|
January 2012
|
|
Message from the Mayor
Right on deadline for this e-newsletter, Ipswich received another batch of good numbers. This time the unemployment statistics for December 2011. Ipswich came in with a 12-month average of 4.9% unemployment, well below the Queensland average of 5.5% and the national average of 5.1%. This shows Ipswich is doing the right thing in terms of attracting new business and job generators to the city IT'S full steam ahead in Ipswich Central as we embark on a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create the type of city centre that reflects our community and puts us in good stead for the future. This $1 billion revamp is unique. Through a joint venture between Ipswich City Properties and Leighton Properties, the Ipswich CBD will be transformed from what you see today into a modern mixed-used precinct that includes commercial, retail, government, entertainment, dining and residential precincts. It will incorporate the natural environment around the Bremer River. Before undertaking a project of such an enormous scope, Ipswich City Properties did extensive research. Successful redevelopments from around the world were studied and the elements of them incorporated into Ipswich's plan. If you travel by the corner of Brisbane and Bell streets you will see demolition works are well under way. Construction is expected to start some time after March, when demolition works are complete. It is exciting to see the progress being made. It might not look like much at this stage, however it is the first of many positive steps towards the city's bright future.
Mayor Paul Pisasale Economic Development ContactsOffice of Economic Development Ipswich Mayor CEO of Ipswich City Council 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...Rebirth of CBD beginsThe near-empty block where part of the Ipswich City Square shopping complex used to be is a sure sign work has started on the $1 billion redevelopment of Ipswich Central. The first stage of the redevelopment is the construction of Icon Ipswich, a nine-storey office tower, the city's first five-star (green star) building. This stage is expected to be completed in 2013, with Stage 2 currently in planning. The multi-stage reconstruction will span four city blocks, incorporate 170,000 sqm of commercial, retail, residential and public space.  An artist's impression of the nine-storey office tower The Icon Ipswich building recently made sales history, selling for $93 million before even being built. Investment company Cromwell Property Group bought the office tower, and has since launched a trust to finance the construction process. Cromwell announced a proposal to raise up to $49.25 million in the new Cromwell Ipswich City Heart Trust, to be managed by the group. [ Back to Top ] Jamie Oliver to visit Ipswich Ministry of FoodCelebrity chef Jamie Oliver will visit Ipswich in March to inspect his only Australian Ministry of Food establishment. Ipswich mayor Paul Pisasale said Jamie had accepted his long-standing invitation to visit the city. Details of the well-known chef have been kept quiet, however the Ministry of Food have announced Jamie will visit the Ipswich centre for a couple of hours during his whirlwind trip to Australia. The Ministry of Food is a personal crusade by Jamie Oliver to ensure cooking skills are not lost and a new generation discovers the joy of making healthy meals. A mobile van was also launched this month, taking Jamie's ministry further afield. [ Back to Top ] Other News...Bell Street works completeWorks on the Bell Street upgrade are complete, creating better pedestrian access and a more aesthetically pleasing entrance to Ipswich for public transport users. Bell Street is accessed by more than 55,000 buses each year, and future growth of the public transport network was catered for in the upgrade. More bus stops were added. Other features include improved signage and passenger and location information to help commuters transfer buses or access local services. Skate rink back from the brink
Bundamba Skateaway has reopened after being damaged in the January 2011 flood. Repairs and refurbishment cost about $1 million, including $10,000 of newly lain electrical cabling that was stolen last year. Co-owner Debra Buttner said the near year closure of the state's only purpose-built skate rink hadn't damped enthusiasm for the sport. Surprisingly, the mural which is well known to anyone who took to the rink floor, was spared by the floods and remains in the centre. |
RT Edwards launches expanded showroom
Iconic Ipswich business RT Edwards launched an expanded showroom and more product choices, including furniture, this month. The Booval store received a 600sqm expansion to accommodate the new furniture side of the business. The launch was a big event with Ipswich Jets players, cheerleaders, a sausage sizzle, face painting and sales. Ripley Valley goes aheadRipley Valley development applications from Stockland and the Amex Corporation have been approved by the Urban Development Land Authority. The Stockland application, approved on December 9, includes 136 residential blocks. Meanwhile, the Amex Corporation application is for 137. The company intends to eventually develop 7000 homes within the Ripley Valley. Japanese building giant Sekisui House has approval for 260 residential lots. The Ripley Valley master plan is being hailed as a blueprint for global cities of the future. In other Ripley Valley news, the Bundamba Creek sewerage trunk and Bundamba sewerage treatment plant will get a $143 million revamp in the next five years to prepare for increased demand in the growth corridor. $48 million grant the gateway to USQ capital works
The University of Southern Queensland will accelerate its capital works program at the Springfield campus after receiving a $48.8 million Federal Government grant. USQ Vice Chancellor Professor Bill Lovegrove said the money would be used for construction of the Education Gateways (EDGY) Building. New top of town cafe gets mill talkingBrother and sister team Rob and Christine Berger plan to return the Old Flour Mill to its former glory. The business duo were behind Viva Italia and have now jumped at the opportunity to run the Old Flour Mill Cafe. They have already filled the display cabinets with their home-made pies and are creating a reputation through word of mouth about their meals and takeaway Merlo coffee. New Chamber president best in field
New Ipswich Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Brett Kitching has a proven track record in business and hopes to use his skills to help the Ipswich business networking group. As general manager of the Ipswich Turf Club, Mr Kitching's business acumen has set him and the Ipswich club apart from others across the state - under his guidance, the ITC was the only major Queensland race club to turn a profit in each of the past seven years. Mr Kitching has been a chamber member for 15 years and last year took over the reigns from Michael Munt after he decided not to stand for re-election. [ Back to Top ] New Businesses...The Punjab Curry Club
The Punjab Curry Club, which already had restaurants in Springfield Lakes, Coorparoo and Wellington Point, has opened a new Ipswich store at Thorn Street. The popular curry house decided to open a fourth store to cater for a large contingent of Ipswich residents who travelled to the Springfield Lakes restaurant. The Punjab Curry Club is located at 27 Thorn Street, Ipswich. Phone: 3496 1577. Puckles Family BakehouseYes there are cakes, pastries, party food and treats galore, but there's something that sets Puckles Family Bakehouse at Orion Shopping Centre apart from others. The bakery also supports four charity organisations through its Bakers Four Club reward program. Bakery manager Brett Davis and store manager Bree Mitchell have ventured into the online world, offering an online shop where customers can order and pay for their choice and nominate a time for collection. Puckles Family Bakehouse is located at shop 36, Orion Shopping Centre, Springfield Central. For more information, visit http://www.puckles.com.au/ or email info@puckles.com.au Mum AssistHelp is on the way for mums after two friends launched their new business Mum Assist. Having both recently faced the challenge of first time motherhood, Elena Hunter and Clair Warburton developed a business to help take some of the stress of new mums' lives. The service will help mums with washing, cleaning, cooking and other duties so they can spend more time with their babies. For more information: visit http://www.mumassist.com.au/ [ Back to Top ] Business Profiles...Happiis Healthier Take-awayIpswich Central workers and shoppers have healthy fast food options thanks to Happiis Healthier Take-away. Owned by a former personal trainer who specialised in exercise and nutrition, the store makes fresh food on site, including healthy burgers, wraps, sandwiches, salads, fish, fruit smoothies, skinny shakes and drinks. They also have a range of not-so-healthy treats to cater for those who like their take-away more traditional. Phone orders are welcomed, and discounts apply for Pole Gym and Ipswich Fitness members. There is also free delivery within the city square. Happiis Healthier Take-away is located at shop 250, Ipswich City Square. Phone: 3281 8066. Floating ImagesFloating Images is celebrating 10 years of hot air balloon flights over Ipswich, Somerset and the Scenic Rim. After embarking on the inaugural flight from Limestone Park on December 1, 2001, Floating Images managing director and chief pilot Graeme Day has flown more than 8000 people over the region. He said they have taken people for rides to celebrate birthdays, Mother's and Father's Day, Valentines Day, family reunions, anniversaries, proposals, weddings, business networking functions and to tick an item off the ‘bucket list'. For more information on Floating Images, go to http://www.floatingimages.com.au/; email info@floatingimages.com.au; or phone 3294 8770. [ Back to Top ] |
|
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
|
|
|
IPSWICH CITY COUNCIL |
|