Ipswich City Council and Ipswich Chamber of Commerce behind National Broadband Network rollout

Ipswich is pushing to the forefront of the National Broadband Network
rollout through a new local government alliance.

The Broadband Today Alliance is a collaboration of more than 40
Australian councils working to facilitate the rapid rollout of the NBN
and other networks.

Ipswich has been earmarked as one of the first contenders to benefit
from the high-speed fibre network, and Mayor Paul Pisasale said the
alliance would help Ipswich lead the way with technical, regulatory
and policy issues.

``This is, from an Ipswich point of view, about making sure everybody
understands how it (NBN) can be utilised for the community and to make
a profit in business,'' he said.

Chamber of Commerce president Michael Munt, who also has IT business
Biztopia, said the NBN could transform how business was done in
various industries.

``In the future if we achieve everything that is hoped with the NBN
rollout, businesses will be able to re-think how they do things.''

Mr Munt said some applications could include greater use technologies
such as VOIP, online meetings, video streaming and interactive news.

``It's going to be a situation where a lot of the new ideas will come
about when we see what is capable,'' he said.

``When businesses are envisaging where they will be in years to come,
NBN and the flow-on technologies should be incorporated into that
plan.''

http://www.couriermail.com.au/questnews/ipswich/ipswich-city-council-and-ipswich-chamber-of-commerce-behind-national-broadband-network-rollout/story-fn8m0yo2-1226099928804

Motorists asked for patience during Goodna off-ramp closure

Media release

Main Roads, Fisheries and Marine Infrastructure
The Honourable Craig Wallace

26/07/2011

Motorists are being asked to prepare for changed conditions when an exit ramp off the Ipswich Motorway is temporarily closed at the end of July for six months.

Main Roads Minister Craig Wallace said complex construction requirements for the motorway upgrade meant the eastbound exit ramp at Goodna would need to be closed.

"From July 31, eastbound motorists wishing to exit at Goodna will need to turn off earlier at Mine Street, Redbank and use Smiths Road, or use the Logan Motorway exit at Gailes and detour back to Goodna via Brisbane Road," Mr Wallace said.

The ramp will be closed to enable construction of the permanent Brisbane-bound motorway alignment. The Ipswich-bound works were recently completed and the start of Brisbane-bound works through Goodna mark a major step toward completion.

Mr Wallace said he appreciated the temporary change would cause a slightly longer trip for motorists approaching Goodna from the west.

"We've tried to minimise any inconvenience to drivers but the detour is necessary so we can complete this much-needed upgrade," he said.

"It's taken extensive planning to be able to keep motorway traffic flowing while these works are carried out.

"The good news is, the start of the Brisbane-bound carriageway puts the end clearly in sight, pushing us over the halfway mark for this section of the motorway upgrade."

Advertisements, flyers and road signs will signal the change in the days leading up to the exit closure, to give motorists time to plan ahead and make adjustments to their travel plans.

The motorway upgrade remains on track for completion by the end of 2012.

The St Francis Xavier Carnival is coming up

Church Street Goodna.

10am - 3pm.

Saturday 6 August 2011.

It should be a top carnival.

See you there.

Rugby League shock: Channel 9 knocks Ipswich for six

On page 77 of today's Courier-Mail, Channel 9 is reported as having "a clear preference" for a second Brisbane NRL team.

Despite the fact that the western corridor is the fastest-growing region in Australia with its own NRL bid based on Ipswich, Channel 9 has tried to punt a 40/20 and lost.

A second Brisbane team would be a disaster for the Broncos and its legion of fans whereas an Ipswich - Logan - Toowoomba team with feeder links through Ipswich Brothers to the rest of the state would provide a major boost to Rugby League in Queensland.

Channel 9 has kicked Ipswich in the groin over its reported decision to back a second Brisbane NRL team when the only rational option is the western corridor bid.

NRL boss David Gallop should tell Channel 9 boss David Gyngell to shove it up his jumper.

New McDonald's store for Bellbird Park

A new McDonald's store is due to open soon at Redbank Plains Road at Bellbird Park.

It is opposite the Redbank Plains Tavern and will provide work for students and young people in the local area.

It complements existing McDonald's stores at Springfield Central, Goodna, Boooval and Ipswich Central.

Accident at Springfield Lakes as car goes into lake

Police skin divers are on the scene at Spring Lake at Springfield Lakes after a vehicle crashed into the lake around 3.30am.

There is no confirmation at this stage if anyone is trapped in the vehicle.

Tow trucks are on standby to remove the vehicle.

Changes this weekend to the Ipswich Motorway exits at Dinmore

The Department of Transport and Main Roads advises:

From Sunday 10 July 2011, the Warrego Hwy and Brisbane Rd exits from the Ipswich Mwy, Dinmore will be via the left lane.

Cunningham Hwy will be via the right lane.

Call 1800 465 682 for more information.

New rubbish collection day for Goodna area starts tomorrow

All Goodna residents are advised the new rubbish pickup day is now Thursday.

This starts tomorrow Thursday 7 July 2011.

If you live in Goodna, leave your wheelie bin and recycling bin out tonight.

Redbank pickup is Thursday with a recycling pickup this week.

Gailes and Camira remain on Friday with a recycling pickup this week.

Bellbird Park pickup changes from Friday to Thursday with a recycling pickup next week.

Augustine Heights remains on Friday with a recycling pickup next week.