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September 2010
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Message from the Mayor
Ipswich is a city of centres and Ipswich Central is the beating heart. Council is dedicated to making sure this heart has a strong pulse. It will be a working centre, a connected centre, a living centre, a centre that fosters community, health and wellbeing, and it will be a centre of celebration. And through the council-owned Ipswich City Properties we can make this happen. Council is about to announce the final plans for the city heart, a $2 billion transfusion to revitalise the shopping precinct and turn it into a vibrant hub including accommodation, business, retail, restaurants, the arts and entertainment. After sitting stagnant for 15 years, Ipswich City Properties has made significant progress towards this revitalisation. The latest was a fact-finding trip to the US where board members toured areas that have successfully reinvented themselves. Cities like Chattanooga have done wonders to bring about the renaissance of its downtown area and its riverfront redevelopment. Chattanooga and Ipswich are very similar – we both have a rich industrial history and are working on revitalisation projects which embrace a river. The sites inspected have been recommended by planning experts and touring them has been illuminating. We cannot afford to get the plan wrong for our city centre. The success of Ipswich on the national and international stage depends on the city keeping ahead of the pack and putting forward plans and ideas that are in the best interest of the community. Our future success will have us aiming to be a global city and to do this we need smart global partners. The board of ICP has been inspecting the best of the best – our city centre deserves nothing less.
Mayor Paul Pisasale Economic Development ContactsOffice of Economic Development Ipswich Mayor CEO of Ipswich City Council Chief Operating Officer Economic and Community Development Economic 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...Ipswich City Properties inspired by US redevelopmentIpswich City Properties Pty Ltd will unveil plans in the coming weeks for a $2 billion redevelopment of Ipswich City Square shopping centre, including models and a timeline of the building program. ICP chairperson Paul Tully and Ipswich Mayor and ICP board member Paul Pisasale said while the company’s first priority was attracting new retailers in the short term, the long-term picture called for a significant change to Ipswich City Square. 
Mayor Paul Pisasale meets Tim Liu, vice-president of operations at cabling firm Belden in Richmond, Indiana.
ICP board members this month visited the United States of America on a fact-finding mission, inspecting a number of downtown revitalisation projects in Oakland, Berkeley, San Francisco, Chattanooga and New York. “The CBD of Ipswich will be redeveloped with an emphasis on sustainable, smart and green buildings,” Cr Pisasale said. “The meetings in the USA are critical in helping us get it right. We will not have a second chance in our lifetime to rebuild Ipswich City Square.” Paul Tully said "the ultimate plan for the entire 3.4 hectares of prime Ipswich Central real estate called for it to be transformed into a world-class regional centre". ICP acquired the shopping complex in March last year for $45 million. ICP is wholly owned by the Ipswich City Council and was financed with a loan from Queensland Treasury Corporation. [ Back to Top ] In Other News ....Ripley Valley is again in the spotlight as two major developers announce they may join forces, a date is set for the opening of the Bradfield Bridge and Ipswich property prices remain positive on average despite losses in some suburbs. Developers in talks over Ripley Valley 
Developer Lend Lease this month announced its intention to join forces with Japan’s Sekisui House to develop commercial and residential land in Ripley Valley, south of Ipswich CBD. Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale said the proposal would bring another "world-class" developer into Ripley Valley, unlocking the full potential of the future development. When fully developed Ripley Valley will have 120,000 people living in 40 walkable, mixed density and transit-ready neighbourhoods. The Urban Land Development Authority recently announced Ripley Valley would be one of three master-planned communities that would relieve pressure on Brisbane’s burgeoning population. Date set for opening of Bradfield Bridge
The finishing touches are being applied to the Bradfield Bridge before the October 16 official opening.
The Bradfield Bridge, linking the Ipswich Mall and Riverlink shopping centres, will officially open on October 16. A special opening ceremony has been planned, starting at 9am at the Riverlink end of the bridge. Festivities will involve John Crew Bradfield’s descendents as well as North Ipswich and Ipswich Grammar School students (Bradfield’s former schools), a ribbon-cutting ceremony and retail promotions. The finishing touches are being applied to the Bradfield Bridge with electrical, lighting and safe city cameras being installed this week. New bus station for Redbank PlazaThe State Government has pledged $2 million for a new bus station at Redbank Plaza Shopping Centre, to be operational in May next year. The bus station will replace the existing stops on the western side of the shopping centre and provide a new bus platform with full shelter and seats, upgraded pedestrian pathways and a bus turnaround facility. Transport Minister Rachel Nolan said the new station would provide “a better bus service for Ipswich residents with more buses, more direct services, more buses running on time and more reliable timetables”. The existing bus shelters will be used as a taxi rank. |
Ipswich suburbs gain value
A number of Ipswich suburbs, including Springfield, have recorded strong growth in the last quarter.
A number of Ipswich suburbs recorded a rise in the median price for a three-bedroom house during the June quarter while other took a tumble. Flinders View house prices rose 11.7 per cent to $397,000 while Camira, Silkstone and Springfield all recorded strong growth of eight per cent. However, Eastern Heights and Bellbird Park median prices took a blow, falling 17.1 per cent and 16.3 per cent respectively. City-wide, Ipswich median house prices rose 1.6 per cent over the quarter to $325,000 compared to a 1.2 per cent rise for Brisbane. Over the past year Ipswich house prices have risen 4.2 per cent. Upgrade for RAAF Security and Fire SchoolRAAF Base Amberley’s Security and Fire School (RAAFSFS) now has new training rooms and facilities as part of stage three of the base’s redevelopment. The centrepiece is a new purpose-built training building which brings the RAAFSFS into the 21st Century. The main teaching building features seven classrooms – many of which open into double-area learning spaces – five syndicate rooms and a separate computer classroom. There is also office space for ground personnel, security police and security law enforcement teachers, airfield engineering trainers and training-technology support staff. The RAAFSFS redevelopment also boasts a 100-seat auditorium, new unit store and a new gymnasium. Partnership mentors emerging businessA partnership between Ipswich City Council’s Economic Development Branch and the Business Enterprise Centre Ipswich Region (BECIR) will support business with the Small to Medium Enterprise Mentoring and Sustainability program. Prospective new businesses will gain assistance with business planning, marketing and promotional advice and diversification options. The program encourages companies to look at every avenue possible to create sustainable economic opportunities within their industry sector while creating opportunities for job seekers to expand their options in a very competitive environment. Volunteers show their humanityAn Ipswich family had a brush with kindness and moved into their new home three months after Habitat for Humanity started work on the house. Habitat for Humanity is an organisation that helps families break the rent cycle and own their own home. Volunteers then selflessly give their time to help build or renovate a house for the family who are required to lend a hand with 500 hours of labour or “sweat equity”. The family will then pay back the no-interest loan at 25 per cent of their income. The latest project was completed this month and officially dedicated at a ceremony with Habitat for Humanity chairman Chris Franks, Mayoress Janet Pisasale, Cr Andrew Antoniolli and Member for Blair Shayne Neumann. The Eastern Heights house was renovated and had extensions completed over three months and is now home to the Amean family. Uni student put Ipswich on showIpswich will be promoted in 20 25-minute episodes on 31 Digital, formerly known as Briz 31. Students from the University of Southern Queensland Springfield campus will use their filming and editing skills to produce the segments which will be screened weekly from October 11. The episodes will screen from 8.30pm to 9pm every Monday from October 11 to December 13, and from March 7 to May 9. 
Queensland Premier Anna Bligh and Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale at the Premier’s Breakfast, held as part of Ipswich 150 celebrations.
Breakfast celebrationsQueensland Premier Anna Bligh helped Ipswich celebrate its 150th birthday at a special breakfast. Organised by the Ipswich Region Community Church, Ipswich Chamber of Commerce and Ipswich City Council to mark the city’s milestone, the Premier’s Breakfast was held at Ipswich Girls Grammar School. Ms Bligh spoke of the importance of job creation, the “renaissance” of the CBD and Ipswich’s bright future. She also promised Ipswich would not become a satellite suburb of Brisbane, assuring the audience she shares council’s vision of itself.
[ Back to Top ] Boutique Tres ChicBoutique Tres Chic was established in Ipswich in October last year by Cara Cavanagh, born of a fusion of her love for fashion, the earth and helping women to look and feel their best. The store offers clients premium quality pre-loved garments at affordable prices, personal style and a consignment service. With a growing client base Australia-wide, Cara is becoming known for her taste for quality garments, fine fabrics and personalised service. Contact the store on 0432 702 286 or email boutiquetreschic@gmail.com Live and Lovely
Live and Lovely has a mission: to make sustainability beautiful. Offering sustainability tips and advice, plus a range of gorgeous eco-friendly products, Live and Lovely can make any event green. There is something to add a little “eco flair” to any wedding, birthday, christening, corporate event or party regardless of how glamorous it is. The business stocks sumptuous soy candles, gourmet teas, natural skin care products and tree seedlings in plantable pots. For more information go to www.liveandlovely.com.au or email kate@liveandlovely.com.au Lizd’n EnterprisesLizd’n Enterprises is a family business based in the Ipswich area that provides made-to-order uniforms and a wide range of imported corporate apparel, work wear, hats and bags. There are no minimum order quantities and the business will accommodate almost any requirement for colour and pattern. The business also offers screen printing, embroidery, digital transfer and vinyl stickers. For more information go to www.lizdn.com.au, email sales@lizdn.com.au or phone Liz on 3294 7619. Centenary Dog Obedience
Does your dog come when called? Does your dog escape when the front door is opened? Whine at the back door or bark for attention? If you answered yes, then you need Centenary Dog Obedience. Servicing the western corridor, the obedience school offers puppy pre-school, basic dog obedience, clipping and grooming workshop and classes for expecting mums and dogs. For more information phone Lee on 0407 798 847, email info@centenarydogobedience.com.au or go to www.centenarydogobedience.com.au [ Back to Top ] New Business OpeningsWelcome to the following new Ipswich businesses... Under the StairsA bit like the wardrobe in Narnia or Platform 3 3/4. in Harry Potter, Under the Stairs is the entry to a magical world. The new fantasy gaming store opened in Ipswich Central this month and offers enthusiasts a chance to be a vampire during Requiem role-playing games. Under the Stairs is also a meeting place for card-based Magic and YuGiOh players. 
Bambino Bean CafeLocated on the corner of Brisbane and Thorn streets, Bambino Bean Café is an espresso bar that offers gourmet sandwiches and handcrafted cakes in a relaxed environment. Owners Stephanie and Nathan Sewell opened the café in April and have noticed Ipswich’s appreciation for a well-made coffee. And they have already got a reputation for good chocolate brownies. Cocktails NightclubIt has a new look, new music and a new name – Cocktails Nightclub has opened on Brisbane Street following two months of renovations. Formerly Players, the nightclub has undergone a major facelift and is attempting to lure Ipswich residents who would normally travel to Fortitude Valley. Thursday nights will feature karaoke, Friday is dance night and Saturday is R & B night – featuring guest DJs. Bon Laneway CaféDonna Waters is paying homage to her former Melbourne with a laneway café reminiscent of those found in Victoria’s capital city. Bon Laneway is located on Ellenborough Street, opposite the Birch Carol and Coyle Cinema. [ Back to Top ] |
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Websites Of InterestBusiness Support
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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