From coal mining to top Global Intelligent Community – why Ipswich could be the next “Silicon City”

Ipswich, Queensland's oldest provincial city was once known as a cradle for coal mining and railway infrastructure but with the rise of innovative business start-ups in the region the city is fast becoming a “Silicon City”.

The first recorded coal mines in the central Ipswich area started at Woodend in 1848 and by the end of the 19th Century, several major coal seams were being worked at major mines across the region.

Since the closure of the last coal mine in Ipswich, locals have embraced the digital revolution, realising the potential of technological innovation to encourage business growth in the region.

Recently voted in the Top 7 Intelligent Communities of 2015, Ipswich is already a winner being the only Australian city that has ever made it all the way to the final seven.

Contestants in the competition are judged on broadband connectivity, a knowledge-based workforce, digital inclusion, innovation and creativity, and marketing and advocacy.

Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale believes infrastructure like fast broadband is what helps allow local businesses compete on a global scale and develop start-ups in the region and take the pressure off bigger city areas like Brisbane CBD.

Ipswich based engineering company, LC Engineering, know only too well the benefits of fast broadband for their business as they rely on their internet connection to be able to connect with their clients across Australia, South Africa and Peru.

No longer having to watch the hourglass turn, LC Engineering has more time to be able to devote to design and innovation.

Real-time remote monitoring services are one of the many new tools employed by the company to be able to reduce the need for on-site maintenance by operating from an interface directly from their Ipswich office.

As the company enters an expansionary period, Senior Engineer Derek Mulder says “without the nbn I don’t think our ambitions would be possible.”