Mayor’s column | Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce Monthly newsletter
April 2023
Autumn is here and with it brings a cool chill in the air, a much-welcomed reprieve from the stifling humidity we have experienced so far this year.
Recently, I had the pleasure of welcoming Dominique Lamb to Ipswich in her first official visit to the city since she was appointed the new Queensland Small Business Commissioner. It was a great opportunity to discuss the needs of small businessowners, as well as the fantastic work the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce does in our business community.
We also discussed Council’s new Economic Development Strategy, the positive impact of City Events for local businesses, the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games opportunities, Ipswich Central Revitalisation and placemaking activities to further enhance our city and communities. The QSBC can be a great help to small business. For more information go to https://qsbc.qld.gov.au/about/
Ipswich to Springfield Central public transport corridor
One of the top priorities council has for the greater Springfield area is the vital Ipswich to Springfield Central Public Transport Corridor (I2S).
A recent delegation to Canberra to meet with key government stakeholders to discuss this vital project was well received.
Representatives from council, Sekisui House, Multicultural Australia and the Ipswich Show Society raised awareness of the project and highlighted the social and economic benefits to Ipswich residents.
By 2041 Ipswich expects to welcome 296,000 new residents, with about 70 per cent of growth between Ipswich, Ripley, and Springfield. We know that many Springfield residents work in Ipswich and would greatly benefit with increased accessibility. This means I2S is absolutely vital to our city. The I2S corridor would link the city’s two population centres through the fast-growing suburbs of Ripley, Redbank Plains and Deebing Heights, avoiding forecasted congestion costs of more than $1 billion.
The proposed 25-kilometre public transport corridor will offer significant social, economic, and environmental benefits, especially in growing suburbs with young families that have limited access to public transport, such as Redbank Plains. The next stage of delivery for I2S is the Options Analysis and then a Detailed Business Case, which will get the project shovel ready.
E-scooter trial for Springfield
Council has approved a six-month electric scooter trial in Springfield and will investigate the success of this trial which is expected to start in May. As we know, electric scooters have become a popular source of transportation, and we believe Springfield is the ideal location for an e-scooter trial, given there is a lot of travelling to and from public transport and short trips to the local shops where a car could be replaced with an e-scooter trip. This trial is part of Council’s iGO Intelligent Transport Systems Strategy and is progressing after community engagement found there was support for an e-scooter scheme in the area. If this trial is successful, Council can consider the continuation of this arrangement.
Nominate now for 2024 Ipswich Australia Day Awards
Last year, Springfield’s own Mat Britton won the Sport and Recreation Award. I know Mat is a popular identity around these parts! Mat started a charity called Trial to Triumph (TTT) in 2004 to raise awareness and funds for research about mesothelioma and other dust diseases. He holds many fundraising events in Springfield, including gold days, trivia nights, Bubbles and Brush, Laps for Lungs and a Virtual Marathon. I know there are many others local legends in the greater Springfield area. Nominating someone gives you the chance to acknowledge their hard work, dedication and commitment to their community – so please take 30 minutes from your day to nominate and inspire current and future leaders. This year’s categories are Citizen of the Year, Senior Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Cultural Award, Sport and Recreation Award and Community Group of the Year. More information about the nomination process can be found here Ipswich Australia Day Awards : Ipswich City Council.