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Ipswich City Council2016-2017 Budget Speech

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2016-2017 Budget Speech delivered by Mayor Paul Pisasale, June 28, 2016

BUDGET 2016-2017CONTINUING OUR JOURNEY TO A BRIGHTER FUTURE

Today I am so proud to present my 13th budget as Mayor of the City of Ipswich.

It continues the journey we began in 2004 of making our city a place we are proud to call home and makes us the envy of many.

More importantly, it is a budget that looks at both today and tomorrow – a budget that gives our city a green light for advancement and keeps us moving full steam ahead as we use innovation as one of the key drivers of our future.

It is a budget that will be a champion of change to meet the future needs of the city and its people.

In March this year, the councillors you see here today and myself were elected to lead our city.

My fellow councillors and I consider this to be one of the greatest honours that can be bestowed and we understand our positions come with massive responsibility to make sure we provide strong leadership to address the important issues for our community including jobs, lifestyle and planning for the future.

This responsibility was at the forefront of our thinking as we worked through this budget.

The best way to judge a budget is to consider the return on investment it delivers for the city and its people – that is money collected must be spent wisely to make sure we have the services and quality of life expected by residents as we grow and prosper into the future.

Our commitment is to lead our growth with passion, energy and pride as we continue our transformation into a vibrant, robust and diverse city.

The key priorities of this budget include:-

• A strong focus on our city heart in partnership with epcPacific for the next significant stage of the redevelopment of Ipswich City Square shopping centre• Continuing to position Ipswich as a smart and connected digital city• Attracting good business and industry to create new jobs• Further reduction in debt per capita with less reliance on borrowings; and• Continuing to create a city where families matter, young people have an exciting future and our

seniors are valued.

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MANAGING GROWTH AND PRESERVING GREEN SPACE

Ipswich is heading towards a population of 200,000 within the next 18 months and by 2031 this will more than double to 435,000 - almost the size of Canberra today.

In one of the fastest growing regions in Australia, this budget focuses on how we will provide efficient services, while at the same time attract jobs and investment to harness our rapid growth and secure our future prosperity.

Growth needs to be balanced. It needs to be moulded so it drives the best possible results for our community. Importantly, we will not compromise our environment or our heritage.

In the past 12 months, we have welcomed announcements or witnessed the opening of:

• Aveo aged care and new Mater Hospital in Springfield Central• Orion stage 2 at Springfield Central• Citimark residential and commercial development at Silkstone• The doubling in size of St Andrews Hospital and an extra 300 staff• A new water park at Providence Estate in Ripley Valley• Sekisui House has commenced stage one of the new Ripley Town Centre• Bombardier’s new generation rail maintenance facility at Wulkuraka• TNT, DB Schenker and Northline at the Redbank Motorway Estate logistics hub; plus many other

new businesses which have opened in Ipswich

We have seen building approvals total 2,000 new houses in the 12 months to March 2016. That’s $616.2 million of building value in residential approvals. Our thanks go to the masterplanned communities of the Springfield region and Ripley Valley.

I am pleased to say the most recent Census data shows more than 65 per cent of homes in our city are either fully owned or being purchased.

All this demonstrates the Ipswich economy is in good shape. When it comes to securing our future prosperity we are heading in the right direction.

The future for our young people is the best it has been in a generation, thanks to the local job opportunities being created by new businesses and industry sectors coming to our city.

While council is preparing our city for the promise of the future, we will always remember our seniors who have paved the way for us and we will continue to afford them the support and respect they deserve.

Ipswich is being rejuvenated with a strong economy based on masterplanned communities, aerospace, technology, education, tourism and clean industry, and always making sure our heritage and environment are at the forefront of our thinking.

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This transformation is underpinned by our top five job-generating sectors:

1. Education2. Retail3. Food and beverage services4. Food product manufacturing; and5. Defence.

Plus there’s our strong commitment to a digital future.

This budget will continue to foster job creation through our ongoing commitment to attracting new businesses to Ipswich.

My fellow councillors and I are committed to listening to the community and delivering on their needs. Community feedback was captured in our Advance Ipswich Plan document and launched earlier this year.

The Advance Ipswich initiative demonstrated we’re a young city, with smart and skilled people, who are better qualified than ever before to do the work that matters to industry.

Advance Ipswich highlighted the importance of local jobs and attracting the business and industry needed for our city.

Attracting private sector business and industry tops the list of what people want — and Ipswich is uniquely positioned to deliver.

We have the highest percentage of available industrial land for new business and industry in south-east Queensland — with proximity to major transport networks — providing enormous scope for heavy industry, advanced manufacturing, and companies looking for more affordable headquarters.

We are also big on reinvention, looking at what we can learn from our past for the benefit of our future.

Examples include how we’re transforming disused coal mine sites into productive industrial estates and reinventing our former fire station as a global hub.

Citywide we have 13 industrial and business parks, which allow residents to work close to where they live.

Council is also making strong inroads on the infrastructure needed to cater for our city’s growth.

Just as roads and railways were built for transport in the previous century, we’re building digital highways to set Ipswich on a secure and successful path to capitalise on the ever growing digital economy.

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OUR DIGITAL CITY

Last year we promised the creation of a new Digital Economy Incubator.

In March 2016, we delivered Fire Station 101 in the former fire station in Limestone Street.

This new hub is already winning acclaim as it helps startups test their viability before moving out on their own, and helps existing businesses to take advantage of the digital economy.

It will also allow individuals with innovative ideas to brainstorm with mentors and will provide training to bring people up to speed with the digital economy.

We began our digital journey 22 years ago, leading by example when council voted to establish the first local government-owned internet service provider in Australia - Global Info Links.

Now in 2016, we’re again backing the future of startups and the Internet of Things (IoT) with Fire Station 101.

Already 32 members have signed up and are busy creating and incubating their ideas – all playing their part in Ipswich as a digital city.

Fire Station 101 is just one example of how we are leading Ipswich to be Australia’s most progressive smart and connected city.

Today I can also make a joint announcement with Springfield Land Corporation that Little Tokyo Two will open a new co-working space in the World Knowledge Centre Springfield Central.

Brisbane–based entrepreneur Jock Fairweather has partnered with Springfield Land Corporation to establish a destination for like-minded people to collaborate and trial new ideas and turn them into new and sustainable businesses.

Little Tokyo Two will complement Fire Station 101 and support our digital city vision.

After months of research, consultation and analysis we will soon release the Ipswich Smart City Blueprint and Implementation Plan.

We have looked around the world for ways to improve productivity, liveability and partnerships across the key city themes of education, safety, health, transport, energy, community and workforce.

The Blueprint and Implementation Plan will ensure we deliver positive, real world innovation, not just talk about it.

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OUR CBD REDEVELOPMENT

While we’re embracing the virtual and digital age we’re also focusing on bricks and mortar and building a better physical environment for our CBD.

To survive and thrive in the future, our city heart must find its beat. It must become a destination in its own right, a vibrant and welcoming economic hub with retail, residential, entertainment, dining and community precincts.

Our commitment to the revitalisation of the Ipswich city centre has never wavered since the 10 – 15 year redevelopment program began in 2009.

We have a firm plan and we are committed to:

• The next stage of Ipswich City Square to open the mall to the river• A new CBD water feature• Creating a welcoming destination and energetic sense of place • Relocation of council’s main administration centre and library to the mall• Further improvements to streetscape and amenities throughout the CBD • Ongoing improvements to the retail experience and atmosphere in our CBD; and• As previously highlighted, the city’s commitment to the digital economy – with Fire Station 101 already

performing ahead of expectations

This budget will deliver a strong shift to our city heart.

All of this signals a city on the move – heading in the right direction.

Now here’s a quick snapshot from each Division.

Division 1 – Cr David Morrison• The next stage of planning and development of a new library at Springfield Central to service Ipswich’s

eastern suburbs• Safe City extension at locations across Springfield Central• Off-road drivers stand and pit area at Andre Ripoll Park, Carole Park

Division 2 – Deputy Mayor Paul Tully• Pathways and park improvements to Moodai Reserve Annabelle Park Bellbird Park• Goodna Pony Club sports ground redevelopment Augustine Heights• Upgrade of traffic lights at Brisbane Road and Old Logan Road Gailes

Division 3 – Cr Kerry Silver• Complete the detention basin at Sandra Nolan Park to mitigate flash flooding• Kerb and channel work at Joseph Street Dinmore• Next stage upgrade of Redbank Plains Road to four lanes between Cedar and School roads – a project

shared with Division 9 and of citywide significance

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Division 4 – Cr Kylie Stoneman• Completion of heating the 50 metre pool at Bundamba Swim Centre• Safe City extension parts of Bundamba and Ebbw Vale• Ongoing upgrades at Blackstone Hill reserve

Division 5 – Cr Wayne Wendt• Improved lighting and field at Alan Cumming Park North Ipswich• Improved car and trailer parking at Colleges Crossing• Cribb Park to receive improved lighting, concrete cricket pitch and irrigation

Division 6 – Cr Cheryl Bromage• A new roundabout at Pine and Lowry streets, North Ipswich shared with Division 5• Further upgrade of Toongarra Road at Wulkuraka• Upgraded stormwater systems in Brassall

Division 7 – Cr Andrew Antoniolli• Queens Park lookout upgrade• Improved lighting at Mark Marsh Oval, Limestone Park• Improved parking and internal roads at Jim Donald Parklands, Eastern Heights

Division 8 – Cr Charlie Pisasale• New exercise equipment in Leichhardt and Yamanto parks• Kerb and channel upgrades in Balaclava Street• More kerb and channel work in parts of Churchill

Division 9 – Cr Sheila Ireland• New bridge for Hallets Road replacing the existing timber structure• Playground improvements at Redbank Plains Recreation Reserve• Relocate the Divisional office to Springfield Central

Division 10 – Cr David Pahlke• Funding towards the development of a new library at Rosewood• Sealed road rehabilitation projects including Marburg• Sports field lighting for Anzac Park Rosewood

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FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP

I want to reassure residents we will continue to manage Ipswich’s finances prudently and we remain committed to front line service delivery and promoting the economic growth of the city.

Our ability to invest in the city’s future stems from our continued sound financial stewardship.

For the 13th year in a row we can deliver a budget that focuses on all divisions with key projects evenly spread across the city.We are bringing down a budget that delivers projects and services for the next 12 months, but more importantly sets us up for a prosperous future and keeps our city growing without reducing services.

My thanks to all Councillors, CEO and staff for the constructive role they have played in achieving these results year after year.

We continue to introduce new efficiencies in the workplace, technology innovation and better procurement practices to deliver current and future operational savings.

We are ready to deal with the next wave of infrastructure that will be needed in the future.

Importantly:

• Infrastructure spending is up 25 per cent from $80 million to $100 million• The allocation for sealed roads is up 40 per cent from $12 million to $17 million• An increase of 7.25 per cent, or just over $1 million, for landscaping and vegetation management with a

total of $15.6 million• Waterways management increases 9.18 per cent to $1.64 million• An additional commitment of $100,000 for Ipswich Nature Centre to improve the visitor experience of

this already popular destination; and • Tourism development and marketing receives an 80 per cent boost with $745,000

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A BUDGET THAT GET THINGS DONE

We continue to build a better future in all areas of Ipswich. Significant funding allocations have been made including:

• $33 million for asset rehabilitation roads, parks and bridges• $11.6 million for parks, sport and the environment• $8.5 million for the Accelerated Kerb and Channel program• $4 million for the pre-construction phase of the proposed Springfield Central library and $300,000 to progress detailed design of a new Rosewood library • $16.9 million for new road improvements, drainage and flood mitigation; including $7.6 million for the stage two upgrade of Redbank Plains Road between Cedar and School roads• $15.6 million towards landscape and vegetation management; including $6.9 million for mowing and maintenance of parks; and• A further $7.2 million on replacement of fleet vehicles including trucks for Ipswich Waste Services and

other heavy vehicles needed for major infrastructure works and maintenance.

Copies of the budget are available here today and online.

Both provide a detailed breakdown of the full budget as well as the Budget at a Glance.

Tourism is already a significant job generator for our city with 2.4 million visitors each year. Ipswich is attracting more tourists than higher profile destinations such the Barossa Valley, Riverina or Darwin.Ipswich City Council’s total budget for 2016-2017 is $411 million.

Of this amount $146 million is collected as rates.

The average rate and charges rise for residential owner-occupiers will be $1.22 per week or 3.88 per cent. This includes the state government’s emergency and fire levies.

Again this year, the early payment discount of $132 will apply for payments made in full and by the due date over the full year.

Those on the full aged pension will continue to receive remissions of up to $245 per annum.

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FINANCIALLY SUSTAINABLE AND RESPONSIBLE

Ipswich City Council finances are in excellent shape with a reduction in new borrowings of 60 per cent on top of the 15 per cent reduction last year.

Council’s new borrowings are now only $10 million, which represents 2.4 per cent of the total budget.

In last year’s budget, we reduced the debt per capita to $1,386 per person.

This year we have achieved a further debt reduction to $1,289 per person.

We will continue to reduce debt levels and when we borrow, it will be for assets that create jobs and economic activity.

The city is in its strongest financial position in living memory.

We are reducing debt which puts us in a strong position for the future and at the same time we are delivering important infrastructure.

Again this year, and I stress this point, we will not burden existing ratepayers with the cost of new developments or the cost needed to fund the future infrastructure needs of a growing city.

Rates alone do not cover the full operations of council:

• Ratepayers do not pay for new roads and parks in new suburbs• Ratepayers do not pay for new residential or business developments• Private developers must pay their own way and build new infrastructure such as streets, kerb and channelling, parks and drainage

Major developments in the Springfield region and Ripley Valley are creating a wonderful addition to our city as they pay for the cost of improved services and infrastructure.

Council-owned companies have proved their worth as a catalyst to revitalise Ipswich city centre, drive the digital city vision for Ipswich and help guide future development in the best interests of the city.These initiatives highlight council’s commitment to working smarter, delivering even better value for money and to be a catalyst for positive change.

QUEENSLAND AND AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENTS MUST HELP

On the subject of building our city’s important infrastructure, it is vital both the Queensland and Australian governments step up with the funding needed.

Between them both governments collect 97 per cent of all taxes in Australia.

Local councils collect just three per cent, yet we are faced with taking on an increasing number of essential infrastructure projects and community services.

Yes, we do need your help. We simply can’t afford to build all infrastructure on our own.

We will continue to ask other levels of government to support us in funding critical infrastructure projects for our city and region that helps not only our city but our state.

Today I thank the Queensland Government for committing $1.5 million in joint funding for $3million new criterium facility to be built at Briggs Road.

Stage one will include a 1.7 kilometre asphalt circuit which can be configured to three different lengths.

CARING FOR OUR COMMUNITY

As we grow it’s important we never lose sight of who we are.

In Ipswich, we are proud to say we are a city where families and people matter, residents are supported, our young people have an exciting future and everyone has a chance to make a positive contribution to our city.

This budget strikes the right balance between driving and supporting sustainable growth – with quality, affordable housing and jobs – while maintaining our community spirit and quality of life.

Ipswich provides some of the best amenities in south-east Queensland, which makes it a great place to work and live.

Council will continue to provide events and programs which continue to enrich our vibrant and diverse community. These include:

• Chat Times• Movies in the Park• External council meetings – the next is at Amberley District State School on October 11• Citywide events such as the Ipswich Festival and community festivals• Sporting and cultural bursaries• Ipswich Youth Advisory Council• Library services; and• Support for our sporting and cultural groups

This year we aim to encourage even more residents to get involved in creating the kind of city we want today and into the future.

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NEW IN 2016

We are excited to be delivering more in 2016 for residents and visitors.

In line with our commitment to motorsport the recently created council-owned company – Ipswich Motorsports Precinct Pty Ltd – is about to announce the appointment of its first General Manager.

This new role will lead a redevelopment program to secure funding and to maximise the potential of the motorsport precinct at Willowbank to an international standard.

Also new in this budget - $200,000 is allocated to assess the feasibility of a combined arts, community and market space within the old Woollen Mills in North Ipswich, which council took ownership of in June 2015.

This historic site of over 7,000 square metres on the state heritage register will not be lost owing to council’s proactive stance in preserving such sites across the city.

It will make a tremendous facility for the local arts community and will be a destination in its own right.

NEW LIBRARIES FOR A SMART CITY

Today is a great day for the future of Ipswich Libraries with $4 million allocated for the development of a new library in Springfield Central.

We are also seeking additional funding from other levels of government so we can create a multi-level multi-purpose facility which is needed to serve the growing population of Ipswich’s eastern suburbs.

A new library for Rosewood is a step closer with $300,000 set aside for building design after council purchased a suitable block of land last year.

Other library highlights include –

• Coding and robotics – technology for all ages in a new ‘maker space’• Continuing CoderDojo - learn to code using open source and free software• The international Ipswich Poetry Feast ; and• Picture Ipswich – we want residents to dip into their old local video footage to share with the world and help us retain a rich record of our past for future generations

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CULTURE AND THE ARTS – THE HEART AND SOUL OF OUR CITY

Ipswich needs and deserves a new Ipswich Performing Arts Centre (or IPAC) to cater for our growing population. We have been talking about this need for some time and our resolve to make this vision a reality is stronger than ever.

This budget allocates $400,000 for a business case investigation for IPAC. To make IPAC a reality we will also need support from the Queensland and Australian governments.

Meanwhile the Ipswich Art Gallery, Civic Centre, and Studio 188 continue to support and celebrate our heritage, culture and creativity.

Popular favourites and new exhibitions are sure to keep visitor numbers at an all-time high.

The summer children’s program includes Construction Site featuring Tape Tunnel and Towers of Tomorrow with Lego Bricks.

Gallery visitors can also look forward to Wartime Quilts and Stars and Stripes: American Art of the 21st Century from the Goldberg Collection.

The Ipswich Art Gallery also receives tremendous support from the Ipswich Arts Foundation which contributes significant value to the city in the form of donated art works, acquisitions and sponsorship funds.

At the Ipswich Civic Centre, we’re undertaking a fresh approach to the program to provide a wider variety of shows, including those partly funded by organisations such as Arts Queensland and Playing Australia.

Studio 188 is receiving more than 120 bookings annually with a program built around diversity, generally for a younger audience.

CULTURAL AND SPORTING BURSARIES

Ipswich’s bursaries program continues to set us apart as a city with a heart and soul.

More than $1.7 million is allocated to cover a wide range of community development grants and funding agreements with community organisations that support young people, seniors, sport, cultural development and the arts.

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A SAFER CITY

Caring for our community means protecting our way of life.

Since 1994, Ipswich has pioneered the use of CCTV for public safety surveillance.

Ipswich’s Safe City network continues to receive support from residents, the business community and through a strong partnership with Queensland Police Service we have created a successful model which others seek to follow.

Safe City is recognised as a leader in its field and council has committed $1.9 million for further improvements and replacement of aging analogue cameras with the latest digital technology.

During 2016/2017 expansion of the network Queens Park, Redbank Plains and Brookwater will boost the number of cameras to more than 300.

ZERO TOLERANCE FOR GRAFFITI

We will continue to take a zero tolerance approach to graffiti vandalism which costs the city over $300,000 a year.

Free graffiti removal kits are available for all residents and community groups have free use of a specially equipped graffiti removal trailer.

This year offensive graffiti is planned for removal within one business day and known local hotspots will be targeted for graffiti removal.

We also encourage reporting of graffiti to our customer service centre anytime day or night.

COMMUNITY PRIDE AND VOLUNTEERS MAKE A CITY

As our home, Ipswich holds a special place in our hearts and minds.

Community pride is what makes Ipswich such a great place.

This pride starts in every home, classroom, cultural and sporting group, and business.

Our individual efforts create a collective pride that gives us confidence in who we are and where we’re heading.

We continue to celebrate our community pride with a number of council initiatives including our Born in Ipswich, I wish I was born in Ipswich and Ipswich Pride certificates.

Nowhere is pride in our city more prevalent than among our dedicated group of volunteers.

Volunteering plays a critical and meaningful role within our community and is highly valued by council.

To our city’s volunteers – I say thank you. You are what Ipswich is all about.

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IPSWICH IDENTITY

As I said at the beginning, Ipswich is a champion of change. We are experiencing rapid growth, investment and new infrastructure.

We are fast becoming a sought after destination for new and established business and education, and a lifestyle choice for young families.

We will always offer a friendly welcome – it is part of who we are. We welcome new businesses and families alike.

We are rich in heritage but remain a new frontier for people to explore.

Our people are young at heart with the energy to succeed, and that’s what it takes to make the most of a city with boundless opportunities.

As mayor, it’s my commitment to do all I can to continue to shape and share the Ipswich story to promote our unique identity and secure our future prosperity.

IPSWICH ON TRACK

This budget aims to keep the city on track for our children and future generations.

It’s a budget that advances Ipswich at every stage. We are playing our part in the developing western corridor.

We will continue to keep people at the centre of our decision making so Ipswich remains a great place to live and work, delivering the best value for money, and keeping rates as low as possible.

At the same time we have an eye to the future and will deliver the necessary projects and infrastructure to attract new residents, businesses and jobs.

As you can see we are in a strong position.

More importantly, all levels of government must join us on the Ipswich journey with a commitment to fund more road and public transport infrastructure and community facilities if we are to achieve our vision for Ipswich.

I’m excited by the opportunities ahead. Our future has never been brighter.

Ipswich, enjoy the journey.

Ipswich City Council45 Roderick StreetPO Box 191, Ipswich QLD 4305, Australia

Tel (07) 3810 6666 Fax (07) 3810 673 1

council@ipswich.qld.gov.au

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