While Ipswich may be Queensland's oldest provincal city, it has one of the youngest average populations in the state (32yrs). Combined with a large range of educational opportunities - Ipsiwch is well placed to provide the skilled workforce required to attract and maintain advanced manufacturing facilities.

Ipswich is already home to extensive and game changing developments for the region including,

1. Australia post distribution ($200 million)

2. Master planned communities such as Springfield, Ripley Valley and other developments along rail and road corridors.

3. Signifcant defence industry activity underpinned by $1.2 billion of upgrades to RAAF Amberley, Rheinmetall Defence Australia, TAE Aerospace and others all contributing to the defence supply chain.

4. Ipswich central redevelopment ($120 Million)

Identifying the skills requried now and into the future for these growing industries is critical for the broader economy and local employment opportunities alike.

1. Manufacturing total employment 2017/2018 - 8957 jobs

2. Manufacturing total exports 2017/2018 - $2.32 billion

3. Manufacuring value add $1.15 billion

*source - Office of Economic Development Ipswich City Council