3 August 2009

Last week got off to a great start when Ipswich again claimed the title of South East Queensland’s overall Tidiest Town for the third time since 2004. Congratulations also to the Ipswich Youth Advisory Council members for winning the region’s Young Legends Award. We are now keeping our fingers crossed for the State Tidy Towns Awards which will be announced at the Queensland Local Government Association Conference on August 26.

The release of the updated South East Queensland Regional Plan last week reminds us that while we have to manage the constraints of growth in the future, sustainability and infrastructure will be the keys to making it work for Ipswich.

The city was abuzz over the weekend for the inaugural sustainability expo, Smart Living 2009. Ipswich City Council is taking a lead role in the promotion of environmental sustainability in South East Queensland as we believe it is the way to the future and the support shown by the community at the expo demonstrates that people are also keen to embrace all things green.

The environmental theme continued as I welcomed Australian singing legend Lee Kernaghan to the city. Local motor dealer Llewellyn Motors and Toyota Australia brought Lee to town for Smart Living 2009. While he was here Lee also helped to commemorate National Tree Day at Orion Springfield and joined me for an address to more than 300 young students at the University of Southern Queensland Springfield.

It was great to join with Ipswich born Des Whybird for the official opening of GHD’s Ipswich office at Springfield last Thursday. Mr Whybird is the chairman of the company which has now opened a local office in the Springfield Tower.

The Ipswich Art Gallery’s is currently home to a fascinating exhibition by Perth-based artist Rose Skinner. The I wish I lived in Wonderland exhibition runs until November 1 so make a date now for a visit.

Welcome to Ipswich’s newest retirement community – Milford Grange Retirement Community. The new complex was officially opened last Thursday. Replacing the Queensland Country Women’s Association (QCWA) aged care facility at Milford St, this facility is a joint initiative of RSL Care and the QCWA and operated by RSL Care.

A big thank you was delivered on Saturday to the workers behind the construction of the new Queens Park Kiosk as we celebrated the start of a new era at one of our favourite city eateries.

Fundraising was the order of the day at the St Joseph’s School fete on Sunday. Good on all those from the school community who volunteered their time to run this event. Happy 90th birthday wishes to Willy Hiltjes. I hope you enjoyed your party with all your family and friends on the weekend.