Collaboration to create employment opportunities in 2022-2023 Budget
30 June 2022
It will take a holistic approach between government and business to attract, develop and retain the skilled local workforce our city needs to capture massive opportunities on the horizon.
Economic and Industry Development Committee Chairperson Councillor Nicole Jonic said a focus in the Ipswich City Council 2022-2023 Budget would be collaborative initiatives to connect people to local, meaningful work, with nearly $100,000 towards skills development and investment attraction.
“We are expecting rapid growth in key industries such as transport, logistics and warehousing, manufacturing, health and community services and hospitality in coming years,” Cr Jonic said.
“There are so many opportunities on the horizon, but as it stands now fewer than 50 per cent of working-age Ipswich residents are employed locally.
“When you look at our key industries, those numbers are even lower.
“We are a young city with a lot of potential for the future, and we have work to do in reducing youth unemployment and creating the skilled workforce to build a thriving local economy.
“Council is committed to creating economic opportunities that attract more Ipswich residents to work closer to home, and ensure Ipswich is a city that provides opportunity for all.
“The 2022-2023 Budget for economic and community development commits to initiatives that will work towards solving these issues and complement other government and non-government activities in this space.”
Councillor Jonic said one of the initiatives would be a Community Services Summit, working with key government agencies to understand the job opportunities and skill requirements in one of the region’s fastest growing industries.
“Council will also use our connections with community, at a grassroots level, to increase visibility of talent and opportunities and work to solve system issues that might be hindering employment opportunities,” Cr Jonic said.
“We will also collaborate with all levels of government and the new Workforce Australia (previously Jobactive) to better connect jobseekers with jobs, and where necessary provide skills development programs.
“These programs will make inroads to lowering the youth unemployment rate, while also increasing local employment opportunities for all Ipswich residents.”
Councillor Jonic said $115,000 had been committed to supporting the 10,260 local registered businesses in the 2022-2023 Budget.
“This will include a continued partnership with the region’s chambers of commerce to build business management and growth skills and connect local business owners,” Cr Jonic said.
“Small Business Friendly Council initiatives will continue to streamline all customer interactions with council so operators can focus more time on starting, running and growing their businesses.”
Councillor Jonic said the ongoing Ipswich Central Revitalisation project had already proven benefits to not only the businesses in the precinct but was playing a role in restoring investor confidence across the city and driving economic development across the region.
“Already 23 new businesses have opened in Ipswich Central in the past six months in response to the revitalisation efforts and we expect those trends to continue,” Cr Jonic said.
“Council is committed to economic growth that is relevant for our city and builds on our strengths. It’s important our economy grows sustainably and with substance.”
Economic Development highlights of the 2022-2023 Budget:
- Skilling Ipswich - $60,000
- Small Business initiatives, including Small Business Friendly Council, capability workshops and programs, chambers of commerce partnership - $115,000
- Investment attraction initiatives - $36,000
- Creative industries development and attraction, including Ipswich Art Awards and Creators of Ipswich summit - $90,000
For more information about Ipswich City Council’s 2022-2023 Budget, visit Ipswich.qld.gov.au/budget