Mayor’s column | Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce Monthly newsletter
May 2023
Ipswich is now home to another Australian first: the new Coles Automatic Distribution Centre (ADC) at Redbank, the first of its kind in the southern hemisphere.
The building’s size is 66,000 square metres, making it one of the biggest ADCs in the world. The overall site is 170,000 square metres, which is about two Suncorp Stadiums.
The ADC uses German Witron technology to improve efficiency and availability of products to supermarkets all over Queensland and even northern NSW. This $500 million investment by Coles is a testament to the strength and attractiveness of our city.
Ipswich’s economy is well placed to grow in the years ahead and as Queensland’s fastest growing city, this investment will drive productivity growth and help ensure food security in one of Australia’s fastest growing regions.
Drone delivery in Springfield
The Springfield area continues to lead the way in embracing technology and a high-tech future. Council recently welcomed international aviation company Wing as it began servicing the local Springfield community with a new drone delivery service from the Orion Springfield Central Shopping Centre.
Wing has partnered with local restaurants and retailers using DoorDash’s platform to provide food and other items to the surrounding communities.
Council remains committed to strengthening the local economies and building prosperity is a key priority for Ipswich City Council – innovation is a key part of this.
Council assisted Wing in analysing possible launch sites, considering feasibility of local business and customers and also facilitating introductions between local landowners, Wing representatives and chambers of commerce.
New Silver Jubilee Park
Greater Springfield’s green space just got a lot greener, and greater, with the opening of the new 14.4-hectare Silver Jubilee recreational space last month.
The $13 million park has a multiuse sporting field incorporating two contact rugby fields or alternatively one AFL field, six dedicated basketball and netball hard courts, shaded eating and cooking areas, a kids’ adventure playground, toddlers’ play area, amenity block and ample parking.
This is a great addition to Ipswich’s eastern suburbs and it joins more than 550 parks and reserves we currently enjoy across our city.
Council welcomed the opportunity to be involved with planning oversight and engaging with community organisations to activate this new space. Silver Jubilee is located off Russell Luhrs Way in Spring Mountain.
150th Ipswich Show
One of the city’s most endearing features is the diversity we have – from Ipswich Central to Springfield and our more rural areas.
There’s no better example of Ipswich’s history and heritage than the Ipswich Show. This year, council has approved a $63,000 partnership investment for the 150th Ipswich Show from 19 to21 May, recognising the milestone event for an iconic regional show.
This year’s show will be bigger and better than ever, offering a three-day program of historic and contemporary events and celebrations. The Show’s animal precinct will expand onto new land next to Warwick Road, with farm and native animals, as well as sheep shearing, cow milking and sheepdog trials.
There is also a Paddock to Plate zone that will celebrate the wide offerings of farmers, producers, growers, winemakers and distillers from across south-east Queensland – a tasty experience and one with great networking opportunities too!