March: Mayor’s message to the business community
Mayor’s message to the business community
It’s unbelievable that the first quarter of this year is almost over! After last quarter’s planning and growth statistics were released, I’m patiently waiting on the next data tranche to interrogate the trends. There is no doubt that Ipswich is playing a pivotal role in facilitating the population boom across South-East Queensland and the Federal Government’s Home Builder scheme has certainly supported this.
We’re continuing to experience significant growth in new homes being built and new residents moving to popular suburbs and Council is committed to listening to our growing community, and to working with all levels of government to address our growing pains.
Local projects named on the national Infrastructure Priority List
Last month, Infrastructure Australia announced that the Ipswich to Springfield Public Transport Corridor has been added to the 2021 Infrastructure Priority List, signifying its national significance. This is an important milestone for our city, as the decision recognises that significant investment in transport ad mobility infrastructure and services will be necessary to keep our growing communities connected to economic opportunities and social services, as we continue to experience unparalleled growth.
Council is engaging across all levels of Government to ensure that the Ipswich to Springfield Public Transport Corridor along with other regionally significant projects remain on the radar. Building on the Deputy Prime Minister’s visit to Ripley and Springfield in February, we are seeking further meetings with our Commonwealth counterparts to highlight our city’s significant growth and opportunities for industry in advance of the 2021-22 Commonwealth Budget.
Council’s engagement with the State Government to support population growth
Earlier this month, I represented Ipswich and shared our positive growth strong on a “Ministers and Mayors” panel at the UDIA SEQ Growth Forum. The Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning, Hon Dr Steven Miles MP, and the Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Hon Mark Bailey MP and I discussed the major role Ipswich will play in unlocking state productivity and providing liveable housing options for Queenslanders to 2041.
On the day of the forum, the Deputy Premier announced the State Government will be establishing a Growth Areas Delivery Team as part of their economic recovery plan. As the state’s fastest-growing city, we welcomed the announcement that the team’s initial focus will be on the South-East corner. The team will be established in collaboration between the State Planner and Economic Development Queensland, and its first task will be to identify a pilot site to support the demand for housing and infrastructure development in a new growth area.
70% of our city’s significant population growth is set to occur in the corridor between Springfield Central and Ipswich Central to 2041, and I will continue to take every opportunity to present the facts on our growth areas to all levels of Government. The forum highlighted the importance of working across city boundaries and I look forward to further discussions between Ministers and Mayors to jointly address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Road upgrades – Springfield-Greenbank Arterial
The Springfield town centre has the potential to accommodate 50,000 residents and in addition, longer term development scenarios suggest that the surrounding suburbs of Springfield, Springfield Lakes, Spring Mountain, Brookwater and Augustine Heights will collectively accommodate over 70,000 residents in future years.
I am delighted to announce the major road upgrades are now commencing. Sections of the Springfield Parkway and Springfield Greenbank Arterial roads are some of the busiest in our city, currently carrying more than 20,000 vehicles per day. Last month Council approved a $3.8 million tender to build the single span bridge crossing Opossum Creek on Springfield Parkway and Springfield-Greenbank Arterial, awarded to BMD Constructions Pty Ltd. Overall the upgrades will duplicate these roads to four lanes to meet demand.
Measures will be in place to minimise traffic disruptions during the upgrade work including the construction of two new traffic lanes adjacent to the existing roads to reduce delays. Where intersections will be upgraded from roundabouts to traffic signals, some disruptions are likely to occur, and crews will work to maintain traffic flows particularly during peak traffic periods. We thank you for your patience.
Continuing support for small to medium business
I would like to thank Neil, Leila and the team at the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce for your continued collaboration with Council on events, training, and streamlined processes to support local enterprise. If your business could provide provides and services to Council, please keep an eye out for our procurement training courses which are set to launch over the coming months. They are designed to assist small businesses with navigating local government procurement processes.
As Queensland’s first Small Business Friendly Council, we are exploring further measures to reduce red tape to support our local enterprise along its COVID-19 recovery journey. If you have any questions about Council support, please reach out to our Local Business and Investment Team at business@ipswich.qld.gov.au.
It was fantastic to hear from a number of small business owners when ABC Radio Brisbane broadcasted from the Springfield Central on the 25 February. The GSCC’s very own Paula Rizqallah, Founding Director of P&L Accountants, and Neha Arora, Owner of the Orion Coffee Club and winner of the 2020 Outstanding Small Business Award, spoke about the impact of the pandemic and the support they provided to the community in 2020.
On behalf of Council, thank you again to each and every one of our small to medium businesses for the vitality and economic opportunity that you bring to Greater Springfield.