Mayor’s column | Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce monthly newsletter – December 2024

Important partnership renewed

I’m pleased that Greater Springfield businesses will continue to thrive as the partnership between council and Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce is renewed. The partnership will continue for two years, with council contributing $20,000 in critical funding for 2024-2025 and 2025-2026.

The funding will bring a range of benefits to all local businesses, which are the lifeblood of our community, providing jobs and strengthening our economy. Council will be able to engage with businesses more efficiently as we work with the chamber.

The work the chamber does is deeply important to our local businesses, providing opportunities to network, access education and increase capabilities. Council is proud to support the chamber as they engage with businesses.

I look forward to working collaboratively with the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce over the next two years as we support local businesses together.

New lanes opening

I’m thrilled to see that traffic will flow smoother, with new lanes opening mid-December from Centenary Motorway’s Exit 32. Motorists will benefit from four lanes at this incredibly busy intersection, with two left-turning lanes and two through-lanes connected to a new signalised intersection.

The road is a key avenue to Brighton Homes Arena, Springfield Central Station, Orion Shopping Centre, and the University of Southern Queensland, with thousands of residents and visitors using the thoroughfare on a daily basis.

Springfield is one our city’s fastest-growing areas and a hub for local businesses, and these lanes will improve access, right on time for the festive season.

Council has proudly contributed $40 million to this project. The second stage will start in early 2025, with a section of Springfield Parkway increasing from two to four lanes.

I’m excited to see our Greater Springfield community benefit from this significant road upgrade.

Parking plan to support businesses

Businesses will benefit with a whole-of-city approach to parking being rolled out by council.

The previous 13-year-old parking strategy was recently replaced by the new iGo Parking Action Plan to manage parking demand city wide, better balancing the needs of businesses and residents over the next 10 years.

Extensive community consultation took place to understand what was needed from on-street and off-street parking, taking into consideration the need for loading zones, disability spaces, electric vehicle charging stations and bicycle parking.

As part of the plan, a new parking management framework and precincts for Springfield Central will come into play.

Access to parking is essential to our local businesses and I’m pleased that this new plan will ensure businesses and residents are happy with the outcome.

To read the iGo Parking Action Plan, click here.

Christmas in Ipswich

The most wonderful time of the year is being celebrated all month long across the city, with diverse events for everyone.

For a list of festive fun activities in Division 2, click here. For the full city-wide program, visit ChristmasinIpswich.com.au