Mayor’s message to the business community
Ipswich is resilient and focused on the road ahead. The continued growth of Greater Springfield over the last 20 years – from Robelle Domain to the university campus and Orion and Springfield Fair – points to a prosperous future for our region. This month, Greater Springfield showed the spirit and community values that have made us who we are today.
Supporting the storm recovery
I would like to thank each and every one of the businesses who have supported our response and recovery from the October 31 storms. Approximately 5,800 people were impacted by rain, strong winds and hail, and over 600 homes are now uninhabitable. The YMCA Springfield Lakes Community Centre was transformed, and 22 businesses from Greater Springfield and beyond responded immediately, providing groceries, fresh food and drinks, hot meals, and other services to impacted residents.
On behalf of the Ipswich community, thank you all for your ongoing support and for once again demonstrating we’re a compassionate and caring community.
As Chair Local Disaster Management Group, I have been proud of the way in which Council has coordinated disaster management activities in the weeks following the storm, in collaboration with State agencies, non-government organisations and the community.
We are committed to supporting and advocating on behalf of impacted families and businesses over the long road to recovery. We established a Local Disaster Coordination Centre to lead the response and Council is now pursuing avenues to secure accommodation and support for impacted residents and businesses. If your business was affected by the storm – particularly for home-based businesses – please reach out to our Local Business and Investment team on business@ipswich.qld.gov.au. For more information on Council’s response, visit the Ipswich Hail Event page.
Applications still open for the Small Business Funding Program
The storms hit during a period of tough trading conditions for our region, and Council support is still available to businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Round two of the $200,000 Small Business Funding Program will remain open until the total amount is subscribed, to 30 June 2021. Eligible businesses can apply for up to $1,000 for items incurred from 1 March 2020, including professional services, inventory, COVID specific expenses and membership. To check your eligibility, see the full guidelines and apply, visit https://www.ipswich.qld.gov.au/services/funding-and-support
Advocacy for our region
The Ipswich Leaders Alliance concluded our Fresh Start 2020 State Election Advocacy Campaign on 31 October after securing commitments to infrastructure projects and policy reform from all major parties. The Queensland Government committed $1 million of the $2.5 million required for the Ipswich Central to Springfield Central Public Transport Corridor Options Analysis, and agreed to establish a joint-taskforce on waste, amongst other measures. I have offered my congratulations to our region’s five returning local members and I look forward to forging stronger relationships to get the best outcomes for our city.
2020 Marquee Business Awards
I’d like to commend the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce for moving forward on the second annual Marquee Business Awards. This year has seen Springfield businesses adapt to challenging trading conditions, and my fellow Councillors and I are looking forward to catching up with you and discussing how Council can best support small businesses in 2021 and beyond. See you there!