Mayor’s message to the business community
From humble beginnings, the City of Ipswich has always punched above its weight and the continued growth of Greater Springfield is a constant reminder of that. Fires, floods and global pandemics may present us with personal hardships and other challenges, but we are a city of seasoned fighters.
It goes without saying, the global coronavirus pandemic has sent shockwaves through our local economy. However, as your 51st Mayor, I’m determined to go into battle to ensure Greater Springfield soldiers on. We have a thriving and resilient business community and we will get through these challenging times, if we continue to work together.
Upon being declared to office some five months ago, the re-establishment of partnerships with the local Chambers of Commerce was a priority for this Council. I am pleased to share that we have formalised our joint commitment to the local business community, through the signing of a Partnership Agreement with the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce.
Bringing small business together
To ensure small business and economic growth remain front and centre, we have established an Economic and Industry Development Committee, which is chaired by Cr Nicole Jonic. As a small business owner, Cr Jonic is particularly focused on leveraging our Chamber partnership to strengthen the local economy.
We’re also set to become the first Small Business Friendly Council in South-East Queensland through a new partnership with the Queensland Small Business Commissioner. This program of work will ensure Council establishes best-practice across all our operations to better support local businesses. Our recently adopted Buy Ipswich Procurement Policy was a first big step towards supporting local businesses, as well as our seven-day payment cycle.
Local progress
A flourishing city needs quality infrastructure and I am pleased to share that planning is underway for the delivery two key road upgrades in the Springfield region: the Springfield Parkway and the Springfield-Greenbank Arterial. These duplication works are set to become the largest single road project in Council’s history, and will be delivered in three phases from 2021 onwards:
- Stage one: Springfield Parkway from Hymba Yumba Indigenous Hub to the Centenary Highway, and Springfield Greenbank Arterial from the Springfield Parkway to Eden Station Drive – design currently being finalised for construction to start in Q2 of 2021;
- Stage two: Springfield Parkway from Topaz Road to just north of the Hymba Yumba Indigenous Community Hub – roadwork to start in the 2022-23 financial year, path upgrade scheduled for Q1 of 2021;
- Stage three: Springfield Greenbank Arterial from Eden Station Drive to Sinnathamby Boulevard – final design expected in Q1 of 2021 with construction timing to be co-ordinated with major State Government projects in the area.
As our city continues to show strong signs of growth, significant state and federal investment in infrastructure and policy changes will be required. In collaboration with the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, leaders from across Ipswich are joining forces to advocate for new commitments from all state election candidates.
We have prioritised the proposed Ipswich to Springfield Public Transport (I2S) Corridor which will provide cost-effective and efficient transport options and connect our major centres of population and fastest-growing communities. The Ipswich Leaders Alliance is seeking a $2.5 million commitment from all candidates to complete an Options Analysis for the I2S Corridor so we can proceed with the next stage of the Business Case Process.
Our local community and economy depend on your individual success and I look forward to continuing our work with the Chamber to deliver programs tailored for small business and ensure shovels hit the ground on crucial transport and community infrastructure as soon as possible.
If you have feedback on how Council can better support the business community, please visit https://shapeyouripswich.com.au to have your say.