Brisbane Terrace, Goodna Technology Park is home to mechanical design business Leslie Consulting and currently houses 40 staff. 
Pictured is Leslie Consulting's Bruce Leslie with Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan and Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale. In addition to providing leading edge, Australian designed and manufactured mining equipment, Leslie Consulting plans to use the site to lead an innovative technology and engineering based training program for indigenous workers from the Northern Territory. The program is based on short term stays in Ipswich with participants living in a family environment while receiving an achievable module of training in areas such as machinery operation, maintenance and computers. The Leslie Consulting building is a low-cost, high-efficiency structure with a floor space of 1160m². It uses approximately half as much electricity compared to other buildings of the same size. [ Back to Top ] |
Australian-first Research Centre Opens at UQ-IpswichAustralia's first Centre of Excellence for Behaviour Support was officially opened at the University of Queensland's Ipswich Campus last month. 
Pictured is the new centre's Director, Dr Monica Cuskelly, with UQ Ipswich pro vice chancellor Professor Alan Rix, Disability Services Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr, State Member for Ipswich Rachel Nolan and former Supreme Court judge Bill Carter. The centre will lead the development of best practice models to help improve quality care and the lives of Queenslanders with a disability. A key element of the centre will be its focus on training, professional development, and workforce development for the disability services sector. By working closely with service providers, the centre will be both responsive and proactive in ensuring services meet the needs of clients at a grassroots level. The centre is a key milestone in the Queensland Government's $113 million, four-year response to the Carter Report which is reshaping Queensland's disability services sector. State Member for Ipswich Rachel Nolan said opening the new Centre of Excellence dedicated to the development of best care was an important leap forward for Queenslanders with a disability, their families and carers. "By creating an important research and training focus like this, in partnership with the University of Queensland, we are signaling a new chapter for the old Challinor site," Ms Nolan said. "It has been part of our past and now, in a new life, it can focus on delivering a better future for Queenslanders." Photo by Jeremy Patten, The University of Queensland [ Back to Top ] Ipswich Property Still Flying HighIpswich has been labelled an "ugly duckling" about to undergo a complete transformation, according to an industry expert. Property analyst Terry Ryder has released his annual report on "ugly duckling" areas he believes are set to undergo a boom and Ipswich is the only Queensland location to make the list. As part of the report, Mr Ryder said Ipswich's evolution had already begun thanks to strong price growth, a population boom and huge investments in infrastructure and amenity. His report noted that investment focus in the western corridor was at unprecedented levels with major road and rail upgrades planned, together with private sector industrial and commercial projects. With the affordable nature of housing, Mr Ryder believes investment demand in the region will continue to rise. [ Back to Top ] Senator Opens New Office
In 1994, Claire Moore was elected the Branch Secretary of the Community and Public Service Union (CPSU), a position she held until elected to the Senate in 2001. She remains a proud unionist whose activism extends beyond her time with the CPSU. From 1996-2001 she was Vice-President, Chair of the Women's Committee and Chair of the Arts Committee of the Queensland Council of Unions and is also a keen member and supporter for APHEDA, the trade union overseas aid program. [ Back to Top ] Quest Ipswich Open for Business
Officially opened in September, Quest Ipswich is conveniently located on Warwick Road and offers 64 stylish and comfortable rooms and apartments. The studio rooms feature a kitchenette, private shower bathroom and king bedding. The spacious and stylish apartments all feature a balcony, separate living and dining areas, king bedding, fully-equipped kitchen and private laundry facilities. There is internet access throughout and all accommodation features air-conditioning, LCD televisions and DVD/stereos. Businesses requiring conference or meeting room facilities are also catered for. Up to 30 delegates can be accommodated theatre-style or a comfortable boardroom setting is available for up to 20. The "Queenslander" conference room overlooks the pool and is ideal for break out space/discussion groups for effective conferencing. For more information, telephone 3813 6000 or visit the website at www.questipswich.com.au [ Back to Top ] In Other News…A new home for RAAF Super Hornets and a workforce diversity program are among other news items this month. Amberley Prepares to House Super HornetsThe Federal Government has given the green light for plans to construct $117 million in infrastructure to house the new Super Hornet fleet at RAAF Base Amberley. Details of the proposed facilities were offered for public comment in August. The first four of the new 24 F/A-18F Super Hornet aircrafts are due to arrive at Amberley in March 2010. 
Pictured with the Satellite Information Centre stand at Warrego Wines are Kevin Watson and Cr David Pahlke Satellite Information Centres LaunchedBusinesses are being encouraged to become satellite information centres under a new Ipswich Tourism initiative. A network of centres is being co-ordinated to provide tourist information at key points across the city. Businesses can apply to join the network if they operate in Ipswich, are open seven days a week and have adequate parking. Free brochures and display stands will be provided. For more information, telephone 3281 0555. Reject Shop May Set Up Shop in MallNational retailer The Reject Shop is in talks with Ipswich City Council to become an anchor tenant in the new-look Ipswich City Mall. This latest news follows the retailer's decision to establish a new distribution centre at the Citiswich Industrial Estate next year. Workforce Diversity Program Receives FundingACCES Services Inc has been granted funding by the Department of Employment and Industrial Relations to run a 12-month pilot program focusing on workforce diversity in Ipswich. The aim of the project is to support employers who are facing challenges when it comes to recruiting and retaining migrant and refugee workers. The project will be officially launched in January. Anyone wishing to participate should contact project co-ordinator Zoe Shipley on 0401 758 069 or email zoes@asi.org.au . Springfield Development ApprovedIpswich City Council has given approval for a new multi-purpose development in Springfield. The application for 23-27 Commercial Drive involves the construction of a mixed-use development with commercial/retail tenancies and attached housing. The 3300sqm site will be transformed into five attached houses, a 12-unit apartment building and eight tenancies for local shops, commercial premises and professional offices. [ Back to Top ] New Business OpeningsWelcome to the following new businesses in Ipswich. 
Pictured are Gabrielle Pisasale and her uncle, Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale, at the official opening of Beauty on Belle. Beauty on BelleThe recent opening of Beauty on Belle's new premises in Ipswich Central is the culmination of 15 years of careful planning, and a desire by owner Gabrielle Pisasale to bring the very best spa and beauty experience to Ipswich. Situated on the ground floor of Ipswich Centre Plaza, Bell Street, Beauty on Belle offers a range of services including skin consultations, facials, skin renewal peeling, detox and refresh microdermabrasion, body cocoon and wraps, massage and a wide variety of manicure, pedicure, waxing, spray tanning and make-up options.
Bi-Carb BlastingA new Ipswich business derives its concept from the ancient Egyptians. Bi-Carb Blasting specialises in the removal of substances such as paint, grease, oil and fungi, using bi-carbonate of soda under low pressure and high velocity. It works on a range of materials including steel, aluminium, bronze, brass, glass, chrome, fibreglass, some plastics and wood. The business is primarily a mobile service but jobs can be carried out at the workshop of owner-operator Ross Wohling.
Exact RadiologyOpening at Riverlink Shopping Centre last month, Exact Radiology is the first business in Ipswich to operate as a dedicated women's imaging clinic and is independently owned and operated by local doctors. It provides a range of services including mammograms, bone mineral density tests for osteoporosis and ultrasounds for breast screening. A general clinic for men and children was also opened in a separate location at the shopping centre.
NEC AustraliaNEC's Global Chairman Hajime Sasaki unveiled NEC Australia's new showroom at Springfield in October. The event also marked the official opening of the Springfield Commercial District and the new Springfield Tower. NEC will also lease a significant proportion of the Polaris Data Centre.
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Websites Of Interest
Grants & Subsidies Funding Opportunities:These websites assist business and community to access government funding programs and associated guidelines:-
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 [ Back to Top ] |
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IPSWICH CITY COUNCIL |
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As 2008 draws to a close, we are already looking forward to all the exciting things which lay ahead for our city in 2009.
The BEC also offers information on government regulation and national referrals, provides training for small business operators and will have specific programs and services to support women in small business.
Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale recently attended the official opening of Queensland Senator Claire Moore's new office in Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley (pictured). Cr Pisasale is a staunch supporter of Senator Moore, a person he believes will get things done and is always there for the people of Queensland.
Quest Serviced Apartments is now open in Ipswich, providing high quality accommodation for the corporate sector.
IMO Carwash
The Workshops Rail Museum