Message from the Mayor

This is a very exciting time for Ipswich. We’re on the cusp of tremendous change – creating a new, vibrant city centre to rival the great cities of the world; creating employment opportunities for families; and helping become a solution to south east Queensland’s population explosion and search for sustainable developments.

This week Ipswich City Properties announced Leighton Properties would partner us to redevelop the city heart. It is an ambitious project worth $1 billion. But it is $1 billion invested wisely. It is an investment in Ipswich’s future, to create a city centre that embraces retail, culture and inner-city living as well as the natural environment. It will pay tribute to the Bremer River, the all-important river that helped Ipswich grow in the pioneering days.

Work is expected to start next year with the first stage completed within five years. But this is a large-scale project. To undergo a transformation of this magnitude will take time. The entire project is expected to be finished in 15 years. By this time Ipswich will have grown enormously. The city’s current population of 170,000 is expected to more than double to 435,000 in just less than 21 years.

The city is in an enviable position with a very bright future. We continue to attract business and sustainable development, have a jobless rate lower than the state average, and welcome more than 110 new residents to the city each week.

Please take time this Christmas to spend time with your loved ones. If you are travelling during the festive break, be careful on the road, remembering to stop every two hours and share the driving responsibilities. Take care and have a very merry Christmas and happy New Year.

Mayor Paul Pisasale
City of Ipswich


Economic Development Contacts

Office of Economic Development
Tel (07) 3810 6938
Fax (07) 3810 6644
ipswichcity@ipswich.qld.gov.au
www.ipswich.qld.gov.au/business

Ipswich Mayor
Cr Paul Pisasale
(07) 3810 6201
ppisasale@ipswich.qld.gov.au

CEO of Ipswich City Council
Carl Wulff
(07) 3810 6203
cwulff@ipswich.qld.gov.au

Chief Operating Officer Economic and Community Development
Andrew Harvey
(07) 3810 6620
aharvey@ipswich.qld.gov.au

Economic Development Manager
Laurie Mundt
(07) 3810 6627
lmundt@ipswich.qld.gov.au

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.

Ipswich City Properties unveil
$1 billion CBD redevelopment plans

mall_artist_impression An artist impression of the redeveloped Ipswich mall.

The next significant stage in the $1 billion redevelopment of Ipswich city centre was announced this week with Ipswich City Properties Pty Ltd (ICP) naming Leighton Properties as ICP’s partner in the redevelopment of Ipswich City Square complex. Leighton Properties won the competitive tender process.

Mayor Paul Pisasale said ICP was wholly owned by Ipswich City Council and the unveiling of the master plan for Ipswich City Square represented a once in a generation opportunity to transform the city heart.

ICP-&-Leighton-annct Leighton Properties executive director Andrew Borger (middle) explains the plans to ICP chairman Cr Paul Tully (left) and Mayor Paul Pisasale (right).

"The reputation of Ipswich as a major centre for investment will be further enhanced by the opportunities this massive redevelopment project offers.

"We have a tremendous opportunity to create a world-class city centre based on sustainable design principles and to open up our city heart to the Bremer River and River Heart Parklands.

"We are confident Leighton Properties will bring their world-wide experience to our city. They are experts in building large scale mixed-use developments where residents can live, work and play."

The first stage is expected to commence by the end of 2011 with a major section of the redevelopment completed by 2016.

ICP chairman Cr Paul Tully said the redeveloped city heart would include residential inner-city living, an office precinct, entertainment and major retail space.

"This project firmly positions Ipswich as the major regional centre to service the western corridor.

"The rejuvenation of Ipswich city heart will be one of the most significant redevelopment in the state for many years. The city is proudly playing its part in the sustainable growth of south east Queensland."

Cr Tully said the centre was also perfectly positioned for technology based businesses and was well serviced by current and future high speed broadband from several providers.

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Ipswich home to Australia’s first Ministry of Food

ministryoffood Junior Masterchef - Judge Anna Gare with Mayor Paul Pisasale at the cook along

IPSWICH has joined the Jamie Oliver food revolution, becoming home to Australia's first Ministry of Food which helps people improve their cooking skills and therefore their diet.

The London-based celebrity chef fired up interest in the healthy cooking program by staging a cook along in d’Arcy Doyle Place on December 2 with Premier Anna Bligh, Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale and other local celebrities learning to cook piri piri chicken, a quick salad and dessert under the guidance of Jamie Oliver through video link.

Mayor Paul Pisasale said a partnership between Queensland Health, Ipswich City Council, Ministry of Food and the Good Foundation would offer a first class training facility that was all about education and healthy eating.

"This is exciting news, not only for Ipswich but for Australia," he said. "The Ministry of Food is a shot in the arm for improving diets and will encourage thousands of people to sharpen their cooking skills."

The Ipswich Ministry of Food is expected to open in March next year and will offer 21 classes and five demonstrations each week. The course will teach participants how to prepare nutritious meals and shop for fresh produce.

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In Other News ....

Ripley Valley and Deebing Heights developments move ahead, Ipswich farewells the F-111 fighter jets but welcomes a new Army unit, and plans are unveiled for the historic city entrance.

Progress on Ripley Valley development

Amex Corporation, one of the major land owners within Ripley Valley, has submitted its first development application to the state government’s Urban Land Development Authority.

Amex owns 670ha of land in Ripley Valley which it proposes to develop into about 6000 lots over the coming 20 years.

Earlier this year, Queensland state cabinet declared Ripley Valley an Urban Development Area, one of three in south east Queensland that will accommodate population explosion, and will been overseen by the Urban Land Development Authority.

Amex expects approvals to be in place early next year, with building starting in the middle of the year.

Farewell to F-111s

Last-Flight-F111

The fleet of F-111s stationed at RAAF Base Amberley as part of 6 Squadron were retired earlier this month, sent off with a spectacular fly past and special ceremony.

The fighter jets were introduced in 1973 and were stationed at Amberley for nearly four decades, earning them a place in the hearts of many, especially fans of the dump and burn manoeuvre.

More than 1000 people attended official ceremonies at the Air Force base while thousands more flocked to vantage points across south east Queensland and northern New South Wales to see the aircraft during their final flight.

The F-111s will now be decommissioned with two staying in Australia as tributes. One will be kept at the aviation heritage centre at RAAF Base Amberley, while the other will go to the RAAF Museum at Point Cook, Victoria.

Stockland launch new Deebing Heights development

Last-Flight-F111

Property developer Stockland recently launched a new housing estate, Sovereign Pocket, at Deebing Heights.

This estate will have homes ready for buyers in the first half of next year with home and land packages starting from just over $300,000.

In total, Sovereign Pocket will provide 700 housing lots on 60 hectares, and is expected to eventually be home to more than 2000 people.

Stockland, the developer responsible for Augustine Heights, is expected to announce a second residential development close to the Ipswich CBD within 12 months.

Negotiations underway to secure future for V8 race

Last-Flight-F111

Ipswich will host a round of the V8 Supercars Championship Series from August 19-21 next year, with negotiations underway to secure a long-term spot for Ipswich on the race calendar.

Ipswich City Council is in negotiations with Queensland Sport Minister Phil Reeves, Queensland Raceways and V8 Supercars Australia to develop a long-standing event for Ipswich.

City entrance to receive makeover

The historic entry gates to Queens Park, now the triangle between Limestone and Brisbane Streets and Queen Victoria Parade will receive a $400,000 facelift.

The land is often overlooked by motorists however plans are been drawn up to include feature lights and landscaping to enhance the historic site and improve the aesthetics of the city’s entrance. The area will also feature new Ipswich Central signage.

Asphalt plant relocates to Ipswich

Road construction, maintenance and asphalt company RPQ recently opened an Ipswich plant, relocating from Eagle Farm.

Opening at Swanbank and sharing a site with the Box Flat Memorial, the RPQ Ipswich Asphalt Plant employs more than 75 staff and is also home to the company’s head office and laboratory.

RPQ owner Tony Wehl said moving to Ipswich was an "easy decision to make" and catered to the significant growth the company has experienced.

The Ipswich facility allows RPQ to reduce its energy consumption by making asphalt at a lower temperature and using higher quantities of recycled asphalt in the mix. The business offers asphalt laying, road milling and spray sealing services across south east Queensland.

New army unit calls Ipswich home

Personnel from the Army’s 21 Construction Squadron have moved into their new facility at Amberley, becoming neighbours to 9th Force Support Battalion.

The Army unit, which is part of the 6th Engineer Support Regiment, has been based at Enoggera since 1983 and is delighted with its purpose-built facility at Amberley.

A formal parade and plaque unveiling will be held in February 3 to officially mark the Squadron’s relocation to Amberley.

 

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New Business Openings


Ipswich Antique Centre

Opened on December 15, the Ipswich Antique Centre is a collective of about 25 antique dealers in one heritage-listed building. Located at 86 East Street in the Uniting Church Memorial Hall, the centre is the first of its kind in Ipswich and also includes a coffee shop. John and Heather Mildwaters started the Paddington Antique Centre in 1985, and have now introduced the concept to Ipswich.

Harvey Norman

harvey_norman

National computer and electrical giant Harvey Norman recently opened an Ipswich store in the mall. The store, located under the cinema, was officially opened by Mayor Paul Pisasale on November 8. Franchisees Peter Savas and Moses Ghadban expect a big Christmas shopping period, which will be a massive boost to the Ipswich Central retail precinct.

Pink Lotus Touch

Through her Pink Lotus Touch business, Kirsty Thomas offers reiki and chakra balancing. Reiki is described as a gentle, hands-on energy therapy and is credited with being able to loosen up blocked energy, promotes deep relaxation and reduces stress. Ms Thomas currently works by appointment from the Sacred Cow Yoga and Relaxation Centre in Brisbane Street, Ipswich. For more information, go to www.pinklotustouch.webs.com

RM Williams

rmwilliams

Bush outfitter RM Williams is making the worldwide brand more accessible by opening stores in suburban and regional location, including a new store at Nolan's Corner at the top of the Ipswich Mall. Each RM Williams store is unique, stocking items tailored to a specific demographic. The Ipswich store boasts more work wear, boots and leather accessories.

Little Beauty Bar

Offering a "mini day spa" and beauty treatments, the Little Beauty Bar is a home-based business run by beauty therapist Aleesha Pyke. The business offers facial treatments, nails, massage, tanning, tinting and waxing. The Little Beauty Bar is located at 10 Thompson Street, Chuwar. For more information, phone 0429 199 108.

Vintage by Lou Lou

vintagebyloulou

Now open at 9 Harlin Road, Sadliers Crossing, Vintage by Lou Lou offers unique and one-of-a-kind pieces from jewellery and home wares to stationary and even fresh cut Christmas trees. The store and online boutique is the brainchild of Louisa Janke, a visual arts graduate. To see her collection, go to www.vinatgebyloulou.com

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Business profiles

Welcome to the following new Ipswich businesses...

Sang Day Spa

Staff-Sang-Day-Spa

Sang Day Spa offers exclusive customised beauty treatments to address individual needs. The centre offers a variety of worldly treatments and therapies that rejuvenate the mind, body and spirit. Using natural products and techniques, the professional team of masseuses, skincare therapists and nail technicians, will have you looking great. For more information, phone 3288 1077 or visit www.sangsdayspa.com

Tile City

Boasting modern and traditional product lines, Tile City at West Ipswich caters to all decorating needs. The store is the fifth in the Tile City chain and is located in the homemaker city. Tile City stocks the latest in replicated stone finished tiles including slate-look porcelain tiles. For more information, phone 3281 1035 or visit www.tilecity.com.au


Websites Of Interest


Business Support
  • Ipswich City Council - www.ipswich.qld.gov.au 
    Details of Council Services, News and Events, Business Information, Community Services, History and Library Services. 
  • Australian Local Government Association - www.alga.com.au
    Local Government Directory with links to all Councils with website addresses.
  • Queensland Government Services - www.qld.gov.au
    Services provided by the Queensland Government.
  • Queensland Government Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation - www.deedi.qld.gov.au
    Starting a Small Business, Expanding an Existing Business, Investment opportunities in Queensland, Export and Trade assistance, Queensland Regulations.
  • Queensland Business Information Centre - www.business.qld.gov.au
    One place for business information, licensing and assistance.
  • Small Business Solutions - www.smallbusinesssolutions.qld.gov.au
  • Commonwealth Government Services - www.australia.gov.au
    Access to Australian Commonwealth Government. Information such as Benefits & Payments, Communications & IT, Defence, Employment, Finance & Taxation, International Relations, Sport & Recreation, Tourism & Travel.
  • Australian Bureau of Statistics - www.abs.gov.au 
    Statistics and Census Data online.
  • Regional Development Australia - wwww.rda.gov.au
    Brings together all levels of government to enhance the growth and development of regional Australia.
  • Ipswich Chamber of Commerce & Industry - www.ipswichchamber.org.au
  • Business Enterprise Centre Ipswich Region - www.becir.com.au
  • Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce - www.greaterspringfieldchamber.com.au
  • Enterprise Connect - www.enterpriseconnect.gov.au
    Provides eligible SMEs with a free, independent business review plus grants to help implement business improvement initiatives.
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

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IPSWICH CITY COUNCIL
PO BOX 191, IPSWICH QLD 4305
PHONE (07) 3810 6666
www.ipswich.qld.gov.au