January 2010

Message from the Chairperson

Councillor David Pahlke

Happy New Year! 2010 marks a milestone in our city’s history as we celebrate the 150th anniversary of Ipswich being proclaimed a municipality.

However, this year isn't just about our proud past – it’s also about our exciting future. Funding received from both State and Federal governments for the development of the North Ipswich Railyards Precinct Tourism Feasibility Study and Action Plan will help to shape that exciting future. Once completed, the study will provide the guidelines and opportunities for creating a regionally significant tourism precinct.

I am pleased to welcome two new members to the Board of the Ipswich Visitors and Tourism Association – Dennis Mullins from Boody's Store and Scott Bellingham from Quest Ipswich. Scott has recently moved to Ipswich and it's great to see his commitment to our tourism industry.

I would also like to acknowledge the commitment, enthusiasm and initiative of Joel Marschke, a volunteer at the Ipswich Visitor Information Centre. You can read about him in the lead story.

It's encouraging to read the positive reports about Australia's economy and particularly about the steady increase in visitor numbers. There's no doubt that 2009 was a tough year and I look forward to a better year for everyone in 2010.

Remember ... Tourism is everybody's business

Cr David Pahlke
Chairperson
Tourism and Libraries Committee


Budding Film Producer Recognised

Fourteen-year-old Joel Marschke was recognised by Ipswich City Council recently for his initiative in producing a short video promoting the city.

Joel volunteers at the Ipswich Visitor Information Centre on weekends and during school holidays and produced the video in response to a Channel 9 Getaway "Put Your Town on the Map" promotion.

The budding film producer took a digital camera and walked around places in Ipswich including Queens Park, Riverlink and Ipswich Central to make the video.

Joel's enthusiasm and initiative was recognised with a certificate presented by Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale and Tourism and Libraries Committee Chairperson Cr David Pahlke at a full council meeting in December (pictured).

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Funding Success Gives Green Light to Feasibility Study

Pictured is an aerial shot and outline of the North Ipswich Railyards Precinct.
Ipswich City Council has been successful in securing significant funding for the North Ipswich Railyards Precinct Tourism Feasibility Study and Action Plan project.

Council will receive funding through the Federal Government’s TQUAL grants program and through Tourism Queensland’s Regional Tourism Organisation (RTO) grant scheme to undertake the major project which was identified as one of 10 catalytic projects in the Brisbane Regional Tourism Investment and Infrastructure Plan.

A project team will be established consisting of representatives from council, Brisbane Marketing, Tourism Queensland, Queensland Museum and Queensland Rail. Queensland Museum is also contributing to the cost of the project, as is Ipswich City Council.

The development of a feasibility study and action plan for the North Ipswich Railyards Precinct is the first step in creating a regionally significant tourism precinct in Ipswich.

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March Launch for 2010 Visitors’ Guide

Pictured is the front cover of the 2009 Ipswich Visitors’ Guide.
Work is underway to produce the 2010 Ipswich Visitors’ Guide which will be launched in March.

The full-colour brochure is Ipswich City Council's primary piece of collateral for promoting the various experiences, attractions, tours and accommodation on offer to both visitors and local residents.

A total of 50,000 copies will be produced for distribution through visitor information centres in Queensland and northern New South Wales, as well as at various tourism events including the Travel Xpo in Brisbane in April.

Bookings are now open for advertising in the 2010 Ipswich Visitors' Guide. For more information, contact the Ipswich Visitor Information Centre on 3281 0555.

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Ipswich Central Markets Enjoy Success

The new Ipswich Central Markets enjoyed a very successful launch event on 29 November with more than 5000 people attending.

Designed to revitalise the Ipswich City Mall precinct, the markets also received a great response from retailers. Some Mall retailers that don't usually trade on Sundays opened their doors for the second round of markets in December and were pleased with the additional business.

The next Ipswich Central Markets will be held on Sunday 24 January and then every second and fourth Sunday, commencing at 6.00am and finishing at noon. Items on sale include gourmet food, fresh produce, arts and crafts.

The markets are operated by David Bostock who has more than 17 years in the market business and as a retailer. Mr Bostock is keen to rejuvenate the centre of Ipswich by providing markets with a village atmosphere which feature top local produce from local farmers and act as a community meeting place.

He is working with local schools to provide live entertainment and is in talks with local charity groups about having a presence at the markets free of charge. He is also looking into bus tours and the feasibility of twilight markets on a Thursday evening.

For more information, telephone David Bostock on 0418 739 136.

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Ipswich Celebrates 150 Years

This year marks the 150th anniversary of Ipswich being proclaimed a municipality.

Ipswich was one of the first settlements in the new state to take advantage of the Municipalities Act passed in 1858. This achievement is a tribute to the drive and ambition of the 3000 Ipswich residents at the time.

There are plenty of events being planned to celebrate this special anniversary throughout the year. For more information, visit the website at www.ipswich150.com.au. While you’re there, you can share your own memories of the city's proud past, your vision for its exciting future, find out about upcoming events or register your own event.

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Websites Of Interest

If you are aware of a funding program or funding website that we have not listed, please contact us at info@discoveripswich.com.au

  • Ipswich City Council - http://www.ipswich.qld.gov.au/ 
    Details of Council Services, News and Events, Business Information, Community Services, History and Library Services
  • Tourism Queensland - http://www.tq.com.au/
    Features news and media assistance, business tools, industry information and tourism development strategies
  • Brisbane Marketing - http://www.brisbanemarketing.com.au/
    The Regional Tourism Organisation for the local governments of the greater Brisbane area.
  • Ipswich Visitor Information Centre - http://www.discoveripswich.com.au/
    Provides information on a variety of natural and man-made experiences available in Ipswich for visitors and residents. On line bookings for tours, accommodation, attractions and selected events.
  • Queensland Government Department of Tourism, Regional Development and Industry - www.dtrdi.qld.gov.au 
    Starting a Small Business, Expanding an Existing Business, Investment opportunities in Queensland, Export and Trade assistance, Queensland Regulations.
  • Small Business Solutions - http://www.smallbusinesssolutions.qld.gov.au/

Grants & Subsidies Funding Opportunities:

These websites assist business and community to access government funding programs and associated guidelines:-

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