March: Mayor’s message to the business community
We live in challenging times, with the impacts of COVID-19 being felt across the globe. And now in South East Queensland we have once again borne the brunt of extreme weather as our community has experienced the worst flooding since 2011. Floods bring more than just inundation of properties, but increased health risks, mental health challenges and an economic cost to individuals, families, businesses and the community as a whole. While these are the challenges we face, our response as a community has been nothing short of remarkable, through volunteering, donating, cleaning; the list goes on. Ipswich is resilient and now, as we have done before, we will rally as a community to support those in need.
Council resources available to support communities in flood recovery
The impacts of flooding last long after the waters have receded. To continue supporting our community, Ipswich City Council has launched a website to assist in accessing information relating to flood recovery.
Information on donations, grants, safety, support services, volunteering and waste can be found at https://www.ipswich.qld.gov.au/services/flood-recovery.
Business Ipswich has also launched a new site specifically to support businesses impacted by flooding. Information can be found at https://www.businessipswich.com.au/investor-business-support/2022-flood-resources/
Council review shows Ipswich residents left waiting for new bus services
A council review shows the expansion of the bus network within Ipswich has not kept up with the population growth experienced within the city, with fewer bus routes and patronage lower than what it was a decade ago.
Compared with other regions in South East Queensland, Ipswich (Western Region) has the smallest bus service contract spend by the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) of about $106 per resident, correlating with the lowest number of urban bus routes at 18.
Council is now calling on TMR and TransLink for improved transport services. A key focus is the Ipswich to Springfield Central corridor, which will help connect our booming suburbs such as Ripley and Redbank Plains with retail and business precincts such as Springfield Central.
Have your say, help shape the future of Ipswich
Ipswich residents can lend their experience and voice to Ipswich City Council’s decision-making processes by getting involved in our community panel to help shape the city now and into the future.
Panel members will be involved in a range of projects; be engaged on problems as well as solutions; and be listened to, while given opportunities to influence decisions that impact and/or interest them.
We would love to have strong representation from all areas and sectors across Ipswich, and encourage residents to register their interest at shapeyouripswich.com.au/communitypanel.
The year so far has presented many challenges. While council and the community works to address those, we also remain focused on the opportunities that lie ahead and remain committed to improving the quality of life for all who call Ipswich home.