Mayor’s column | Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce

August 2024

We Can’t Wait

Did you know that per capita, Ipswich residents receive the second lowest level of State funding for roads and public transport of all SEQ councils? Ipswich is the fastest growing city in Queensland and that’s why Council has launched the We Can’t Wait campaign in the lead up to October’s State election.

The We Can’t Wait advocacy campaign is aimed at encouraging all parties and their local candidates to commit to much-needed infrastructure and public transport funding for Ipswich.

We Can’t Wait is focused on three critical projects for our city, an upgrade of the dangerous Amberley Interchange, a second inner-city river crossing and a public transport solution servicing the suburbs between Springfield Central and Ipswich.

The corridor between Springfield Central and Ipswich is where 70 percent of our city’s growth is occurring, but it lacks reliable and efficient public transport connections to ease congestion on our roads and highways.

Unfortunately, if nothing is done to address the issue, this congestion will eventually cost Ipswich’s economy more than $1 billion in lost productivity as commuter and freight movements get even slower.

If you would like to see greater investment in our major roads, highways and public transport, head to WeCantWait.com.au and join our waitlist to make your voice heard.

Business is booming in Ipswich

Ipswich’s economy exceeded a record-breaking $13 billion in the last financial year; an increase of almost $2 billion over two years. The Ipswich City Council’s Development Strategy 2023-2027 indicates that the local economy could reach the $18 billion mark by 2027.

Businesses are at the heart of the local economy and are integral to our city’s success, producing vital goods and services and providing jobs and income to our residents.

Last year, 573 new businesses opened their doors, bringing the number of local businesses to more than 12,300. Businesses are showing confidence in Ipswich and more people are discovering the attractive lifestyle and opportunities that Ipswich has to offer, making Ipswich an ideal place to do business.

Few neighbouring councils have been able to match Ipswich’s Gross Regional Product surge over the last two years, cementing our place as one of Queensland’s fastest growing regions.

Springfield Greenbank Arterial update

Springfield Greenbank Arterial near Brighton Homes Arena is flowing a little more freely across four lanes with the latest construction milestone on the city’s biggest road upgrade.

Four lanes are now open along Springfield Greenbank Arterial from the Eden Station Drive intersection to the rail overpass in front of Brighton Homes Arena. The project was vital to meet the current and future demand as Ipswich faces rapid growth.

Upgrading council’s largest intersection at Springfield Parkway and Springfield Greenbank Arterial was a huge undertaking and will certainly make a difference to all motorists, from freight companies to daily commuters.

Council will be continuing works on Springfield Parkway to extend the duplication north from the new intersection at Springfield Greenbank Arterial to Topaz Drive. For more information on the project, visit council’s website.

Upgrade to traffic lights on Wellness Way

The traffic signals at the intersection of Wellness Way and Healthcare Drive, Springfield Central will be modified in the coming weeks to improve safety.

The community had raised some concerns with Council on the operation of the traffic signals so the intersection will now have a signalised right turn along Healthcare Drive (i.e. vehicles that wish to turn right will only be able to so if they have a green arrow).

This will provide a much safer environment for motorists and pedestrians using the intersection.

Get behind the local Mater Private Hospital Springfield

The Mater Cancer Care Centre Springfield would like to purchase a cooling cap for their patients. Scalp cooling is a treatment that can help minimise hair loss for people undergoing chemotherapy, making the treatment less stressful and concerning for patients.

A fundraiser movie event is being held to raise funds at Limelight Cinemas, Riverlink on Sunday 25 August at 5pm. If your business would like to support this cause, you can have a 30 second video shown on the silver screen at the event.

Email the Mater Chicks in Pink with The Skin Sanctuary’s Sarah Hall at Sarah@theskinsanctuary.com.au for more details.