March: Mayor’s message to the business community
As we approach the end of the 2020/21 financial year, our state-leading population growth is continuing to bring new opportunities to Greater Springfield. Essential goods and services, jobs and local connections are set to be provided by our small and medium businesses for an additional 330,000 residents to 2041. Queensland’s first Small Business Friendly Council is moving forward with our program of works, collaborative initiatives and advocacy to make a positive difference for the community.
Opportunity for Springfield to feature on the world sporting stage
Our city is South-East Queensland’s sporting heartland and it’s wonderful to see this status recognised as a decision draws closer on the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Ipswich has long been a breeding ground for some of Queensland and Australia’s greatest sportspeople. We currently lead the world rankings in women’s tennis as our very own Ash Barty retains her #1 ranking going into the season’s grand slam tournaments.
The new Lions AFLW training and support centre at Springfield is currently being considered in the south-east’s proposal for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games as the venue for two sports, football preliminaries and modern pentathlon. In February, the International Olympic Committee announced Brisbane as the preferred host for the 2032 Games. Council is set to formally decide on our participation in the proposal at a Special Meeting later this month. I look forward to building on our strong partnership with the AFL and the State Government for future initiatives in Queensland’s sporting heartland.
Advocating for investment in major infrastructure
The 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games proposal reminds us of the need for investment in city-shaping infrastructure to keep South-East Queensland connected and to cater for our growing population. In March I joined the South-East Queensland Council of Mayors in Canberra to share our city’s growth story and journey in transparency and integrity with members of Commonwealth Parliament. Meetings with Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese formed part of an extensive line up of Government and Opposition representatives across the delegation. This was a fantastic opportunity to highlight our city’s major transformation priorities in advance of the 2021/2022 Federal elections, with the 25 kilometre Ipswich to Springfield public transport corridor as a key discussion topic.
Works begin on Springfield Parkway and Springfield Greenbank Arterial
Preliminary works have commenced on Stage 1 of the $46 million Springfield Parkway and Springfield Greenbank Arterial upgrades, the largest road upgrade project in Council’s history. Sections of these roads are already carrying more than 20,000 vehicles per day and the upgrades will deliver a duplication from two lanes to four lanes as well as the construction of a single span 20 metre bridge crossing Opossum Creek. Supporting efficient transport for Springfield and the city’s eastern corridor’s growing population is a priority for Council. We are committed to meeting our obligations for investment in trunk infrastructure, and I would like to thank the State Government for supporting the Parkway and Arterial upgrades through the Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme.
I would also like to thank residents for your patience as preliminary works are carried out. Bulk earthworks, retaining wall installation, stormwater and underground conduit installation will be conducted off-road, however there will be some traffic restrictions to ensure the safety of workers and motorist. The works are scheduled for completion by September 2021 and I look forward to providing you with further updates in the weeks and months ahead.
Continuing support for small to medium business
In response to continuing Covid restrictions on business operations, Council recently re-launched the Small Business Funding program. The $112,000 third round of the program has been immensely popular following initial advertisement over the Easter weekend. Changes to round three include an increase in individual funding to $2000 and additional requirements surrounding demonstration of financial loss. We expect all allocations to be taken up promptly. I encourage all COVID-impacted businesses to visit https://www.ipswich.qld.gov.au/services/funding-and-support for further information on how to apply.
Qld Small Business Month
As Queensland’s first Small Business Friendly Council, we are exploring further measures to reduce red tape to support our local enterprise along its COVID-19 recovery journey. May is Queensland Small Business month and your Chamber and Ipswich City Council have been working together to secure training, networking and events for all businesses across Ipswich. Keep an eye on Council and Chamber channels for further information in the month ahead.
If you have any questions about Council support, please reach out to our Local Business and Investment Team at business@ipswich.qld.gov.au. Small Business Month will be a fantastic opportunity to showcase the vitality and economic opportunity that you bring to our growing city.
For now, thank you again for your contribution to the Ipswich community.