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January 2009
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Message from the Mayor
A new $32 million distribution centre will be built this year on Walker Corporation’s CITISWICH Industrial Estate in the suburb of Bundamba. Australian Pharmaceutical Industries (API) and Walker Corporation signed a lease for the 19,000m2 facilities in late December. The new centre will be nearly three times of the size of the current API warehouse in Richlands. This new distribution centre is another vote of confidence in the future of the western corridor and will help buffer our city from any economic downturn. Once approval is gained from council construction is expected to start almost immediately. The building should be completed by November 2009 and the distribution centre in full operation by December 2009. The new centre will employ 180 people and service 720 pharmacies in Queensland and some of northern NSW. Approximately 160 people will be employed during the construction phase. It is tremendous to have API's investment and vote of confidence in our city by establishing their new home at CITISWICH. It was great to welcome API Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Stephen Roche to the city to make the joint announcement to the media. Stephen said the company was excited about the opportunities presented with a new site in Ipswich and was pleased to be working with the Walker Corporation in developing this facility. Ipswich is indeed powering ahead, as indicated by the city’s growth rate of 3.4%. Our fastest growing suburbs by population are -
And the fastest growing suburbs with new housing lots are -
All eyes are on Ipswich and the western corridor.
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...New Draft Regional Plan ReleasedIpswich is set to strengthen its position as a major regional centre in the western corridor following the release of the draft South East Queensland Regional Plan 2009-2031. Mayor Paul Pisasale said protecting the lifestyle of existing residents, boosting education and creating new job opportunities remained a priority. The new plan includes a greater emphasis on sustainability and climate change as well as a forecasted increase in the number of new dwellings from 77,200 to 116,000. The number of infill dwellings has also increased to 16,500.
Cr Pisasale praised the new plan's inclusion of increased flexibility in rural areas for eco tourism and innovative rural based industries. The draft South East Queensland Regional Plan 2009-2031 is still undergoing a consultation process before delivery of the finalised plan, expected mid-year. [ Back to Top ] McDonald's Approved for Top of TownMore than 60 local jobs will be created and a dilapidated church saved thanks to the arrival of a new McDonald's family restaurant in Limestone Street.
The former Baptist Church was erected in 1876 and the building and Memorial Gates are recognised as a significant part of Ipswich's cultural heritage. The new 24/7 restaurant to be constructed on the site will incorporate a McCafe and drive-thru, with the existing McDonald's restaurant on Bell Street continuing to operate as usual. Pictured looking over the plans for the new McDonald's restaurant at Top of Town are (from left) Cr Paul Tully, McDonald's Development Manager Julian Demetrovics and Mayor Paul Pisasale. [ Back to Top ] New Plan Highlights Future Tourism ProjectsA new long term plan highlighting future tourism opportunities was released in late November by Tourism Queensland and Brisbane City Council.
For Ipswich, the report details a proposal to expand the city's successful railway heritage theme to create a tourism precinct with a conference centre and accommodation facilities. A major walk with associated hut and high quality lodge-style accommodation infrastructure in the Scenic Rim was also highlighted. More than 300 industry operators, developers and investors were consulted in the preparation of the report, which is part of the Queensland Government's 10-year Queensland Tourism Strategy. The next stage involves a number of feasibility studies on all ten catalyst projects from both a commercial and environmental point of view. Other catalyst projects identified as possible triggers for further development in the greater Brisbane region include an internationally significant national Indigenous centre and a Moreton Bay aquarium and marine discovery centre. [ Back to Top ] |
Water Masterplan to Guide Ipswich Growth
At December's official announcement of the new partnership, to be known as the Ipswich City Infrastructure Project, Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale and Thiess Queensland General Manager David McAdam said the agreement would produce a strategic program valued at around $300 million over the next five years. The agreement is focused on securing the city's water infrastructure to at least the year 2026, to cope with predicted growth. Works planned include capacity upgrades to Goodna, Bundamba and Rosewood sewerage treatment plants and the construction of a new plant at Amberley. The Amberley plant will support growth of the RAAF Base and the proposed aerospace commercial and industrial development at Ebenezer. The project will also potentially include up to 15 kilometres of new trunk sewers in the Goodna and Bundamba catchments to service Springfield and Swanbank and provide the first step towards linking the Ripley Valley to the Bundamba Sewerage Scheme. [ Back to Top ] UQ Vet Science Moves to Gatton
Work has commenced on the new facilities which will give students, staff, and partners in industry, government, research organisations and the community access to the most comprehensive animal research and teaching centre in Australia. Vice Chancellor, Professor Paul Greenfield said the new School of Veterinary Science, combined with the new $33 million Queensland Government-funded Centre for Advanced Animal Science at Gatton, would create one of the best precincts for animal-related teaching, research and development anywhere in the subtropics. Construction is expected to be completed in late 2009, in time for Veterinary Science students to begin the 2010 academic year at UQ Gatton. Pictured is an artist's impression of the new equine clinic to be constructed at UQ Gatton. Courtesy The University of Queensland. [ Back to Top ] In Other News…
Polaris Data Centre Nearing CompletionWork on the Polaris Data Centre at Springfield was scheduled to be completed this month. The $220 million digital data storage facility will be filled with almost 1.7 million servers, each capable of storing as much information as a home PC. The centre is the largest of its kind in Australia and some of the country's biggest organisations have already secured a place to store their data. GHD RecognisedInternational professional services company GHD has been recognised by the Association of Consulting Engineers Australia (ACEA). The company received a Gold Award of Merit for its contribution to the Western Corridor Water Recycling Project at ACEA's 2008 Awards for Excellence held in November. The company, which has an office based at Springfield, partnered with The Peron Group to implement Stage 1A of the $2.5 billion water project. 
Winner of Ipswich Good Sports Home Services FranchiseIn September 2008 Good Sports Home services announced that they would be giving away three franchises, one in the Ipswich area. Justin Richards, of Raceview, was recently declared the winner of the Ipswich franchise, valued at $20,000, including a fully stocked trailer and all the support needed to build a thriving business. (Pictured - Jacob Gough, Mayor Paul Pisasale, Justin Richards and Dave Handyside) GP Super Clinic for IpswichThe Federal Government has committed up to $2.5 million towards the establishment of a GP Super Clinic in Ipswich. The plan is part of a $275 million project over five years aimed at providing GP Super Clinics in 31 localities across the country. Further information including the National Program Guide is available at www.health.gov.au/gpsuperclinics. Springfield Bunnings ApprovedConstruction of a Bunnings Warehouse in Springfield was given the green light by Ipswich City Council late last month. A warehouse, garden centre and coffee shop will occupy 11,727sqm of floor space on a parcel of vacant land overlooking Orion Springfield Town Centre. Parking for 323 cars will also be provided at the site which is bordered by Main Street and Sinnathamby Boulevard. Dalkia to Open in SpringfieldLeading energy services company, Dalkia, has signed on to occupy 1500sqm of office and warehouse space in Springfield Technology Park. The purpose built premises set to take shape this year will house Dalkia's Queensland head office, national call centre and national energy bureau. [ Back to Top ] New Business OpeningsWelcome to the following new businesses in Ipswich. 
Adana Turkish RestaurantA new Turkish restaurant opened in d'Arcy Doyle Place last month, adding a new flavour to the dining options of Ipswich Central. Located in the former Bank of Australasia building on the corner of Brisbane Street and d'Arcy Doyle Place, Adana is the result of a partnership between Brisbane-based Armand von Stein (pictured with Mayor Paul Pisasale) and Ipswich-based businessmen Cemal Serin and Erdas Ishmail. The trio plan to open several Adana restaurants throughout the southeast corner of Queensland, with Ipswich being the flagship. Your BedA new bedding store in the Clive Peeters complex on Limestone Street aims to provide Ipswich shoppers with good choice and value. Your Bed co-owners Mika Liikamaa, Teuvo Siltala and Ritva Siltala offer sound product knowledge and a focus on customer service. The store is open seven days a week. New Hope CoalNew Hope Coal (NHC) has relocated its corporate head office to Springfield. Formerly in North Ipswich, the new and larger premises is located in the Brookwater Office Park. NHC has been established in Ipswich since 1952 and the company's decision to remain within the city has been lauded as a vote of confidence in the region's exciting future. Boody's BoovalThe popular Brassall confectionary shop, Boody's, has opened a second store in Booval. Located in South Station Road just up from Booval Railway Station, the new Boody's is proving popular with local lolly lovers. In readiness for the new school year, the Booval store has been busy building its own wall of lollies to rival the original in Brassall. [ Back to Top ] Coming Events
2008 Business AwardsThe 2008 Ipswich Chamber of Commerce and Industry Business Awards will be held on Friday 6 March at Woodland of Marburg. The 'Glitz & Glamour' cabaret-themed evening will include entertainment by multi-award-winning singer Jane Scali (pictured). A three-course meal and beverage package is included in the ticket price. Corporate tables of 10 are priced at $2200, tables of 12 are available for $2650, while individual tickets may be purchased for $155. RSVPs are required by Friday 20 February and can be made to Executive Office Samantha Ryan, telephone 3282 8688 or email eo@ipswichchamber.org,au. Accommodation is available if required. For further information, contact Woodlands of Marburg directly on 5464 4777. Small Business WorkshopsA Small Business Best Practice Workshop - The Ten Point Business Planning Workshop
When: 30th January, 2009 - 8.00am to 11.00am Business Continuity - The practical lessons about surviving tough times (2 locations)
When: 13th February, 2009 - 1.00pm - 2.30pm Marketing Essentials for Small Business - Using technology to market your business
When: 23rd February, 2009 - 8.00am to 11.00am [ Back to Top ] |
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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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While is may be difficult to find good economic news, Ipswich is fortunate to be in a strong position in terms of residential, commercial and industrial development. We have plenty of room with 43% of industrial land in south east Queensland.
Masterplanned communities remain at the core of future growth for Springfield and Ripley Valley and there is significant emphasis on the development of smart urban growth which promotes mixed use, mixed density, walkable communities.
A development application for the site at Top of Town was recently approved by Ipswich City Council and includes the restoration of the former Ipswich Baptist Church with the intention of handing it back to the community.
Tourism Minister Desley Boyle said the Brisbane Regional Tourism Investment and Infrastructure Plan highlighted the opportunity for private sector investment in areas such as new hotel accommodation and more interpretative and information centres.
A five-year capital investment program to deliver major water and sewerage infrastructure with efficiency savings is central to a new agreement between Ipswich City Council and Thiess Pty Limited.
The University of Queensland is relocating its School of Veterinary Science from St Lucia to UQ Gatton at a cost of more than $100 million.
An award win and plans for a new Bunnings store are among other news items this month.