Mayor’s column | Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce monthly newsletter
February 2023
I was excited to attend the announcement of the new $350 million Aegros One Million Litre Plasma Fractionation Plant and Headquarters in Augustine Heights recently.
The announcement showed the importance of Ipswich as a premier destination for innovation and investment.
The plant will be built at BioPark Australia in Augustine Heights, which will provide a great boost in jobs and growth for the city while showing the world that the city can be a great technological and medical hub.
Not only that, it solidifies Ipswich as one of the main pillars of Australia’s health care infrastructure.
Blood plasma is a vital component of the blood, making up about 55 per cent of its total volume.
Australia currently only gets about 50 per cent of its yearly needs from blood plasma donated by Australian donors.
It is predicted that the new facility will lift Australia’s self-sufficiency in blood plasma medicines from about 50 per cent to 90 per cent, and it will all be made locally here in Ipswich.
The plant is expected to be operational in 2025.
New upgrades for the Springfield Parkway
Our city’s largest ever road upgrade continues to hit milestones.
This month saw the start of two more traffic switches along the Springfield Parkway.
The first was at the Springfield Lakes Boulevard roundabout towards the Springfield Parkway, Springfield Greenbank Arterial roundabout.
The second traffic switch was between the Springfield Parkway, Springfield Greenbank Arterial roundabout past the Hymba Yumba Independent School.
Staged switching of pedestrian shared pathways will also be occurring at this time.
The existing lanes will then be closed to start new works and upgrade the existing roadway.
Council always ensures traffic switching is carried out after hours to make sure the roadway is ready to accommodate the morning peak traffic.
To keep up to date with this important project, visit council’s major projects website.
Greater Springfield set to reach new economic benchmarks
As the epicentre of one of the fasting growing areas in both Ipswich and Queensland, your community continues to redefine how families can work, learn and play within 10 minutes from home.
With $17 billion invested in social and physical infrastructure so far, Greater Springfield remains steadily on track to provide at least one job for every three residents.
Council’s Economic Development Strategy 2023-2027 specifically highlights the steps council will take to guide Ipswich’s growth in the eastern suburbs, with a focus on the four key industries of Health, Education, Innovation and Defence.
I look forward to working together with your business community to reach new levels of sustainable prosperity.
You can read the strategy here Economic Development Strategy 2023-2027 : Ipswich City Council
Volunteers needed
The Legacy Centenary Torch Relay 2023 volunteer applications are now open.
Ipswich has a large proportion of families in the Defence force, so we always see a strong turnout from local residents.
This year, Legacy Australia is inviting people to apply to be a volunteer for The Legacy Centenary Torch Relay 2023.
Volunteers are needed to assist on the day of the relay with event operations, such as assisting with registrations and check-in, walking alongside Torch Bearers and general event responsibilities.
Applications are open until 28 February. For more details and to apply to volunteer visit www.legacytorchrelay.com.au/volunteering