Mayor’s column | Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce monthly newsletter – October 2024
New Small Business Friendly Programs
Ipswich has more than 12,000 registered businesses with 97 per cent of these being small businesses. These businesses are at the heart of our community and as Queensland’s first Small Business Friendly council, we understand the importance of supporting them.
Council has added several initiatives to our business support toolkit through new Small Business Friendly programs. The programs are a crucial way for council to take a hands-on approach to connect with businesses, providing pathways to learn and expand. This includes the New Business Breakfast, Business Booth and Council Connect.
The New Business Breakfast was held for the first time in July 2024 and based on the overwhelmingly positive feedback, council will now be holding the event twice a year. The Business Booth will provide in-person consultations for those seeking to expand or start businesses and Council Connect aims to gain insight into challenges, successes and opportunities that small businesses face.
These initiatives will provide benefits to thousands of businesses across Greater Springfield. Visit council’s website for more information.
Silver Jubilee Park Sports Facility
Council has heard the voices of the Springfield community, who strongly advocated for a new clubhouse at Silver Jubilee Park in Spring Mountain, with completion set for mid-2025.
The wonderful new facility will be a key milestone for the rapidly growing area, complementing the park’s two rugby fields, AFL field, basketball and netball courts, picnic areas and playground.
The $3 million clubhouse will include a clubroom, change rooms, referees’ rooms, kitchen and food preparation area.
I’m excited to see locals come together to enjoy many future sporting events at the beautiful park, making a big difference to clubs and the Greater Springfield community.
Suntory opens in Swanbank
Ipswich’s $13 million economy is going from strength to strength with the latest major business opening in Swanbank last month.
The Japanese beverage giant, Suntory, has started production in their $400 million distribution and production facility, servicing all of Australia with their leading drinks.
In a boost to our economy, the new facility has created 160 long-term jobs, helping many residents. It’s wonderful to see Suntory become part of our thriving economy.
Ipswich’s ideal location and rapid population growth makes it an attractive city for big businesses to expand. We’ve seen the biggest beauty company in the world, L’Oréal recently start operations in Redbank and more large companies are seeing why Ipswich is a great place to invest.