Mayor’s column | Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce monthly newsletter – May 2024
Straight back to business in new term
Since being re-elected, I have had multiple opportunities to undertake a range of engagement with key government leaders for our area.
In the past few weeks, I have met with both the Federal and State ministers for local government to foster a positive and productive working relationship between council and its government partners.
Federal Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Kirsty McBain toured the area, while I also had the chance to chat with Queensland Minister for Housing, Local Government and Planning and Minister for Public Works Meaghan Scanlon on several issues relating to the great Ipswich area.
In recent years, council has worked proactively to advocate for government funding on multiple projects for Ipswich. Most notably, the Ipswich to Springfield Central Public Transport project and the redevelopment of North Ipswich Reserve.
I appreciate any opportunity I have to build on council’s renewed focus on advocacy and express my concerns as well as hearing first-hand the plans and focus of the Queensland and Federal Governments to ensure we are getting much-needed funding for our city.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was also Brisbane to discuss his new ‘Future Made in Australia Act’ which plans to increase incentives for advanced manufacturing, which is great news for Ipswich.
Ipswich plays a huge role in manufacturing within the Defence sector, evident by a recent announcement between the Australia Government and Rheinmetall to manufacture 100 Boxer Heavy Weapon Carrier vehicles at its Redbank facility – a major coup for the region.
Eastern suburbs continue to rise and shine
The eastern suburbs of Ipswich continue to shine with increasing numbers of people moving in and building new homes.
Council’s Planning and Regulatory Services Quarterly Report from 1 January to 31 March 2024, released this week, provides a snapshot of population growth and development activity across the city.
More than 1,600 people moved into Ipswich in the first quarter of 2024, and a further 625 lots were created even as overall growth slowed a little compared to 2023.
The number of new residents brings the city’s population to 254,093 – a rise of 0.7 per cent on the final figure for 2023.
Growth in our eastern suburbs continues to deliver, with Ripley our fastest-growing suburb, ahead of Redbank Plains, South Ripley, Spring Mountain, Brookwater and Collingwood Park this quarter.
Ipswich remains one of the fastest growing cities in Queensland and needs constant Federal and State government investment in infrastructure and transport.
Our latest figures support council’s ongoing advocacy efforts for the public transport corridor between Ipswich Central and Springfield Central.
Day trips to Ipswich nearing 1.5 million
Ipswich’s reputation as a destination of choice is being fuelled by the highest number of day-trippers to the region since the COVID-19 outbreak.
The latest data released from Tourism Research Australia showed day trips to the region were up 15.3 per cent year on year, with only 2019 reporting higher numbers.
Day trips were up considerably in 2023 to nearly 1.5 million visits reinforcing our messaging that Ipswich has something to offer for just about everyone and is a vibrant, accessible and scenic city.
Thousands of visitors are coming to Ipswich for our festivals and events, including the recent Planes, Trains and Automobiles, the Festival of Horsepower next month and cultural celebration SPARK Ipswich in July.
The Tourism Research Australia data also included international visitor numbers for the first time since COVID, showing numbers were up 1.5 per cent on the previous figure prior to the COVID-19 shutdown period and that international tourists are staying longer and spending more.
For more information on council’s Destination Management Plan and City Events Plan visit Ipswich.qld.gov.au
Pilot project to entice shoppers
A pilot program designed to improve street appeal and create a sense of place by adding greenery outside shopfronts has launched.
The ‘Frame the Front Door’ initiative is the newest project aiming to deliver environmental, social and economic benefits.
Business owners can apply to have up to two potted plants located outside their store to help create an inviting entrance for shoppers and diners. We know from research that places with good walkability generate 80 per cent more in retail sales as compared to a place with fair walkability.
This pilot program will operate in two precincts – Top of Town and Ipswich Centre Core, but if successful we will look to expand it to other areas in the future.
Making our streets more walkable contributes to people stopping, staying and spending longer shopping and generating positive economic returns for our businesses.
For program information, visit Ipswich.qld.gov.au/funding