Considering the maintening of balance in between all elements of a city’s growth, Brisbane’s planners talked about building projects that can deliver jobs to citizens.
WHILE Brisbane planners are talking building up, Ipswich has reached out to the community to set the direction for the city’s future.
The challenge is to balance growth, jobs and infrastructure with community, conserving heritage and environment.
Ipswich City Council yesterday launched its most ambitious community engagement blueprint, Our Future – Your Say, with an online survey to inform development of a new long-term community plan.
With 43% of the state’s industrial land, the city is poised for sustained growth.
Mayor Paul Pisasale said the recently established Ipswich Futures Board would oversee the development of the next long-term community plan which would help guide sustainable development across the city.
“Ipswich was one of the first councils in Queensland to prepare a long-term community plan called, Ipswich: 2020 and Beyond, in 2005,” Cr Pisasale said.
This was later updated in 2011 to become the Ipswich Community Plan i2031.
“We are taking the next big step by casting the net wide to seek as many views and ideas as possible from the community,” he said.
“Our city will face many challenges during the next 20 years and beyond.
“Important decisions need to be made that will be critical to our future and our children’s future.”
Deputy Mayor Victor Attwood said first home buyers and young families moving into Ipswich’s growth corridor had driven the average age citywide from 35 to 32 and in the eastern suburbs to 29.
“The demographics of Ipswich have changed considerably over the last five or six years,” he said.
“In recognition of the changing face of Ipswich, the council established the Ipswich Futures Board. The Board is determined that the next long-term plan will be based on extensive community engagement and implement a positive legacy for present and future generations.”
Cr Pisasale said south-east Queensland had to “share the load” in population growth.
“Brisbane needs us more than we need Brisbane. If we don’t take some of the population and job generators, congestion in Brisbane will get worse and the prices will go higher.
The online survey can be found at ipswichfuture.qld.gov.au
Residents without the internet can access survey forms at council’s Customer Service Centre 143 Brisbane Street, libraries or phone 3810 6645.
Growing needs
- 28% of city is protected greenspace
- 2.4% increase in waste services
- 12,000t kerbside waste recycled
- 67% full time employment (state average 64%)
- Unemployment rate dropped from 8.5% in 2001 to 7.3% 2011
- Labour force increased by 24,362 (44%) from 2001-11
- 67% of people who work in Ipswich live in Ipswich
- 11% residents work in south-west Brisbane suburbs
Source: The Queensland Times
These growing needs when immediately planned can lead to city’s potential growth. In time, Brisbane will no longer worry about job opportunities and property prices that usually gave people a jow drop.