Mayor’s column | Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce
July 2024
Council delivers 2024-2025 Budget with focus on future growth
We have entered a new financial year with council’s $663 million budget in place and ready to deliver for the year ahead. This year’s budget was crafted in tough economic times, with council balancing rising construction and operational costs while continuing to deliver the infrastructure our city needs to be sustainable well into the future. Our city’s population is set to more than double by 2046, projected to hit 533,000 people. Local businesses are at the core of that growth, delivering jobs, goods and services, and economic opportunities to support our city. We are Queensland’s first Small Business Friendly Council, and this year we will continue to implement our 2023-2027 Economic Development Strategy. And of course, our partnerships with our Chambers of Commerce are vital in ensuring council is tapped into business needs and supporting your efforts to thrive.
Infrastructure delivery
Our 2024-2025 Annual Plan and Budget also delivers on the major infrastructure our city needs to prevent crippling congestion and impacts on our enviable lifestyle. This year we allocated more than $33 million to progress the biggest road upgrades in our city’s history, the Springfield Parkway and Springfield Greenbank Arterial road duplication projects, and Redbank Plains Road Stage 3 upgrades. Along with other major upgrades, including $4 million for the upgrade of the Mary and William Street intersection in Blackstone, council is ensuring that our road network is maintained, servicing our rapidly growing community. Many of our most critical roads, however, are outside of council’s control – such as our arterial highways and motorways, the Warrego, Cunningham and Centenary. Council is prioritising our advocacy to the State Government ahead of the October election, taking our cause to George Street. It is critical that we have well-maintained, effective highways to allow everyone from the daily commuter to major freight companies to get home safely.
Cost of Living Relief
We know times are tough for both residents and businesses so this year’s Budget will also be offset by a 5.45 percent increase in the pensioner concession for all eligible pensioners. This will see the pensioner concession increased to $258 for the full pension and $127 for the part pension. In addition to this, Council will maintain its early payment discount of $132 for all rate payers. Council has kept its rate increase of 5.45 percent consistent across commercial properties, tenanted properties and owner-occupied properties, a weekly increase of $2.58, to better manage the financial costs passed onto both commercial and residential tenants. More information on the Ipswich City Council 2024-25 Annual Plan and Budget is available here.