February: Mayor’s message to the business community
I’m pleased to report that, based on recent planning figures, our city experienced strong growth to end the tumultuous year that was 2020. We saw 114 new dwellings approved in Spring Mountain and 34 new residents for the final quarter of 2020 (1 October – 31 December). During that period, the Ipswich region welcomed 1,593 people to our communities, created 577 new lots (up 52% on the previous quarter) and approved 1,124 lots and 933 new dwellings (a record for the year).
Ipswich to Springfield Public Transport Corridor
While strong growth in housing and population will contribute to securing our city’s recovery, it further accelerates the demand for a public transport corridor with economic hubs across our high-growth suburbs.
On 11th February, Deputy Mayor Marnie Doyle and I welcomed the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Hon Michael McCormack MP to Ipswich and, along with Senator Paul Scarr, we discussed our city’s significant growth, opportunities for industry, and the Ipswich to Springfield Public Transport Corridor.
In order to understand the options and demand timeline for the corridor, further modelling and a detailed options analysis will be required. The State Government have committed $1 million towards the $2.5 million cost and the Deputy Prime Minister has committed to take our ask to Canberra.
It was wonderful to hear the Deputy Prime Minister describe Ipswich suburbs as some of Australia’s most liveable areas to rent, buy or build houses.
Council is committed to working with all levels of Government to secure major infrastructure investment and policy reform. We made a pre-budget submission to the Australian Government, advocating for investment in our major infrastructure priorities and are awaiting the outcome of the Federal budget.
Don’t miss our chance to have your say on your city’s future
This month marks the final round of consultation for Council’s 20-year community vision, and we are committed to supporting local businesses and enabling industry to thrive.
“iFuture: Your Vision, Our Journey, Council’s Plan” will guide our city’s future and the actions of Council. There are four emerging themes in our community vision: vibrant and growing; safe, inclusive and creative; natural and sustainable; and a trusted and leading organisation.
It’s not too late to have your say! Consultation on the draft vision is open until February 28, visit our Shape Your Ipswich site today.
Continuing support for small to medium business in 2021
This year we will continue to work with the Chamber on events, training, and streamlined processes to support local enterprise.
If your business could provide products and services to Council, please keep an eye out for our procurement training courses which are set to launch over the coming months. They are designed to assist small businesses with navigating local government procurement processes.
We’ve already made some headway as Queensland’s first Small Business Friendly Council with our Food Truck Friendly Council and have also just recently announced we’ll be waiving foot-path dining licence fees to support our hospitality retailers. Over the coming months we’ll continue exploring further measures to reduce red tape to support our local businesses along their COVID-19 recovery journey. I look forward to making further announcements over the coming months. If you have any questions about Council support, please reach out to our Local Business and Investment Team at business@ipswich.qld.gov.au.
On behalf of Council, thank you again for the vitality and economic opportunity that you bring to Greater Springfield.