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Tragedy Strikes Ipswich: Elderly Mobility Scooter Rider Dies in Raceview Collision

An 80-year-old mobility scooter rider tragically lost his life in a collision with a car in Ipswich. The shocking event has left residents deeply shaken, raising concerns about road safety in the area.

The fateful collision occurred on Robertson Road in Raceview around 1:00 p.m. on 4 Jan 2024, when the 80-year-old scooter rider, whose identity remains undisclosed, collided with an 86-year-old woman driving a Toyota Rav4.

The elderly scooter rider sadly succumbed to his injuries at the scene, while the driver of the car was transported to Ipswich Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

According to one witness, a loud crash sounded like a cargo falling off a truck. The sombre sight of the hurt biker on the road came after this sound. Neighbours’ prompt action and their attempts to support those affected demonstrated the resilience of community spirit in the face of such a tragic incident.

Many locals expressed concern about Robertson Road’s perceived danger, with some stating that speeding has become a common problem. Some residents reported cars reaching speeds of “100km/h at least, sometimes more” on this 60km/h stretch of road.

Longtime resident Berise Jones, who has lived in the area since 1967, has noticed a worrying trend of drivers becoming more aggressive in recent years. Ms Jones and her neighbours believe that the road’s narrowness and the propensity for drivers to exceed the speed limit contribute to its hazardous nature.

Residents have made several proposals to enhance road safety. Suggestions range from reducing the speed limit to 50km/h to installing traffic lights at key intersections, such as Wildey Street, near the Brothers Leagues Club. Others have recommended the creation of a marked pedestrian crossing, or the introduction of a speed camera to deter speeding.

As the Ipswich community mourns the loss of one of its own, investigators from the Forensic Crash Unit are diligently working to uncover the details surrounding this tragic incident. At this point, no charges have been laid, and police continue to encourage any witnesses or individuals with relevant information to come forward.

Published 9-Jan-2024

E-scooter Trial Extended in Springfield Central

The Beam e-scooter trial scheme, currently underway in Springfield Central and the surrounding areas, is set to continue its operations for another six months.

The extension of the pilot program, aimed at gathering additional data to assess the long-term feasibility of micro-mobility services, will run until July 2024. This trial period is poised to offer valuable insights into whether e-scooters could become a permanent and advantageous mode of transportation for residents and visitors alike.

Beam has been entrusted to operate up to 125 e-scooters within Springfield Central, Springfield Lakes, and Spring Mountain throughout the trial’s duration.

e-scooter trial springfield — Photo Credit: Shape Your Ipswich

Growth, Infrastructure, and Waste Committee Chair, Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding has reported that e-scooters have been met with enthusiasm by Springfield Central residents during the initial six-month trial period, which commenced on 1 July 2023.

“More than 3,000 users have embraced e-scooters during the trial’s course, showcasing the rapid adoption of this eco-friendly mode of transport,” Mayor Harding stated.

“Collectively, scooter users have covered a distance of 30,000 kilometres so far this year, highlighting the potential impact of micro-mobility in facilitating suburban transportation, especially for ‘last mile’ connectivity to and from public transport hubs, workplaces, and educational institutions.”

Ipswich residents have collectively spent over 3,000 hours on e-scooters since its launch. Andrew Dodd, Beam’s Regional Operations Manager, expressed satisfaction with the progress of the Ipswich trial and emphasised the continued collection of data over the upcoming months.

“The data gathered thus far underscores the enormous potential of shared micro-mobility in connecting Ipswich residents and visitors while reducing the need for car trips,” Mr Dodd said.

“We have maintained regular communication with the council to address community concerns and implement changes that benefit both users and residents. We are delighted to see the trial extended for an additional six months and look forward to further collaboration with Ipswich City Council and the Springfield Central community in advancing micro-mobility.”

Residents can share their feedback on the extended trial via Shape Your Ipswich.

Published 2-Jan-2024

Fire Investigation Underway at Western Spirit Football Club in Camira

An overnight fire has caused significant damage to the Western Spirit Football Club in Camira and authorities are conducting an investigation amidst allegations that this was the second deliberate act at the club’s grounds.

The Ipswich Police received an emergency call around midnight of 29 Dec 2023, prompting their immediate response to the Western Spirit Football Club. Upon arrival, they declared the area a crime scene, indicating the severity of the situation. Multiple buildings within the club’s facilities have been ravaged by the blaze, resulting in extensive damage.

One community member shared on social media that they had heard “three loud bangs” just before the facilities went “up in flames.” This recent incident closely follows a similar act in February 2023 when a storage container containing essential equipment such as mowers, line markers, goal nets, and balls was deliberately set on fire.

Whilst the specifics of the blaze’s origins are still being determined by fire investigators, initial findings strongly suggest a deliberate act of arson.

A spokesman for the Western Spirit Football Club expressed their dismay over the incident, revealing that the blaze destroyed the club’s changing rooms and toilet facilities. This loss not only disrupts the club’s operations but also affects its members and the broader community that relies on these amenities.

The financial burden of replacing damaged equipment diverts funds that could otherwise be invested in supporting junior players and reducing fees, directly impacting the club’s ability to serve the community.

The Ipswich police, alongside the football club and the community, are eager to uncover the truth behind these deliberate acts and ensure the safety and vitality of the Western Spirit Football Club for generations to come.

Published 2-Jan-2024

Springfield Central Station Park ‘n Ride Recognised with International Design Award

Did you know that the Springfield Central Station Park ‘n’ Ride received an Award of Merit in the Rail/Transit category, a global recognition from the US-based magazine Engineering News-Record?

Read: Multi-Storey Mega Park ‘n’ Ride Now Serving Springfield Central Commuters

Engineering News-Record (ENR) honoured 31 winning projects from 23 countries through the Global Best Projects Awards, which were judged by industry leaders on criteria including quality, innovation, safety, collaboration, and community benefit.

The Springfield Central Park ‘n’ Ride was praised for its innovative design, striking visual impression, and accessibility.

Opened to the public in May 2022, the $44.5 million multi-storey parking facility was designed by GHD and built by ADCO for the Department of Transport and Main Roads.

With five parking levels, it brings total customer parking at Springfield Central Station to around 1,100 spaces, part of the Queensland government’s $160 million park-and-ride upgrade program.

According to Joshua Rhodes, GHD Design Senior Designer, the concept for the carpark form was inspired by nature’s ability to create organic symmetry and efficiency within irregular shapes.

“The car park is conceived as an object within the landscape, formed by the natural forces around it, which are also evident in the existing urban response. The design attempts to balance creating a building of its place, inspired by the site’s geology and hydrology, while also creating a distinctive landmark that signals the gateway to the greater Springfield area,” Rhodes stated.

This was not the first recognition for the Springfield Central Station Park ‘n Ride structure. Earlier in 2023, it also received the Queensland Major Contractors Association Design Excellence Award. This award honours projects with innovative contributions to civil construction that can be broadly applied.

About the ENR Global Best Projects

The competition honours outstanding global construction projects and the companies behind them. It recognises projects built anywhere in the world, focusing on the unique challenges, risks, and achievements of designing and constructing in diverse, remote locations worldwide.

Eligible projects are judged on several criteria, including how teams overcame challenges, embraced safety (meeting or exceeding local and international standards), demonstrated innovation and industry contribution, and exhibited quality construction and craftsmanship.

For the Springfield Park ‘n Ride, COVID-19 supply chain issues required the team to pivot from the original precast concrete structural design. The engineer devised a hybrid system using post-tensioned slabs and beams for most of the structure, along with a reinforced concrete beam-and-slab system for the more complex corners and helix.

Read: Springfield Lakes Property Market Continues to Surpass Previous Records

Receiving the ENR Global Best Project Award of Merit highlights the project’s success in overcoming challenges like supply chain disruptions whilst exemplifying safety, sustainability, and quality craftsmanship.

Published 26-December-2023

Severe Storm Causes Havoc in Springfield Lakes

Photo Credit: Facebook / Brisbane Weather

A severe storm unleashed widespread damage in Springfield Lakes and nearby suburbs one week before Christmas.

Tragically, a 30-year-old man lost his life during the storm, found unconscious near fallen power lines on Murarrie Road. Despite efforts to save him, his injuries proved fatal.

Residents were alerted by the Bureau of Meteorology on Friday, December 15, 2023 about the impending severe thunderstorm, warning of destructive winds, large hailstones, and heavy rainfall that could cause flash flooding.

Photo Credit: Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology

The storm’s intensity was staggering, with winds reaching speeds of up to 169 km/h.

It rampaged through Brisbane’s CBD, Brisbane Airport, Ormiston, Moreton Bay, and Mud Island before striking Springfield Lakes. Hail suddenly blanketed the yards of Springfield Lakes residents.

Furniture became airborne, trees toppled, and in Brookwater, a tree narrowly missed houses and people but destroyed a car.

The aftermath was starkly visible, leaving a trail of destruction and plunging over 14,000 residents in the state’s southeast into darkness without power.

Published 18-December-2023

Springfield’s Centenary Motorway Exit 32 Reopens

In a major development for the Springfield community, the Centenary Motorway’s Exit 32, a crucial junction that had been closed for extensive roadworks, has reopened after six months.

This reopening, on 11 Dec 2023, marks a significant milestone in Springfield’s infrastructure development, aimed at accommodating the area’s booming population and reducing congestion on one of the region’s key motorways.

Months of Closure to Fast-Track Roadworks

The closure of Exit 32, which began on August 21, was part of a strategic decision to expedite the construction work in the Springfield area. This move was intended to improve safety for workers and save months of roadwork for the community.

The decision was pivotal in allowing uninterrupted work on the upgrade from a single-lane exit to a four-lane configuration.

Significant Upgrades for Improved Traffic Flow

“Commuters stuck in daily queues down the Centenary Motorway between Ellen Grove and Yamanto have been telling us for a long time that this section needs to be significantly upgraded to support Springfield’s booming population.” Charis Mullen, State Member for Jordan, said.

Ms Mullen also noted the commitment of $6.5 million by the State Government for this major entry point into Springfield to reduce peak hour congestion and improve safety.

Centenary Motorway Exit 32 — Photo Credit: Charis Mullen MP/Facebook

Mayor Teresa Harding of Ipswich commented on the larger implications of the project, tying it with the council’s current expansion of Springfield Greenbank Arterial to four lanes.

“The expansion of Springfield Parkway and Springfield Greenbank Arterial from two lanes to four lanes is council’s biggest-ever roadwork project, and it is vitally necessary we complete it as quickly as possible,” she said.

The mayor emphasised that closing Exit 32 saved months in construction time and millions in overall project cost, fast-tracking its reopening.

Celebrating the Reopening in Time for the Holidays

The timing of the reopening was especially noteworthy, coming just before the Christmas and New Year holidays.

Mayor Harding expressed her gratitude for the community’s patience during the construction period. She also pointed out the convenience the reopening would bring for holiday shopping and activities in the area, including easier access to Orion Springfield Central, Robelle Domain, and Orion Lagoon.

With the completion of these upgrades, residents and commuters in Springfield can look forward to a smoother and safer travel experience. The expanded Exit 32 is expected to significantly reduce congestion on the Centenary Motorway and improve ease of access into Springfield.

Published 12-Dec-2023

Springlake Hotel Has Re-Opened After $3 Million Renovation

Did you know that Springlake Hotel has re-opened following a multi-million-dollar renovation?

Surrounded by natural bushland and overlooking the neighbouring lake, the pub has undergone an extensive facelift to modernise its offering for patrons of all ages, with a focus on live entertainment, casual dining and live sports. The renovations include a family friendly bistro, outdoor terrace with a huge playground, revamped sports bar and expansive functions space that has been brought back to life.

Designed by Farrago, the interiors highlight natural wood and orange tones, with brown leather banquettes, relaxed tan leather armchairs and mid-century vibes.

Springlake Hotel — Photo Credit: Supplied

Ensuring that the most can be made of Queensland’s warm weather and native surrounds, a new wrap-around alfresco terrace has been added that offers a mix of high and low tables for guests to soak up the sun. Attached, is a huge kids playground that will keep the little ones entertained for hours, so the adults can kick-back and relax.

Sports lovers will love the revamped Sports Bar with six-metre screen showing all the sporting action live and loud, and with a state-of-the-art TAB. A weekly schedule of live music will add to the entertainment for those in the Sports Bar.

The new-look family friendly bistro is serving up a delicious menu created by Executive Chef Dylan Kemp. Offering a range of elevated pub classics and a brand-new Smokehouse offering, serving up specialty dishes prepared in the smoker daily, like the Low & Slow Beef Brisket and the Butcher’s Board, which gives customers the opportunity to sample a range of smoked items from Cheese Kranskies, pulled pork and lamb ribs.

A range of house-made BBQ sauces have also been created to compliment the smoked menu including the Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce, Alabama White Sauce and Dan’s House BBQ Sauce.

Springlate Hotel Food — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

There’s also a dedicated Kids Platter to keep the younger tummies happy with a choice of seven mains served with a drink and a dessert.

Those looking for a destination to host an event need look no further than the fully equipped, large scale function rooms. Perfect for weddings, christenings, birthdays, anniversaries, corporate events and parties and any other style of event. The spaces will also be converted for frequent large live entertainment events for the community to enjoy.

A series of weekly specials and events is sure to keep locals happy, whatever the day of the week:

Mondays: $25 Steaks & Poker
- 250g rump steak, chips and salad
Tuesdays: $20 Pub Classics
- Beef Burger, Chicken Schnitzel, Caesar Salad, Fish & Chips or Ricotta Gnocchi
Wednesdays: Feed The Family
- Two Brisket Burned End Sandwiches with slaw & cornbread, plus two kids meals
- $1 from every Parmi sold will be donated to MS Queensland through Spinglake Hotel’s ongoing Local Heroes charity partnership program
Thursdays: Parmi Thursdays
- Chicken or Vegetarian Parmigiana served with crispy chips and fresh salad
Fridays: Meat Tray Raffle, Live Entertainment, Tradie Club, Jag the Joker
Saturdays: Live Entertainment
Sundays: Kids Eat Free & Kids Entertainment
- Free kids meal with every full-priced main meal purchased
- Free Animal Zoo between 12pm – 3pm
Happy Hour: Monday – Friday, 3pm – 5pm

Springlake Hotel will celebrate its re-opening with a Locals Weekend 15th – 17th December, packed full of giveaways, live music, activities and tasters:

Friday 15th December
- Tradie Club, Smoker Lesson giveaway, BBQ tasters and live music
Saturday 16th December
- Kids entertainment and free petting zoo, live music, BBQ tasters, and TAB Sports Bar take-over
Sunday 17th December
- Kids entertainment and free petting zoo, BBQ tasters and UFC296 in the Sports Bar

Springlake Hotel Venue Manager Adam Fuller is thrilled to be welcoming local residents and workers back to the pub.

“We’re extremely proud of Springlake Hotel’s revamp and the wide offering it now brings to our community. There truly is something from everyone, from casual get-togethers, mid-week dinners, live sport, and entertainment – we can’t wait to see everyone back enjoying our local.”

Springfield’s Ambitious Journey Towards a Health and Knowledge Hub

Maha Sinnathamby, the visionary founder of Springfield City Group, is embarking on an ambitious journey in Springfield, a suburb that’s been steadily transforming since its inception in 1992. Drawing inspiration from the Texas Medical Center, Mr Sinnathamby aims to establish Springfield as a leading knowledge and health precinct.

Over three decades, Mr Sinnathamby and his business partner Bob Sharpless have turned 2,860 hectares of land into a thriving community with more than 53,000 residents across six suburbs. Their relentless pace and innovative thinking have been crucial in Springfield’s evolution.

Central to Springfield’s transformation is the Knowledge Precinct, spanning 120 hectares and focusing on health, education, and innovation. This precinct represents a significant step towards realising Sinnathamby’s vision of enhancing human and social capital.

“Health, education and IT are the key drivers to make a unique community,” Mr Sinnathamby explained, underscoring his commitment to planning a city of the future.

The Texas Medical Center, known as the world’s largest medical complex, serves as the blueprint for Mr Sinnathamby’s vision. He plans to emulate its success in Springfield by focusing on life sciences and collaboration in medical research and education.

Springfield boasts an extensive network of transport links, schools, and recreational facilities. The Mater Hospital, set to be the nation’s largest, anchors a 52-hectare health precinct. An 18-hectare education precinct centered around the University of Southern Queensland adds to Springfield’s allure as a hub for learning and innovation.

With a focus on education and family, Springfield offers twelve schools and nineteen kindergartens. The university campus further cements the suburb’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of Australians.

The Springfield master plan, valued at $88 billion, has been 25% complete as of 2020.

Mr Sinnathamby’s group is seeking global partners to continue building the city. With $18 billion already invested, a further $70 billion is needed to realise this master plan fully.

As Springfield continues to grow, with a projected population of 145,000, it remains a testament to Mr Sinnathamby’s philosophy of thinking big and innovating.

Published 6-Dec-2023

Springfield Lakes Among Many Affected as Getta Burger Chain Closes Doors

Getta Burger, a familiar name in Queensland’s fast-food scene, has entered liquidation, leading to the closure of 14 out of its 17 stores. The closed outlets include those in Capalaba, Clayfield, North Lakes, Cannon Hill, Victoria Point, West End, Bridgeman Downs, Carina, Springfield Lakes, Holmview, Yamanto, and Yatala.

Established in 2014, Getta Burger has been a popular choice among Queenslanders. However, the chain has been grappling with financial difficulties, resulting in debts exceeding $500,000. Founder Brent Poulter pointed to the rising cost pressures after COVID-19 as a significant factor in this development.

The timing of the liquidation process, initiated without seeking government support during the pandemic, is particularly hard-hitting as it coincides with the Christmas season. This decision has led to 107 employees losing their jobs, creating a challenging situation for many families, including in Springfield Lakes, during what is typically a festive time of year.

The liquidation highlights the harsh economic realities faced by businesses in the food and beverage industry. Getta Burger struggled with a 30% increase in power bills and substantial rises in the cost of ingredients. Poulter noted that these rising operational costs made it challenging to maintain quality without increasing prices for customers.

The closure underscores the competitive and challenging nature of the food industry, where businesses must adapt and manage costs effectively. The collapse of a well-known chain like Getta Burger is indicative of the broader struggles within the sector, especially in the context of increasing living costs.

As the liquidation process unfolds, the exact scale of the Getta Burger’s debts is still being determined.

Published 25-Nov-2023

Goodna Street Life: Sustaining Community Support in Challenging Times

Photo Credit: Goodna Street Life/Facebook

Goodna Street Life, established in 2015, has emerged as a key organisation in the community by dedicating itself to providing housing and vital support to the homeless and vulnerable.

At the heart of Goodna Street Life’s mission are facilities like Helen’s Haven at 229 Brisbane Rd Goodna. This centre is not just a place of shelter but also a provider of essential services such as food, counselling, and support.

Additionally, The Haven offers the community affordable breakfast options, with every purchase contributing to the charity’s mission. Chef Kerryn, under Chef Steven’s guidance, ensures that each meal supports Goodna Streetlife’s wider community efforts.

Laurels Place, initiated in January 2022, has played a critical role in the community, especially during the 2022 floods, providing emergency accommodation to over 100 people. This initiative highlights Goodna Streetlife’s commitment to offering immediate help and protection during emergencies.

Addressing the Housing Crisis: A Significant Challenge

However, Queensland’s intensifying housing crisis has put Goodna Street Life at the forefront of a significant struggle.

Despite their persistent efforts, the charity confronts substantial challenges in keeping their services operational amidst escalating costs, underscoring the critical need for community backing. Richard Glover, a housing support officer, along with his team, are deeply involved in aiding Ipswich’s marginalised residents.

“I’ve asked my department to continue working with Goodna Street Life to assist them so they are stable, safe and compliant,” Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon said. “Our frontline housing staff are on hand to assist residents if necessary.”

Engaging the Community: Upcoming Events

Looking ahead, Goodna Street Life is organising the Helen’s Haven Community Market on 3 Dec 2023. This event promises to bring the community together with a variety of stalls, Mega Op Shop Sales, and extended breakfast hours, contributing to the charity’s fundraising activities.

The narrative of Goodna Street Life is one of relentless dedication and unwavering support for the needy. In these challenging times, the importance of community involvement and assistance becomes ever more evident. The residents of Goodna and surrounding areas are encouraged to support this vital charity, helping to ensure the continuity of these essential services.

Published 23-Nov-2023