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Lions vs Crows: Brisbane’s Masterful Second-Half Display Books AFLW Grand Final Spot

The Brisbane Lions have stormed into their third straight AFLW grand final, as Lions vs Crows delivered another triumph for the maroon, blue and gold with Brisbane overwhelming Adelaide by 18 points at Brighton Homes Arena.

The 7.8 (50) to 4.8 (32) triumph sets up a blockbuster rematch with undefeated North Melbourne at Ikon Park on Saturday, 30 November.

Read: Springfield E-Scooter Trial Wraps Up

A rematch on the cards

The defending champions will face their biggest test yet against North Melbourne, who demonstrated their premiership credentials with a dominant preliminary final victory over Port Adelaide. The clash presents Brisbane with an opportunity to defend their crown against the season’s only undefeated team, in a replay of their memorable 2023 grand final triumph.

Lions vs Crows

Brisbane’s midfield dominance was led by Orla O’Dwyer and Ally Anderson (24 disposals each), while Dakota Davidson proved dangerous up forward with 2.3 from 14 possessions. Adelaide’s Ebony Marinoff (30 disposals), Anne Hatchard (25), and Chelsea Randall (18 disposals, two goals) fought hard in defeat.

Dakota Davidson’s influence proved pivotal in shifting momentum during the second quarter. The dynamic forward’s strong contested marking and unconventional falcon assist to set up Courtney Hodder’s goal sparked Brisbane’s revival when they needed it most.

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After trailing at half-time, the Lions unleashed a devastating four-goal assault in the third quarter that transformed the contest. Brisbane’s increased tempo and precise ball movement proved too much for Adelaide in humid conditions, with Cathy Svarc emerging as the catalyst. Svarc doubled her disposal count and contributed directly to two crucial goals that broke the game open.

On the brink of history—again

The victory marks Brisbane’s sixth consecutive win over Adelaide and continues their remarkable run of reaching six AFLW grand finals in nine seasons since the AFL Women’s inception—missing the finals series just once in that span. Another grand final victory would secure their third premiership, matching Adelaide’s record and cementing their legacy as the AFLW’s most successful club.

Read: Christmas Beetle Swarms Surprise Residents in Springfield and Camira

As they prepare for next week’s decider, the Lions’ ability to overcome early adversity and finish strongly, alongside their winning legacy, positions them as worthy challengers to North Melbourne’s perfect season.

Published 25-November-2024

Springfield E-Scooter Trial Wraps Up

Photo Credit: Beam Mobility

The shared e-scooter trial in Springfield, operated by Beam Mobility, will finally conclude. The 15-month pilot programme aimed to assess the potential of e-scooters as a transportation option within the city.

Beam Mobility e-scooter — *Photo Credit:* *Beam Mobility*

Throughout the trial, more than 27,000 trips were made across Springfield Central, Spring Mountain, and Springfield Lakes, averaging around 75 trips daily. The data collected will now be analysed to determine the future role of shared e-scooters in Ipswich’s transport network.

Councilor Andrew Antoniolli, Chair of the Infrastructure, Planning and Assets Committee, expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the e-scooter trial. He highlighted the positive community response and the minimal number of safety incidents reported.

The trial data indicates that e-scooters were primarily used for short, “last-mile” trips to and from public transport hubs and major community centres like Springfield Central Train Station, Orion Springfield Central Shopping Centre, and the University of Southern Queensland.

Residents are encouraged to share their feedback on the trial through an online survey on the Shape Your Ipswich page.

This input will be crucial in shaping future decisions about integrating shared e-scooters into the city’s transport landscape.

Published Date 11-November-2024

Christmas Beetle Swarms Surprise Residents in Springfield and Camira

Springfield and Camira residents have reported an unusual swarm of Christmas beetles descending upon their neighbourhoods, creating a spectacle with many locals buzzing with excitement and curiosity.

On Monday evening, 11 Nov, hundreds of Christmas beetles appeared in the suburbs of Springfield and Camira. Locals took to social media to share their astonishment as beetles flocked to homes, covering walls, cars, and windows.

Some residents described hearing a constant tapping sound as beetles collided with glass surfaces, mistaking the noise for heavy raindrops. By morning, crows had gathered in the area, feasting on beetles scattered across lawns and driveways.

Beetles Emerge with Warm Weather

Entomologists have linked the sudden emergence of Christmas beetles to the recent heatwave that swept across South East Queensland. Ipswich reached a peak of 38 degrees Celsius last week.

According to Associate Professor Tanya Latty from the University of Sydney, high temperatures help speed up the development of Christmas beetle larvae, causing them to emerge in greater numbers than usual. Ms Latty explains that when conditions are particularly warm, the larvae develop faster, leading to an early metamorphosis from pupae to adult beetles, often synchronising their emergence.

Although Christmas beetles typically begin appearing in mid-November, the recent heatwave may have triggered an early emergence, with reports of the insects appearing as early as October in previous years. This shift may be linked to global warming trends contributing to warmer-than-average spring temperatures across Queensland.

Sightings on the Decline

Historically, Christmas beetles have appeared in such numbers that they covered entire trees and were even noted in early records as swarming over Sydney Harbour, their collective shimmer lighting up the water. However, in recent years, there has been a noticeable decline in their numbers, as observed anecdotally by locals and experts alike.

Ms Latty noted that while swarms like the recent one in Springfield and Camira offer a glimpse of their previous abundance, the overall population of Christmas beetles has significantly decreased, likely due to habitat loss, pollution, and climate changes.

Public Reports Aid Research

In response to declining sightings, the University of Sydney launched the Christmas Beetle Count project four years ago, encouraging the public to report their encounters with the beetles. This initiative has provided researchers with valuable data, helping identify regions where Christmas beetle species are thriving or declining.

Ms Latty shared that sightings submitted by the public have revealed information about species that had not been recorded for decades, underscoring the importance of citizen contributions in monitoring and conservation efforts.

Published 13-Nov-2024

Lions vs Hawks: Brisbane’s Fifth-Straight AFLW Prelim Secured in Tight Contest Against Hawthorn

The Brisbane Lions vs Hawks qualifying final lived up to its billing, with the reigning premiers surviving a fierce challenge to claim a six-point victory away at Ikon Park.

Brisbane’s 6.2 (38) to 4.8 (32) triumph books their fifth-straight preliminary final appearance and secures crucial home ground advantage after a week’s rest.

Read: Will Woogaroo Forest Survive Brisbane’s Building Boom?

Lions vs Hawks, a tale of two halves

Following a challenging week marked by crowd incidents in round 10, Dakota Davidson made an immediate impact, opening the scoring with an impressive display of athleticism. The Lions’ all-time leading goalkicker gathered a ground ball and converted truly, setting the tone for her standout performance.

The Hawks controlled the early stages, building an 11-point advantage in the second quarter. However, their inaccuracy in front of goal proved costly, converting just two majors from seven scoring opportunities.

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Brisbane’s trademark attacking flair ignited after halftime, with Ruby Svarc sparking the comeback. Her dynamic play created crucial scoring opportunities, leading to back-to-back goals from Cathy Svarc and Taylor Smith that shifted momentum in Brisbane’s favour. Davidson’s second goal in the final term, celebrated with a defiant hair ruffle, built a crucial 12-point buffer.

Brisbane’s defensive unit stood tall after a slow offensive start, with Bre Koenen, Nat Grider, and Jennifer Dunne proving impenetrable. Ally Anderson grew into the game despite close attention from Mattea Breed, while Orla O’Dwyer’s 17 disposals provided important drive.

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Key moment under review

After the Lions vs Hawks match, Brisbane faces an anxious wait regarding midfielder Belle Dawes’s availability for the preliminary final after a second-quarter incident involving Hawk Ainslie Kemp.

Dawes, charging at full pace, attempted to pull out of a tackle but collected Kemp high. While Kemp passed her concussion assessment and returned to play, the incident’s impact on Brisbane’s finals campaign remains uncertain.

Read: The Walloon Hotel Launches ‘Glass Amnesty’ to Recoup Lost Glassware

The victory grants Brisbane a week’s rest before hosting either Adelaide or Fremantle at the Brighton Homes Arena. The Lions’ championship defence continues to gather momentum, with their ability to overcome adversity reinforcing their premiership credentials as they pursue a spot in their third consecutive grand final.

Published 10-November-2024

Will Woogaroo Forest Survive Brisbane’s Building Boom?

In Springfield, a battle is unfolding between two pressing needs: housing for a booming population and survival space for some of Australia’s most vulnerable wildlife. At the centre of this conflict lies Woogaroo Forest, a pristine woodland that stands as one of the last refuges for the region’s endangered koalas.

Read: Community Rallies to Protect Wildlife in Woogaroo Forest

The community group Save Woogaroo Forest points to a map covered in dots indicating koala sightings, noting that there have been numerous additional sightings since the map’s creation. The group warns that housing developments in the area would spell the end for the local koala population, making their survival impossible.

Photo credit: Save Woogaroo Forest – Ipswich QLD/Facebook

The stakes couldn’t be higher. Southeast Queensland is bracing for a population surge that would make most city planners nervous – an additional 2.2 million residents by 2046, pushing the region’s total to around 6 million. This explosive growth demands roughly 900,000 new homes, a target that already seems daunting given current supply shortages.

But for the Save Woogaroo Forest group, these statistics represent more than just planning challenges – they represent an existential threat to a unique ecosystem. The forest isn’t just home to koalas; it supports more than 130 native species, creating a biodiversity hotspot that once lost, cannot be replaced.

The story of Woogaroo Forest is deeply intertwined with the ambitious Springfield development project. In 1992, a renowned developer acquired 7,000 acres of forested land between Ipswich and Brisbane.

At the time, it might have seemed like an ordinary land purchase, with only 10% zoned for residential use. Today, it represents Australia’s newest emerging city and south-east Queensland’s fastest-growing region, expected to double its current population of 50,000 to 105,000 by 2030.

What makes this rapid transformation possible is a unique planning instrument called the Springfield Structure Plan (SSP), one of just three Development Control Plans operating in Queensland. These DCPs operate like master keys, unlocking development possibilities by bypassing many state regulations – including those protecting vegetation and koala habitats.

The situation highlights a critical failing in current environmental protection frameworks. Despite a chorus of expert voices – ecologists, academics, and wildlife organisations – all warning about the irreversible ecological damage that development would cause, these assessments carry little weight against planning legislation created more than three decades ago.

Read: Mother and Baby Koala’s Death Sparks Urgent Plea from Ipswich Koala Protection Society

As south-east Queensland grapples with its growing pains, Woogaroo Forest stands as a testament to the complex challenges of modern urban development. The question remains: in our rush to house our growing population, what price are we willing to pay in terms of environmental preservation? For the koalas of Woogaroo Forest and their defenders, the answer could mean the difference between survival and extinction.

Published 8-November-2024

The Walloon Hotel Launches ‘Glass Amnesty’ to Recoup Lost Glassware

In a lighthearted bid to tackle a costly problem, the historic Walloon Hotel in Ipswich has launched a “glass amnesty,” encouraging patrons to return wayward pub glasses – no questions asked.

Read: New School Campus to Serve Thousands of Students in Booming Walloon Region in Ipswich

The family-owned establishment, which has been serving the community since 1891, loses up to $300 worth of glassware weekly to what owner Stewart Gibson diplomatically calls “souvenir collecting.” The losses prompted the hotel to take to social media with a humorous appeal that resonated with locals.

Photo credit: The Walloon Hotel/Instagram

“Have you ever found yourself leaving the pub with a half-finished drink, only to realise later that you’ve inadvertently taken home a pint glass (or two) as a souvenir?” the hotel posted on Instagram, comparing their glass disappearance rate to the mysterious case of missing socks in the dryer.

The Gibsons, who acquired the heritage-listed hotel in 2018, have taken an understanding approach to the situation. Rather than pointing fingers, they’re offering amnesty to anyone who might find themselves in possession of the establishment’s glassware, whether through accident or design.

“Let’s restore harmony to our bar and give those glasses the love they deserve!” the social media announcement proclaimed, striking a chord with the local community. The response has already begun, with one local patron stepping forward to return schooner glasses to Mr Gibson.

The initiative highlights a widespread issue in the hospitality industry, where the cost of replacing “borrowed” glassware can significantly impact a venue’s bottom line. However, the Walloon Hotel’s approach turns what could be a contentious issue into a community engagement opportunity, sprinkled with good humour and understanding.

For those wondering whether their home collection might include some of the Walloon’s wandering vessels, the amnesty week offers the perfect opportunity to return them to their rightful home – and perhaps enjoy a properly served drink while they’re at it.

Read: Flowers and Coffee Abound at Greenbank’s Adored O’NO Cafe

The historic Walloon Hotel stands as more than just a local watering hole; it’s a piece of Queensland history dating back to the late 19th century. Now, it’s writing a new chapter in its storied existence, one returned glass at a time.

Published 6-November-2024

New School Campus to Serve Thousands of Students in Booming Walloon Region in Ipswich

King’s Christian College is set to expand its educational footprint with a significant new campus development in Walloon, marking its fourth location in Queensland’s rapidly growing corridor near Brisbane.

Read: Springfield Lakes Contributes Significantly to Ipswich as Queensland’s Fastest Growing City

The prestigious institution has secured an 8.7-hectare parcel of land from developer ID_Land, laying the groundwork for a comprehensive educational precinct that will serve up to 1,800 students by 2035.

Walloon — Photo credit: King’s Christian College/Facebook

The project will roll out in carefully planned stages, beginning with an early learning centre and primary school accommodating Prep to Year 3 students from January 2026. The campus will progressively expand year by year, ultimately offering a complete educational journey from early learning through to Year 12.

Students at the new campus will benefit from state-of-the-art specialist facilities, including dedicated spaces for music, science, industrial design, performing arts, and food technology.

Plans also include extensive sporting facilities, with plans for a sports field and an indoor sports centre. A resource centre, library, and auditorium will round out the academic infrastructure, creating a comprehensive learning environment.

Community integration stands at the heart of the project, with plans for a community centre that will host playgroups, after school care, and church activities. This aligns with the school’s vision of creating community-focused educational hubs in high-growth areas around Brisbane.

The new campus will be strategically located within ID_Land’s Dawn Walloon Master Plan area, a thriving development that has already welcomed more than 230 new households since 2021. This residential growth, part of a broader plan for over 1,000 houses, underscores the increasing demand for quality education in the region.

The Walloon campus builds on King’s Christian College’s strong track record of successful expansion, following the establishment of its original Reedy Creek campus in 1980, Pimpama campus in 2015, and most recently, the Logan Village campus in 2020.

Read: Augustine Heights to Welcome $60 Million Townhouse Development

This latest development represents a significant investment in the future of education in Southeast Queensland, promising to deliver modern learning facilities while fostering community connections in one of the region’s fastest-growing areas.

Published 28-October-2024

Lions vs Swans: Brisbane’s Top-Two Hopes on the Line Against Sydney

Fresh off a shock defeat, the Brisbane Lions women’s team look to bounce back when they host the Sydney Swans this Sunday, 27 October. The crucial clash comes as the Lions aim to secure a top-two finish and the home qualifying final that comes with it. Lions vs Swans kick off 4:05 p.m. at the Brighton Homes Arena.

Read: Stephen K Amos Headlines Springlake Hotel Comedy Night

Geelong setback

The twelfth-placed Cats delivered an unexpected blow to Brisbane’s campaign last Sunday, outplaying the Lions in a defensive masterclass that resulted in a 7.5 (47) to 5.7 (37) victory at GMHBA Stadium. The loss marked Brisbane’s first defeat since the opening round, with the usually potent Lions’ forward line unable to break through Geelong’s defensive pressure.

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The Lions face a significant challenge with key forward Dakota Davidson ruled out due to concussion protocols following a heavy fall in the second quarter of the Geelong match. Davidson’s absence was notably felt in the second half, as Brisbane struggled to maintain their offensive efficiency.

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Despite this setback, there were positive signs for Brisbane. Teenage sensation Charlie Mullins continued her impressive form with 18 disposals and a goal, while Orla O’Dwyer made a successful return from injury, contributing 14 disposals and two goals.

Lions vs Swans implications

With just two rounds remaining in the home-and-away season, the race for a top-two finish intensifies. The Lions’ main competition includes second-placed Hawthorn, who face fifth-placed Richmond in the final round, and third-placed Kuwarna, set to battle the undefeated league-leaders Kangaroos this weekend.

Brisbane’s final home-and-away fixture will see them travel to RSEA Park in Melbourne to face tenth-placed Yoorook. The Lions cannot afford to underestimate their opponents after last weekend’s wake-up call.

Read: Mother and Baby Koala’s Death Sparks Urgent Plea from Ipswich Koala Protection Society

The clash against the fifteenth-placed Swans presents an ideal opportunity for the Lions to return to the dominant form that characterised their seven-game winning streak. With finals implications looming large, Brisbane’s response to this recent setback could define their premiership defence.

Published 24-October-2024

Mother and Baby Koala’s Death Sparks Urgent Plea from Ipswich Koala Protection Society

In the early hours of Tuesday, October 8, a heart-wrenching scene unfolded on Redbank Plains Road. The bodies of a mother koala and her baby were discovered, still clinging to each other—victims of a vehicle collision. This tragic incident has prompted the Ipswich Koala Protection Society (IKPS) to issue an urgent reminder to the community: slow down and be aware of wildlife all year round.

Read: Community Rallies to Protect Wildlife in Woogaroo Forest

A Wake-Up Call for the Community

The IKPS, a non-profit charity dedicated to the protection and preservation of koalas, received the report of the deceased koalas with heavy hearts. “This mum and bub were reported to IKPS this morning,” the organisation stated, emphasising that this sad event serves as a “timely reminder” of the ongoing dangers faced by our native wildlife.

“They are sharing their backyard with us, not the other way around,” IKPS pointed out, highlighting the need for humans to coexist responsibly with the local fauna. This sentiment underscores a crucial point: as urban areas expand, wildlife habitats are increasingly encroached upon, leading to more frequent interactions—and sadly, collisions—between animals and vehicles.

Koalas: Now Endangered and in Need of Protection

The incident takes on added significance given the recent change in koalas’ conservation status. “Ipswich has a healthy population of koalas that are now listed as ‘Endangered’,” IKPS noted.

This upgrade in status from “Vulnerable” to “Endangered” reflects the growing threats to koala populations across Queensland, New South Wales, and the Australian Capital Territory.

The organisation’s message is clear and urgent: “They need our help and protection NOW before it’s too late.”

IKPS: A Multifaceted Approach to Koala Conservation

The Ipswich Koala Protection Society isn’t just sounding the alarm—they’re actively working on multiple fronts to protect and preserve koala populations. Their efforts include:

1. Providing a 24/7 wildlife ambulance service for sick, injured, and orphaned animals

2. Propagating and planting koala food trees to support habitat restoration

3. Hand-raising and rehabilitating orphaned koalas and other native wildlife for release back into the wild

4. Maintaining accurate records, statistics, and mapping of koalas and their habitats

5. Educating the community and all levels of government about koalas, their needs, and their future

Understanding Koala Behaviour

To better protect koalas, it’s crucial to understand their behaviour and habitat needs. Koalas are highly mobile creatures that can live in any area with access to food and suitable trees. In urban environments like Brisbane, koalas adapt by using both native and non-native trees for rest. They typically move across the ground from tree to tree, which makes them particularly vulnerable to vehicle collisions.

A Call to Action

In light of this tragic incident and the broader challenges facing koala populations, the IKPS is calling on all community members to take action:

1. Drive with caution: Be especially vigilant during dawn and dusk when wildlife is most active.

2. Report sightings: If you see koalas in your area, report them to local wildlife organisations.

3. Support conservation efforts: Consider volunteering with or donating to organisations like IKPS.

4. Plant koala-friendly trees: If you have space, plant native trees that provide food and shelter for koalas.

5. Educate others: Spread awareness about the importance of protecting our endangered koalas.

As we share our environment with these iconic Australian animals, it’s up to each of us to ensure their survival. The tragic loss of a mother koala and her baby serves as a poignant reminder of what’s at stake.

Read: Platypus Found Thriving in Unlikely Urban Oasis in Ipswich

By heeding the call of the Ipswich Koala Protection Society and taking concrete steps to protect our wildlife, we can hope to prevent such heartbreaking incidents in the future and secure a safer environment for koalas and all native species.

Published 18-October-2024

Stephen K Amos Headlines Springlake Hotel Comedy Night

Get ready for a belly-aching night of laughs, Springfield Lakes! The Springlake Hotel is rolling out the red carpet this November for the internationally acclaimed master of wit, Stephen K Amos, in a show that’s guaranteed to leave you in stitches.

Amos, a multitalented performer known for his BAFTA-nominated work, RTS award-winning writing, and recent appearance on “I’m A Celebrity Australia,” will showcase his new show, “Oxymoron,” at the Springlake Hotel on Wednesday, 6 November 2924.

Amos, a regular on the international comedy circuit, has charmed audiences worldwide with his natural delivery, honest material, and knack for audience interaction.

His unique comedic voice and impressive acting skills have garnered critical acclaim, solidifying his position as one of Britain’s most beloved comedians.

This comedy highlight is part of a broader trend of Queensland pubs becoming hotspots for top-tier comedy this spring. Alongside Amos’s Brisbane shows, Australian comedy favourites Dilruk Jayasinha and Lizzy Hoo will bring their split-bill act to two pubs in North Queensland.

The Springlake Hotel reopened late last year after a multi-million dollar renovation. It now features an inviting pub focusing on entertainment and casual dining, the ideal venue for Stephen to showcase his new show.

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Comedy fans across Queensland are spoilt for choice this spring, with a diverse range of comedic talent set to grace the stages of local pubs.

Whether it’s the internationally renowned humour of Stephen K Amos or the homegrown hilarity of Dilruk Jayasinha and Lizzy Hoo, there’s something to tickle everyone’s funny bone.

Published Date 14-October-2024