Queensland has announced a new direct bus route linking Springfield to Ipswich CBD as part of a $70 million investment in bus network upgrades across the state.
This development was unveiled in the state Budget released on Tuesday, aimed at improving public transportation options and reducing travel times for residents.
Currently, Springfield residents face a lengthy journey of about an hour to reach Ipswich Central via public transport, requiring a transfer and often taking longer than travelling to Brisbane City. The new route will run from Springfield through Redbank Plains to Ipswich, significantly cutting travel time and improving connectivity between the two areas.
This initiative is part of a broader Bus Services Investment Program, which seeks to enhance community travel options through funding for new bus services and infrastructure. The program will be implemented over three years and includes several other improvements:
New services to growth areas including Redbank Plains, Collingwood Park, Augustine Heights, Bellbird Park, Springfield, Deebing Heights, and Karalee.
Improved service connectivity to the Ripley Valley Priority Development Area.
Extension of existing routes in areas north and south of Ipswich, Springfield Lakes, Camira, and Spring Mountain.
Enhanced connectivity to rail services and Ipswich Hospital.
Deputy Premier and Treasurer Cameron Dick said, “We are doing what matters for the Logan and Ipswich communities by making bus links to their communities stronger with more services and more affordable with our 50c fares”.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Bart Mellish expressed optimism about the initiative’s potential impact. “These initiatives will hopefully attract more and more people to public transport so they can experience the benefits, which in turn eases congestion on our roads,” Mellish said.
A proposed new primary school development may save the beloved 130-year-old Scott’s Farm in the Ipswich area that has served as a rural haven for generations of community organisations.
As the clock ticks down on a government petition to safeguard the farm from development, family spokeswoman Belinda Lowe has rallied locals to lend their support.
The petition, due to close on June 9, is seen as a crucial tool in maintaining pressure on Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) following the dismissal of a previous change.org petition as officially unrecognised.
Scott’s Farm, which serves as a vital wildlife corridor and acts as a buffer between new housing and industrial areas in Swanbank and New Chum, became a focal point in the recent March local government elections. The property, which has housed ten generations of the Scott family, stands as one of the last remaining working farms in the region.
While there are currently two schools operating in the Ripley Valley, projections indicate that this number could surge to 16 by 2041.
In a recent positive development, the family received communication from State Development Minister Grace Grace, affirming that EDQ and Education Queensland would explore alternative, suitable sites for the school. However, the family has yet to receive correspondence from Education Minister Di Farmer’s office.
Ms Lowe expressed cautious optimism, stating, “We are hopeful that the review will recommend relocating the school from our farm to another location within the Ripley Valley Priority Development Area, but there are no guarantees.”
She emphasised the abundance of available land in the Ripley Valley, underscoring the feasibility of relocating the school to a more suitable site.
Local state MP Jennifer Howard has reportedly communicated to Ms Lowe that she has engaged in discussions with both Ms Farmer and former Education Minister Grace Grace regarding the matter.
Furthermore, the family recently convened with local federal MP Shayne Neumann, Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding, Ipswich City Council planners, and state officials, among others.
Ms Lowe highlighted the widespread support for preserving the farm, stating, “Shayne Neumann, Council, and the state politicians are all fully supportive of saving the farm.”
She further emphasised the community’s sentiment, stating, “We have gathered over 8,600 signatures on a Change.org petition to save our farm, but unfortunately, the Minister of Education did not consider this when making their decision about the school.”
In response, a Department of Education spokesman confirmed that officials had visited the farm and engaged with the family in recent weeks. He reiterated that the department considers various factors when planning for new schools, including population growth and capacity within the existing school network.
The spokesperson also noted that a 2022 review identified a shortage of schools across the Ripley Valley, prompting the identification of additional sites for three state primary and two state high schools.
While guidelines suggest one new state primary school per 3,000 new dwellings, and growth in the Priority Development Area is projected to necessitate a total of 16 primary and seven secondary school sites, the fate of Scott’s Farm hangs in the balance as the community rallies to protect its legacy.
Luxery N Co, an Ipswich-based retailer, has experienced exponential growth since joining the Ipswich Show, expanding its size threefold within a single year.
Founder Bianca Loose returned to this year’s show with exclusive drinkware and accessories adorned with trendy cartoons and patterns, captivating the attention of show attendees.
Ms Loose reflected on her humble beginnings in 2022, primarily operating her business online. However, her decision to participate in the Ipswich Show last year proved to be a pivotal moment, propelling her business into rapid expansion.
Photo credit: Luxery N Co/Facebook
She stated that her business has undergone a remarkable transformation, from having around only 3000 followers on social media last year, to over 15,000, recently.
Photo credit: Luxery N Co/Facebook
Despite the demanding nature of managing an online business, Ms Loose emphasised the importance of local events like the Ipswich Show in furthering her brand’s reach. She said that whilst it can be hectic managing the online aspect, being a part of the show has undoubtedly contributed to their success.
Photo credit: Luxery N Co/Facebook
The recently concluded Ipswich Show, which ran from 17-19 May 2024, showcased a diverse array of businesses and community groups, with 55 percent of the 149 sites occupied by local entities. With a three-day duration, the show presents an excellent opportunity for local businesses like Luxery N Co to connect with their community and expand their customer base.
Luxery N Co’s remarkable journey serves as a testament to the power of community engagement and the impact of local events in fostering business growth. As the Ipswich Show continues to evolve and attract both vendors and attendees alike, it remains a cornerstone of economic vitality and community spirit in the region.
Springfield nurse Lisa Warburton, the Medical Rehabilitation Nurse Unit Manager at Mater Private Hospital Springfield, has been honoured for 15 years of exceptional service, embodying the compassionate values that define the Mater’s mission.
Ms Warburton’s journey with Mater began at the Brisbane facility, where she forged a reputation for her steadfast commitment to her patients and esteemed nursing team. Her recent transition to Mater Private Hospital Springfield, which opened in 2015, has allowed her to continue her hands-on approach while managing a large and supportive team.
Unwavering Commitment to Patient Care
“The work culture at Mater has really kept me here,” the Springfield nurse expressed. “I have an amazing nursing team, and we are all supportive of each other. Mater’s values and missions really resonate with me – compassionate care is vital for our patients.”
Mater Private Hospital Springfield plays a pivotal role in the region’s healthcare ecosystem, welcoming patients from various local facilities who require rehabilitation or specialized care before returning home. Ms Warburton’s expertise extends to treating infections, administering intravenous antibiotics, and guiding patients through rehabilitation, ensuring their comfort and well-being remain the top priority.
Photo Credit: Josh Woning/Supplied
Recognizing a Decade of Community Service
Alongside Ms Warburton’s milestone, Camira resident Jocelyn Ball, the Mater Hospital Springfield Stage 2 Project Coordinator, was also honoured for her decade-long contribution to the growth of local healthcare services in Springfield.
“Greater Springfield is a wonderful community – it’s where I live, where I work, where my kids go to school and play for local sporting clubs,” Ms Ball shared. “It’s really special knowing that as this community grows, I’m part of a team that is working hard to grow the future healthcare services and ensure the needs of the community will be met.”
Photo Credit: Josh Woning/Supplied
Ms Warburton and Ms Ball were among eight Mater Private Hospital Springfield staff members celebrated at the Long Service Award event held at The Princess Theatre in Woolloongabba on Tuesday, May 28th, recognizing their exceptional contributions to the health and well-being of the Springfield Lakes community.
The Mater Hospital Springfield Stage 2 project, a landmark partnership between Mater and the State Government, represents a significant expansion of the existing private hospital, poised to deliver an additional 174 overnight beds for the Greater Springfield region. For the first time, local families will soon have access to an Emergency Department, an Intensive Care Unit, and maternity and birthing services, ensuring comprehensive healthcare within their community.
Wildlife advocates in Ipswich are making a last-ditch effort to block a major residential development in Woogaroo Forest, located between Springfield and Brookwater, in the hopes of preserving critical habitat for endangered koalas and other native species.
A public protest is planned for June 16 against the approved plan for “Springview” to build over 1,800 homes with a commercial centre and childcare centre on 160 hectares of the forest area.
Woogaroo Forest is a 450-hectare natural woodland area situated between the suburbs of Brookwater, Bellbird Park, Camira, and Springfield in Ipswich. It represents the last major remnant of forest linking the Goodna and Camira wildlife corridors to the White Rock Conservation Park.
Photo credit: Save Woogaroo Forest – Ipswich QLD/Facebook
According to wildlife advocates, this forest provides vital habitat for significant native species like koalas, powerful owls, echidnas, brush-tailed rock wallabies, and brush-tailed phascogales – all of which have been spotted and photographically documented in and around the area within the past five years.
Photo credit: Save Woogaroo Forest – Ipswich QLD/Facebook
Despite objections from some locals, Ipswich City Council signed off on the precinct plan for the development this March as an initial step.
Facing a severe housing shortage and rapid population growth, the Council is promoting new residential developments like Springview as critical for accommodating the influx of new residents expected in the area.
With the population of Greater Ipswich currently around 250,000, projections indicate it could potentially double to 500,000 within the next ten years as more people move away from the city centre to the outer suburban regions in search of more open green spaces.
Keith McCosh of Bellbird Park is helping organise the protest, who noted that people see koalas quite regularly around the place. They have the fear that this will take the koalas to extinction in Ipswich.
Photo credit: Save Woogaroo Forest – Ipswich QLD/Facebook
A petition by protesters to save the remnant forest has gathered over 15,000 signatures so far.
However, the developer Stockland says the state environment department has no records of koala presence in the area. Their application included independent flora and fauna studies.
Mayor Teresa Harding has said the project did not require consultation with councillors, and environmental approval rests with the federal government due to claims of endangered species on site. It’s reportedly a code-assessable project, which means it did not require public consultation or allow appeals.
With housing in high demand yet biodiversity at risk, the June 16 protest at Opossum Creek Dog Park aims to raise awareness and make one last push to save Woogaroo Forest before the development advances.
Nearly two years after opening its doors, calls are growing to expand the hugely popular Brighton Homes Arena in Springfield to meet overwhelming demand.
The $82 million venue has attracted over 316,000 visitors since its November 2022 launch by hosting a mix of sports events, community programs, and corporate functions.
That blockbuster debut has led to increasing calls for the Brisbane Lions to further their vision of creating a prime sporting and recreation hub for the booming western corridor.
Photo credit: Roy Fitz/Google Maps
Lions CEO Greg Swann said there have been calls to develop the sprawling site with a massive MCG-sized playing field that can be accessed by the community and nearby Hymba Yumba Independent School. Calls have also come in for additional facilities like hardcourts for the club’s wheelchair AFL team and a childcare centre.
Mr Swann said expansion would help address the lack of green space and sporting amenities in the rapidly-growing region. He explained that access to such facilities is a real challenge across Southeast Queensland, so there have been calls for the Lions to provide more community sporting areas and infrastructure in order to solidify their place in the local community.
Photo credit: Cam Young/Google Maps
The potential new playing field would significantly boost recreation opportunities, as families already flock to the arena’s existing oval daily for exercise and sports. They would see kids playing basketball onsite or people running laps.
The arena has also quickly become an events destination, hosting seven AFLW matches along with international sporting delegations from China, Japan, the US, UK, Switzerland and Papua New Guinea in the nearly two years since opening.
Mr Swann said the high attendance in that span, which exceeded their expectations, demonstrates there is pent-up demand for facilities like theirs in Springfield and Ipswich.
With calls intensifying to build on the arena’s runaway success, the Brisbane Lions are facing pressure to ensure their new home’s impact continues growing within the western corridor community.
In a significant step towards flood recovery and resilience, demolition has commenced on a unit complex in Goodna, marking the first community title scheme successfully acquired through the Voluntary Home Buy-Back programme.
The Mill Street complex, severely affected by the February 2022 floods and deemed at high risk for future inundation, saw all 20 unit owners accept offers under the programme. Finalised in October 2023, this buy-back was part of the $741 million Resilient Homes Fund, a joint initiative by the Australian and Queensland governments established in the wake of the devastating 2021-2022 floods.
The fund prioritises properties most impacted and vulnerable to future flooding. After an assessment and homeowner agreement, Ipswich City Council purchased the Mill Street properties and land.
The site will now be cleared, with the land rezoned by the council for appropriate, non-residential purposes, likely to include green space. This transformation reflects a shift towards creating safer, more resilient communities in flood-prone areas.
The demolition is a milestone in the ongoing recovery efforts and demonstrates the commitment of both government levels to assisting residents in high-risk areas. The Resilient Homes Fund continues to provide crucial support to Queenslanders affected by the floods, offering a pathway to rebuild lives and communities in a safer environment.
Maree Burns, a 67-year-old nurse, has devoted over 350 hours to volunteering as a ward assistant at the Mater Cancer Care Centre in Springfield Lakes, offering a level of care and comfort that transcends the bounds of medical treatment.
A resident of Springfield Lakes, Maree dedicates her weekly shifts to providing hand and foot massages to cancer patients undergoing treatment, ensuring their utmost comfort during this challenging period. Her role extends beyond physical care, as she takes the time to engage in conversation and lend a listening ear, acknowledging the emotional toll accompanying such a battle.
“I do a lot of things to help out the staff too,” Maree said. “I get warm blankets for patients, restock the cupboards and even help elderly patients order their meals. But talking and listening to patients is something I enjoy doing.”
A Rallying Cry for Volunteers
In honour of National Volunteers Week (20-26 May), Maree is sharing her story and encouraging others to join her in positively impacting the community. Her call to action resonates with the belief that every act of kindness can make a profound difference in someone’s life, no matter how small.
Maree’s commitment to caring for others is deeply rooted. She previously worked as a nurse for Queensland Health and, more recently, travelled across Australia during the pandemic to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to regional communities. Her dedication to her craft and her community is unwavering.
Mater Private Springfield profiles. Hospital Volunteer Maree Burns Photo Credit: Supplied/Renae Droop/RDW Photography
The impact of Maree’s efforts is best exemplified by the heartfelt expressions of gratitude from those she has served. One patient, in a vulnerable palliative state, expressed his appreciation for the “beautiful treatment” he received, while another, in her nineties, finds solace in knowing that Burns will be there to support her through her “numbered days.”
“Some people don’t have family or a friend to be with them during their treatment, and if I can make someone’s time in hospital better, then I will do my best. Being a volunteer is about making people feel valued and special,” Maree said.
A Community of Compassion
Maree is not alone in her mission to comfort those in need. Judy Johnson, Mater Volunteer Senior Manager, emphasised the positive impact volunteers have on the community. The Springfield Lakes team covers about 20 shifts a week and offers services such as ward assistance, pet therapy, massage, and patient transport.
Joining Maree in this endeavour is 71-year-old Christine Gillespie. For the past five years, she has dedicated herself to providing companionship and support to hundreds of patients recovering from surgery and other medical conditions at Mater Private Hospital Springfield.
Mater Private Springfield profiles. Hospital Volunteer Christine Gillespie Photo Credit: Supplied/Renae Droop/RDW Photography
“Sometimes people come in after a bad fall and have had an unexpected stay, so I just try and make their time in hospital more comfortable,” said Christine, who has clocked up almost 500 hours volunteering.
A coalition of veterinarians has made a groundbreaking move by launching the world’s first Climate Care Program in Springfield. The program empowers vet practices in Australia to care for pets while taking tangible action against climate change, reducing their carbon footprint and waste.
The program has demonstrated impressive results at 20 sites nationwide during its pilot phase.
Melbourne vet Dr Jeremy Watson saved over $6,000 annually by switching off gas and installing solar panels at his Brimbank clinic. He also upgraded to energy-efficient appliances and reduced water usage. Meanwhile, Greater Springfield Veterinary Practice reduced its waste by 37%.
“The Climate Care Program offers a comprehensive digital toolkit and educational course, structured in six modules to help practices become more sustainable,” Springfield’s Dr Jeannet Kessels said. “This self-paced program was developed by veterinary professionals, researchers, and educators to provide step-by-step support in reducing energy consumption, waste, and water usage. This ensures that even the busiest clinics can maintain their sustainability goals.”
Adopting environmentally friendly practices benefits the environment and recruits staff. Dr Watson has noticed a trend among young professionals, with recent hires citing the clinic’s environmental credentials as a key factor in their decision to join the team.
The program’s impact has extended beyond Australia, attracting international attention, as highlighted by Vets for Climate Action Chair Dr. Jeannet Kessels, who recently presented the initiative at the World Veterinary Association conference in South Africa.
About Vets for Climate Action
Vets for Climate Action represents a coalition of veterinary professionals and animal lovers advocating for urgent action on climate change. Their goal is to promote sustainability in veterinary care, foster awareness, and advocate for impactful policies that recognize the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.
The expansion of Springfield Parkway and Springfield Greenbank Arterial is significantly enhancing the daily commutes of more than 20,000 residents and visitors in Springfield Central, ensuring smoother traffic flow and safer travel.
This multi-stage initiative prioritises the needs of a rapidly growing population while navigating the challenges of preserving sensitive ecological areas and accommodating the area’s bustling activity.
Completed Stage 1
The $85-million Stage 1 of the project, completed in late 2023, has already delivered significant improvements to the local road network. This phase saw the widening of Springfield Parkway from Hymba Yumba Independent School to Centenary Highway and Springfield Greenbank Arterial from Springfield Parkway to Eden Station Drive, transforming them into four-lane thoroughfares.
Other key enhancements included:
Upgrading the Springfield Parkway and Springfield Greenbank Arterial roundabout to a signalised intersection will facilitate pedestrian movements and provide a U-turn facility.
Constructing dedicated two-metre cycle lanes in both directions.
Installing a three-metre-wide shared pathway for pedestrians and cyclists.
Erecting a retaining wall near the Escarpment estate on Springfield Parkway.
Duplicating the bridge over Opossum Creek.
The new lanes on Springfield Parkway and Springfield Greenbank Arterial are already managing over 20,000 vehicles per weekday, significantly improving traffic flow and safety for the growing Springfield community.
Stage 2: Design Phase
With Stage 1 complete, the focus shifts to Stage 2, which is currently in the design phase. This stage will encompass the following:
Widening Springfield Parkway from Topaz Road to just north of Hymba Yumba Independent School, duplicating it from two to four lanes.
Upgrading the roundabout at Springfield Parkway/Topaz Road/Woodcrest Way to a signalised intersection.
Widening and line-marking the Springfield College Drive and Bridgewater Road approaches to the roundabout on Springfield Parkway to allow for two lanes of traffic.
Constructing dedicated two-metre cycle lanes in both directions.
Installing a three-metre-wide shared pathway for pedestrians and cyclists.
Early works for Stage 2 commenced in December 2023 with a 3.6m trench extension beside Hymba Yumba Independent School. Constructing effective stormwater drainage networks whilst maintaining the current system during Queensland’s storm season has been a significant challenge.
The project team is committed to ensuring the highest-quality innovative network is constructed across the project and adjacent to the school whilst preserving sensitive ecological areas.
Once the culvert works are complete, Stage 2 will commence in 2024-2025, including the duplication of Springfield Parkway from Topaz Road, connecting to Stage 1 just past the Bridgewater Road roundabout.
Stage 3: Under Construction
Stage 3 of the project is already underway, focusing on the following:
Widening Springfield Greenbank Arterial from Eden Station Drive to Sinnathamby Boulevard to include a total of four lanes.
Upgrading the roundabout at Springfield Greenbank Arterial/Main Street/Centenary Highway Exit 32 off-ramp to a signalised intersection.
Creating new entry and exit points at the existing Springfield Central train station carpark.
Constructing dedicated two-metre cycle lanes in both directions.
Installing shared pathways for pedestrians and cyclists.
Significant rainfall and storm activity over the past few months have impacted vegetation and landscaping along Stage 3, including the flooding of Mountain Creek. The team is working to restore damaged plants and maintain weeding and mowing within the construction corridor. Despite the weather challenges, crews have progressed with electrical work, stormwater drainage networks, and new Park’n’Ride entry pavements.
Sustainability has been a key focus for the team, utilising existing materials and implementing innovative environmental controls. Core logs were used in the bottom of the rock barrier to minimise silt washing onto the pavement and into drainage and waterways, a key environmental management feature across Stage 3.
Photos Credit: IpswichCityCouncil
Constructing in a busy activity centre with major shopping, business, education, and public transport facilities has presented numerous challenges, especially considering the high volume of people passing through Stage 3 daily.
In parallel with Stage 3, the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has commenced works to reconfigure and reopen the Queensland Rail carpark east of Springfield Central station. The carpark, located at the southern end of the Brisbane Lions facility, will remain closed during construction activities. Weather and construction conditions permitting, work is expected to be complete by mid-2024.
The works required to reopen the carpark include installing new asphalt, concreting edging, new lighting, and line marking. TMR has engaged BMD Construction, the same contractor undertaking Stage 3, for this project. When reopened, the eastern carpark will complement the existing parking facilities within the Springfield Central train station precinct, including the multi-storey park ‘n’ ride facility opened in April 2022.
