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January 2010
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Message from the Mayor
Ipswich – the new Seattle – might sound a bit far fetched at the moment, but it moved a step closer with an industry briefing this month on the creation of the Aerospace and Defence Support Centre next to RAAF Base Amberley. The facility will be designed to provide world class services for aerospace and defence logistics companies. Hangars, workshops, laboratories and offices will be linked directly to the base via taxiways and roadways. I want to thank the Queensland Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, Stirling Hinchliffe, for backing the future of the aerospace industry in Ipswich. The project is to be delivered in a number of stages, with the goal of opening the first businesses in the new support centre by the end of 2012. It was also tremendous to welcome the announcement of another two new businesses to Walker Corporation’s Citiswich business park at Bundamba. Caltex will be building a truck filling station and KSB Australia, which is a world leader in the manufacture of pumps, valves and related systems for water management. They will join Australian Pharmaceutical Industries, The Reject Shop, Capral Aluminium, and Australian Hardboards. Ipswich was identified, in the South East Queensland Regional Plan, as the main centre for business and government in the western corridor. The city is also meeting targets set by the state government for creating new residential housing. Confidence from the retail and construction sectors remains very strong. It is an exciting time to be living and investing in Ipswich. In 2010 the city celebrates 150 years since being proclaimed a municipality. We have much to celebrate, as the future for our city has never looked brighter. Mayor Paul PisasaleCity of Ipswich Economic Development ContactsOffice of Economic Development Ipswich Mayor CEO of Ipswich City Council Chief Operating Officer Economic and Community Development Business Development Manager Are you thinking of relocating your business or starting a new business?Contact us on (07) 3810 6938 or email us to see how we can assist you. |
In this issue...Council Moves Forward with City Square VisionThe planned overhaul of the Ipswich City Square precinct has been given the green light by Ipswich City Council, paving the way for the area to be redeveloped as a single site or as a number of individual development sites. The precinct covers more than three hectares from Bremer Street in the north, east to Bell Street, west to Ellenborough Street and south to Brisbane Street.
Any detailed development proposals will need to be submitted to council for approval. New buildings will be required to interface with the Bremer River and provide physical and visual connections to the south bank of the Bremer River and to the planned Riverlink pedestrian bridge. [ Back to Top ] Rail HQ Ipswich Bound
Ipswich is set to become the operational headquarters for Queensland Rail's new passenger business. The State Government made the announcement in December as part of its commitment to staged decentralisation of government services to reduce pressure on the Brisbane CBD. While a large proportion of QR will go to public float, including its coal and freight divisions, its passenger services will be separated out by June this year and retained in 100 per cent State ownership. The HQ relocation process will commence with executive staff only and be staged and carried out in close consultation with employees. [ Back to Top ] Major Music Festival Planned at Ivory's Rock
Ipswich is set to host a major music festival in March which will be headlined by American rock band Dinosaur Jr and supported by more than a dozen other local and overseas artists. The Lost Weekend festival will be staged at the Ivory's Rock Conference Centre at Peak Crossing from March 5 to 7. Australian bands including The Drones, Butterfingers and Tumbleweed are expected to attract thousands of rock fans to the Ipswich region. Three-day passes which include camping facilities are selling fast. Tickets are on sale now through www.thelostweekend.com.au, www.moshtix.com.au or phone 1300 438 849. [ Back to Top ] Plans in Place for Food and Wine Festival
More than 30,000 people are tipped to enjoy a major outdoor wine, food and music festival at the Ipswich Turf Club from November 26-28. Brassall entrepreneur Kenn Wilson is busy planning the event which has been dubbed the "Taste of the West Festival". Mr Wilson hopes the event will become an annual celebration of food, wine, the arts, music and culture featuring concerts, workshops, street theatre, art and craft stalls as well as food and wine from independent producers. As of December, he had 20 wineries locked in and 15 food stalls and was in the process of getting sponsors on board before securing entertainment. Any businesses wishing to participate are invited to contact Mr Wilson on 0422 986 426. [ Back to Top ] In Other News …A shopping centre refurbishment and a company going green are among the other news items this month. Centre Facelift Complete at Winston Glades
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Pictured at the official opening of the Winston Glades Shopping Centre refurbishment is Mayor Paul Pisasale with Joan and Derek Cornett (MD) of Cornett's IGA, along with Jim Kelly (far right) Director of JM Kelly Group. Australian Hardboards Goes GreenAustralian Hardboards at Bundamba has "gone green". Harm minimisation of the environment has always been at the forefront of the company's operations but further investment in environmentally sustainable practices and a new marketing strategy pushes the point to its customers. In recent years, the demand for green building materials has escalated and Australian Hardboards is meeting that demand head-on. Examples of the company's green credentials include its flagship product, masonite, which is made from waste wood product and does not contain harmful chemicals. The company also has a zero waste policy with its waste products now acting as resources for other industries. Motorway Section Upgrade Ahead of ScheduleThe upgrade of the Ipswich Motorway section between Wacol and Darra is six months ahead of schedule with the $824 million project expected to be completed by June rather than December. Good weather and "successful innovation" have been given as the reasons for the rapid completion of the project. New Shop and Office Space for RosewoodA new shop and office building proposed for the Rosewood Town Centre at 37 John Street has been approved by Ipswich City Council. Two new buildings will replace an existing building and house both shop and office space within the single storey structures. The new buildings will be in tandem, sited above ground level on stumps and orientated to the existing street frontage. The street-facing building will also include a verandah. Building Complete at New API FacilityCompletion of its new distribution centre at the Citiswich Business Park at Bundamba paves the way for Australian Pharmaceutical Industries (API) to bring 200 employees on board prior to becoming fully operational by April. The 19,000sqm warehouse, which was completed in December, will replace the company's Richlands facility which is now too small. [ Back to Top ] New Business OpeningsWelcome to the following new Ipswich businesses. McDonald's Top of Town
The new McDonald's restaurant at the Top of Town was officially opened last month, creating around 80 additional jobs for Ipswich with workers from the old Bell Street restaurant also relocated to the new site. The 24/7 restaurant incorporates a McCafe, drive-through and dining area. Pictured at the official opening are Mayor Paul Pisasale and crew member Michelle Beech. Metaland IpswichSteel company Metaland opened its Ipswich store in Cooney Street last month. Catering for everyone from small fabricators and light construction professionals to home handymen, Metaland offers an extensive range of Australian-made steel products and premium accessories. Di-licious Cupcakes Sweets TreatsMother and daughter team Di Avenell and Renee Hamilton have opened a cupcake parlour in the Old Flour Mill at the Top of Town. Cupcakes are available to buy individually and personalised orders can be placed for birthdays, showers, christenings and anniversaries. Stars Café – Ipswich Civic CentreA recent upgrade of the Ipswich Civic Centre included the establishment of Stars Café Bar which was officially opened shortly before Christmas. The upgrade also included a resurfaced terrace area and new shade sails. [ Back to Top ] Coming EventsConstruction Industry Information SessionThe Federal Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) and Group Training Australia will host an information evening early next month for Ipswich construction businesses and tradespeople. Information will be provided on local building opportunities such as the ‘Building the Education Revolution' and Social Housing projects. Attendees will gain details of upcoming projects, what work is available and how to access potential opportunities. There will also be information about accessing recruitment services and apprenticeship programs. The event will be held at Brothers Leagues Club in Wildey Street, Raceview on Thursday 11 February from 4.00pm to 6.00pm. RSVPs are required by 3 February and can be made by contacting Maria O'Donohoe on 3223 1465 or maria.odonohoe@deewr.gov.au. Business Solutions ForumA free forum entitled "Innovation Kitchen" will be held on Wednesday 17 February to offer solutions to issues experienced by Ipswich business leaders. Ipswich City Council announced late last year it had held preliminary discussions with Enterprise Connect and AusIndustry to partner with the Federal Government to deliver the forum which will involve a range of guest speakers giving 15-minute presentations. Topics will include human resource management, marketing, strategic business and succession planning. For more information, contact the Office of Economic Development on 3810 6938. Free WH&S SeminarWorkplace Health and Safety Queensland is offering a free ‘Tools and Techniques' workshop in Ipswich on Thursday 4 March. Supported by the Business Enterprise Centre Ipswich Region Inc (BECIR Inc), the workshop will be held at the DEEDI Regional Centre at 26 East Street, Ipswich from 9.30am to 3.00pm. The workshop will be practical and cover topics such as WHS tools, templates and techniques and how to build a customised system specific to your workplace's needs. To register or for more information, contact BECIR Inc on 3282 7999 or admin@becir.com.au. [ 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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The year 2010 has started with a cracking pace. Ipswich is set to make it the best yet. This month two major announcements have again put the city in the media spotlight for the right reasons.
Council envisages the precinct as featuring a mix of intense retail, residential, commercial office and community development and incorporating new open space and public realm areas such as new civic plazas and connections to the Bremer River and other civic spaces.
The refurbishment of Winston Glades Shopping Centre is now complete and provides customers with even more convenience. The recent upgrade included improvements to customer amenities and the addition of shade sails, new signage, colour and branding. Cornett's IGA at Winston Glades has also undergone a major refurbishment and extension and now includes a Brumby's Bakery and a Lenard's Chicken.