August: Mayor’s message to the business community
To each and every business owner in Greater Springfield, thank you for the wonderful experiences, jobs and community spirit you bring to our city. Queensland’s first Small Business Friendly Council is here to empower our local traders during these challenging times. This month, our update focuses on infrastructure, advocacy across government and beyond, events, and meaningful community outreach.
New community infrastructure to support major works
Three major Springfield projects are well underway: earth and stormwater works and retaining wall construction continue as part of our $20 million upgrade to the Springfield Greenbank Arterial and Springfield Parkway, the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) is well advanced in the construction of a $45 million multi-storey carpark at the Main Street entrance, and the $70 million Springfield Central Stadium is on target to open in September 2022 following the completion of considerable earthworks.
Council has also adopted a Provisional Projects Program to ensure our forward infrastructure program remains responsive to our communities’ needs, with $500,000 allocated in the 2021-22 budget. A speed advisory sign on Redbank Plains Road, floodway flashing lights at Jones Road, Bellbird Park, and a cricket pitch upgrade at Brittains Road Reserve, Augustine Heights are amongst ten projects currently under consideration. Due diligence is a key feature of all Council infrastructure programs, and we are shaping residents’ suggestions around scopes, costings and open and transparent decision-making every step of the way.
COVID relief grants and help sessions
The Queensland Government announced a $260 million support package for small to medium enterprise on the second of August, with one-off payments of $5,000 to be made available to businesses with a turnover of more than $75,000 per year and a payroll of $10 million from the middle of the month. We are aware that this will be a competitive grants process, and Council is committed to assisting small businesses to access COVID relief funding. Keep an eye on updates from Council and the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce for free online help sessions to assist you in preparing for these grants. State Government measures are evolving quickly in response to the current outbreak, so please also visit https://www.business.qld.gov.au regularly for further information.
Once current restrictions have eased, Council will continue our online assistance sessions with a program of courses on marketing, social media and other topics to empower your business to take the next step. It was fantastic to hear about the attendees at our regular workshops during July, including a session featuring Nicole Millard, Partner/Social Media Manager at Stay at Home Mum Pty Ltd. For more information on our fortnightly courses at the Springfield Central Library – with low or no-cost tickets – visit https://www.gscc.com.au/events/.
Google Trekker 2.0 provides global audience for Ipswich
More than half a million views have now been recorded to key Ipswich locations and venues as part of a partnership between local businesses, Google and Ipswich City Council. Almost 90 businesses and organisations took the opportunity to showcase the inside of their venues and buildings to Google My Business and Maps users as part of the Google Trekker 2.0 program, which saw 200 organisations from across the world enhance local listings. Thank you to the participating businesses for supporting our city to reach new audiences. To submit an expression of interest for your business, visit: www.discoveripswich.com.au/trekker-2-eoi.
Local offices to be established in Council libraries
Local offices will be established in the Springfield Central, Redbank Plains and Rosewood libraries in the coming months to ensure residents, ratepayers and local businesspeople can speak to Councillors on your terms and closer to home. Whilst the ten previous divisional offices cost around $2 million per year to run, we recognise that the Ipswich community is broadly dispersed around a number of urban centres. Councillors voted unanimously to establish three local offices in addition to the community meeting spaces available at One Nicholas Street, which represents a cost effective solution for our residents.
Thank you again to each and every Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce member for your collaboration. Our Local Business and Investment team is here to support you during these challenging times. Please reach out at business@ipswich.qld.gov.au for any questions on Council support.