Crisis, what crisis?  That could well be the response the City of Ipswich makes to those on the outside looking in.

Despite a tough year in 2008 for many and the daily grind of bad economic news overseas, Ipswich is powering ahead on the back of momentum already created by major residential development led by Springfield.

Popular Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale said the city was indeed faring very well when compared to many others.

“Ipswich is certainly coming of age, providing jobs and infrastructure to help Brisbane cope with the massive population growth in the South East Queensland corner,” Cr Pisasale said.

“In fact, Brisbane needs Ipswich to prosper so that we can help out with easing congestion in our capital.

“I believe there has never been a better time to plan for tomorrow by investing in Ipswich today – our planning is coming together and we can see results.”

Strategic opportunities

Cr Pisasale said investment opportunities had opened up following the release of the Ipswich Regional Centre Strategy.

Developed in partnership with the State Government and the people of Ipswich, it identified 17 ‘catalytic’ projects to revitalise Ipswich City Centre.

The development could include community space, residential facilities and office space for more than 1200 State Government and other workers.

“There are clear opportunities for private sector investment and development as Ipswich embarks on a new era as a revitalised, world-class city,” Cr Pisasale said.

As part of the future plans, Ipswich will benefit from more than $450million worth of investment and development projects already underway in the city centre.

Development boost

Ipswich City Council is also expected to finalise the purchase of Ipswich City Square early in 2009, which would be central to any redevelopment.

“Ipswich is in a prime position to capitalise on the city centre’s position at the doorstep of the western growth corridor,” Cr Pisasale said.

“As a city, we’re already looking forward to all the exciting things which lay ahead for Ipswich in 2009.

“Among the many achievements we'll see next year are the completion and (final stage) opening of Home HQ at West Ipswich, completion of the Centenary Highway extension through to Yamanto and the opening of the Queens Park Environmental Education Centre and new kiosk.

“The Ipswich Motorway upgrade will continue to take shape with the commencement of the critical Dinmore to Goodna section.

“In the Ipswich suburb of Springfield Central, the new parklands will become a reality and work is expected to commence on Stage 2 of Orion Springfield Town Centre.

“These are just a few of the fantastic things we'll see happening across Ipswich in 2009 with many more major projects to follow.”

In last year’s Business Acumen Queensland Yearbook, Cr Pisasale said the city was more than ready for the changes that lay ahead. Clearly he was right.

The City of Ipswich, in partnership with the community, business leaders and developers, has put in the hard yards for many years.

“The symphony is moving west with the backing of the State Government and the draft South East Queensland Regional Plan for 2009-2031,” Cr Pisasale said.

“With our current population approaching 160,000 and growing by 5000 each year, it is clear that Ipswich is the city to watch over the next 20 years and beyond.” ◊

Ipswich City Fast Facts

• 4.6% population growth 

• Population predicted to reach 434,000 by 2031

• 138ha area assigned for motorsport precinct at Willowbank

• 43% of all available industrial land in South East Queensland

• $1.1billion committed to expand Amberley Air Force base

• Springfield’s Polaris Data Centre $212million development will host mission-critical ICT systems of government departments and international companies

• Springfield Central has commenced the development of a 24ha dedicated central parklands 20% larger than Roma Street Parklands

• 2007 winner Livcom Award – Most Liveable Midsize City in the World

• Ripley Valley will be home to 120,000 people housing 10% of SEQ population growth over the next 20years

For further information about Ipswich City visit www.ipswich.qld.gov.au

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