A NEW hi-tech parcel centre to handle the increase in online shopping is planned by Australia Post in the Ipswich suburb of Redbank.
The new 50,000 square metre distribution and sorting centre is due to open by Christmas 2019 and replace the existing centre at Underwood.
Ipswich City Council Economic Development and Digital City committee chairman Cr Paul Tully welcomed the announcement by Australia Post.
“This is great news for local jobs with some 550 people needed to run the new centre,” he said.
“It also marks a significant return to Ipswich for the postal and delivery giant since the closure of the Booval Mail Sorting Office some years ago.
“The new centre will be located at Redbank Motorway Estate in the city’s rapidly growing logistics hub.”
Cr Tully said the parcel handling facility would be located in Robert Smith Street Redbank opposite the recently announced Rheinmetall defence development.
“This is an absolute boon for our city,” he said.
“The centre will handle up to 40,000 parcels per hour, significantly more that the current Australia Post centre at Underwood.
“Ipswich is well on the way to becoming one of the biggest logistics hubs in southeast Queensland.”
Acting Mayor Wayne Wendt said this was another example of Ipswich getting on with the job.
“Council continues to encourage business investment in the region with significant population growth underpinning local business,” he said.
“Redbank Motorway Estate is one of 13 business and industry parks across the city.
“All generate new jobs which provide opportunities for residents to secure work close to the where they live.
“Ipswich has a proud history of industry and is one of Australia’s fastest emerging 21st century cities.”
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