Defence Ipswich Strategic Summary 2018-2023

1 This strategic plan coordinates and empowers Ipswich as a national leader in defence industry activity and opportunity. For generations, Ipswich has been a significant driver of Queensland’s economic prosperity. Today, traditional industries are in advanced transition as digital technology, dynamic markets and sustainable practices push innovation and improvement. Ipswich businesses are leading this progress across many sectors including defence, advanced manufacturing, food production, transport and logistics, construction and health. At the same time, Ipswich is attracting unprecedented population growth accelerated by some of the largest master planned residential developments in the Southern Hemisphere. Rarely has an Australian city with such strong heritage and history experienced a social and economic evolution as rapid or profound as this. It is redefining the way the region operates, how the community is connected and how the city is positioned nationally. A major contributor to that transition is RAAF Base Amberley, Australia’s largest military air base. The City of Ipswich has a long and productive relationship with the Australian Defence Force, it represents a significant part of our history, our identity, our community and our future. Nearly 10 per cent of all employment in Ipswich is in the defence industry and associated supply chain and the defence industry generates over $1.3 billion in export value for the local economy. The Defence Ipswich Strategic Summary 2018–2023 recognises the importance of defence to the region’s community and economic prosperity. Ipswich City Council has developed this strategy in cooperation with the Queensland Government and the Australian Defence Force to ensure its relevance and success. Put simply, this strategic summary coordinates and empowers Ipswich as a national leader in defence industry activity and opportunity. The summary is supported by an operational action plan from which progress can be measured and reported. The City of Ipswich is proud to present the Defence Ipswich Strategic Summary 2018–2023 on behalf of the industry and stakeholders with a commitment to its active and successful carriage. BRINGING OUR VISION TO LIFE Current population 215,000 163 Ethnic backgrounds 152 Languages spoken 1,090 km 2 Image © Commonwealth of Australia 2018