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April 2009
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Message from the Mayor
The data released on April 23 placed Ipswich in a position to maintain positive growth through 2009. At 4.1% we are the fastest growing city in the state, ahead of Cairns on 3.9% and Moreton Bay, Torres and Fraser Coast councils all on 3.4%. Ipswich is ready to play its part in relieving residential and road congestion pressure on our capital. We are doing this with masterplanned communities like Springfield and with 43% of available industrial land in south east Queensland. In the year to June 2008 Ipswich grew by 6100 new residents. For many years the city grew at less than 500 annually. Ipswich is a city with a proud past and now the many years of planning and hard work by the community, business and all levels of government is creating a city that leads by example. Together we will continue to work on changing outdated perceptions, especially those people who have never been to visit our wonderful city. Ipswich has moved on in leaps and bounds to create new jobs in aerospace, clean industry and education with two universities and a strong public and private school sector. All levels of government, business, industry and the community are working extra hard to help shield ourselves from the worst of the economic crisis. From personal experience a successful business is always open to new ideas by actively taking part in mentoring programs and creates business opportunities through innovative marketing and high standards of customer service. Ipswich City Council also maintains a strong commitment to support business success within the region through the Office of Economic Development. The office is well placed to assist investors with all the facts and figures on future development opportunities.
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...Employment Opportunities Defy Economic DownturnAs noted in last month's Ipswich Economic Update, the latest unemployment figures for Ipswich show the rate as steady, despite the world economic downturn. The figure for the December Quarter 2008 sits at 4.2 percent, mid-way between the 4.3 recorded for the March Quarter 2008 and 4.1 recorded last September. The federal government has announced a $650 million jobs plan which many government and not for profit organisations will be eligible to apply for. We will keep you updated as opportunities arise. This month, we highlight some of the businesses and projects that are playing a major role in keeping the city's unemployment rate steady. 
API Distribution CentreWork began this month on construction of the Australian Pharmaceutical Industries (API) 19,000sqm distribution centre at Citiswich (pictured). Set to be operational late this year, the facility will employ 180 staff. ClaypaveThe Dinmore-based paving manufacturer hired 30 on-site staff in a one-month period recently. With the Australian dollar in decline, Claypave products have become competitive in the overseas market. As demand for its products continues to grow, the company has hired more staff to cope with the rapid increase in overseas orders. SpotlightOpening last month, the new Spotlight store at Home HQ West Ipswich employs 45 staff. Chamber of Commerce President Martin Corkery predicted the Spotlight jobs would have a "trickle down" effect on local employment due to new Spotlight workers needing extra help around the home such as mowing, cleaning and child care. Defence HousingA project to build 72 houses at Yamanto for Defence Force personnel based at RAAF Amberley has been referred to the Federal Government's Public Works Committee as part of the Nation Building and Jobs Plan. The new homes will replace current housing for which leases expire in the next few years. Member for Blair Shayne Neumann said the project would strongly support the local building industry and ensure local jobs. [ Back to Top ] Work Begins on Springfield Technology ParkWork has commenced on the development of Springfield Technology Park, a six hectare mixed-use commercial and trade precinct. Strategically positioned between the soon-to-be-opened Centenary Highway extension and Augusta Parkway, the development offers tenants high quality architectural designs to address specific use requirements in small strata offices with or without warehouse space. Larger purpose-built facilities are also available. 
Pictured is an artist's impression of one of the buildings planned for Springfield Technology Park. Global energy company Dalkia is the development's first confirmed tenant. The company will design and build 1500sqm of office and warehouse space housing 75 personnel operating its national call centre and energy bureau. The Queensland Ambulance Service has also announced that it will build an ambulance station within the precinct. [ Back to Top ] |
In Other News
Funding Boost for RAAF AmberleyWork is expected to start mid-year on $130 million worth of new facilities and supporting infrastructure at RAAF Amberley. Announced by the State Government last month, the new facilities will address the needs of the Enhanced Land Force Stage 1 capabilities, including facilities for additional RAAF Air Field Defence Guards and the Army's 21st Construction Squadron at the Base. The new facilities are scheduled for completion in 2011.
$2M Upgrade for Goodna Police StationThe State Government announced last month that the Goodna Police Station would undergo a $2 million upgrade. The commitment is part of a $126 million pledge by the Government to continue to invest in police stations and facilities across Queensland over the next three years as part of a state-wide strategy to drive down crime rates. According to statistics revealed as part of the announcement, the overall crime rate across Queensland has declined by 24% in the past seven years. In the Metropolitan South Region, police numbers have increased from 744 in 1998, to 1091 today, an increase of almost 46%. [ Back to Top ]  
New Business OpeningsElite Fitness and Fantastic Furniture - Home HQThe two latest stores to open their doors at Home HQ on Brisbane Street, West Ipswich are Elite Fitness and Fantastic Furniture. Elite FitnessElite Fitness's 300sqm Ipswich store stocks everything from home gyms to nutritional supplements. With a range of equipment to suit all ages and fitness levels, the outlet gives people the option of working out in their own home. Fantastic FurnitureFantastic Furniture is one of Australia's fastest growing furniture retailers providing a large range of sofas, dining, entertainment, bedroom, occasional, storage and home office furniture. The store, Fantastic Furniture's seventh in Queensland, officially opened on 18 April with hundreds of shoppers attending. [ Back to Top ] Coming EventsNetworking After 5The next Ipswich Chamber 'Networking After 5' event will be held on Wednesday 6 May at the Ipswich Girls Grammar School. These events are free for members of the Ipswich Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Attendees are given the opportunity to do business, network or simply wind down with fellow Ipswich business people over complimentary drinks and nibblies. The event will be held from 5pm to 6.30pm with RSVPs required by Friday 1 May. For more information, telephone 3282 8688. [ 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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New figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics confirm Ipswich as the fastest growing city in Queensland with an annual growth rate of 4.1% as at June 2008. This is tremendous news and will most certainly help our community survive the world economic downturn.