Following the move to its new home at the Brighton Arena in Springfield Central, the Brisbane Lions scored a major sponsorship deal with Caltex, the global brand owned by Chevron.
In announcing the partnership, star recruit Josh Dunkley surprised five drivers in January 2023 at Caltex’s new service station at Crestmead by giving away free fuel.
Mr Dunkley said it’s a special feeling to usher in a new era with the team as the major sponsor boards the club. The midfielder, who wears #5, also said he’s looking forward to representing the Lions, Caltex, and all the other partners.
“The boys are working hard this pre-season at our new facility (Brighton Homes Arena in Springfield Central) I can’t wait to take the field representing this great Club, Caltex and all of our partners.”
“I am really focused on becoming a big game player for the Lions in 2023 and really add to the great list the Club has put together of experienced and emerging talent.”
In its agreement with the brand, Brisbane Lions will be sporting the Caltex logo on its home guernsey and the back of the Lions’ away guernsey, as well as on its official apparel.
Brisbane Lions Chairman Andrew Wellington said that the deal comes at a “pivotal time for the club as they continue to evolve on and off the field.” On the other hand, Chevron Australia Downstream General Manager Lorne Chambers said they are looking forward to growing with the Lions and upholding an “exciting and successful relationship that brings together two great brands in the Lions and Caltex.”
DA 2129/2023/MCU, filed on 6 March 2023, calls for the creation of an intensive animal husbandry and training facility at 763 Ipswich Boonah Road, where litters of greyhound dogs will be trained for racing. The plans indicate a sprinting track, exercise yards, medical facilities and on-site residence for the trainers and staff.
Greyhound trainer Ned Snow and fellow trainer and former Capalaba Racing Club president John Catton are behind the proposal to turn a 56-acre property in Purga into a breeding and training ground.
The facility will be built near the Greater Brisbane Greyhound Centre.
About the Greater Brisbane Greyhound Centre
In September 2022, Steve Miles, the Minister of Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning, gave his nod to the $40-million Greater Brisbane Greyhound Centre.
“The GBGC will feature three tracks – a straight track, a one-turn track and a two-turn track – with the health and safety of greyhounds at the heart of design and construction,” Mr Miles said.
“Racing Queensland is engaging with experts in track design and injury prevention in order to build a Centre that is as safe for dogs and trainers as possible.
“Design features like appropriate radius and surface banking, air-conditioned kennels and world-class racing surfaces will be incorporated to achieve this.
“There will also be a veterinarian clinic on-site to provide quality care for greyhounds.
“Racing at the Centre will be broadcast to 60 nations around the world, putting the industry in Queensland on show to a global audience.
“The community will also benefit from the construction of a multipurpose function centre that will be incorporated in the Centre’s design.”
However, more than 70,000 locals supported a petition opposing the centre.
“The proposed location contains core habitat for threatened species such as koalas and grey-headed flying foxes and is close to culturally significant areas and artifacts that are sacred to First Nations people,” the petition cited.
“The Greater Brisbane Greyhound Centre will cost close to $40 million, money which is coming directly from the state government. There are so many ways to spend $40 million in Ipswich which would benefit the community as a whole. This investment will result in the exploitation, injury and death of many greyhounds and will contribute to gambling and binge drinking.”
First announced in 2019 by the State Government, the construction of the facility started in February 2023.
Despite the strong objections, the State Government said that the racing complex is expected to boost the economy of Brisbane and Ipswich once the racing site is operational. It will support over a thousand full-time roles to ensure the highest standards of care are provided to the racing animals. The greyhound racing industry in Australia is a billion-dollar industry generating $4 billion a year.
Inspired by a ‘Sister City’ link between Ipswich and Nerima City in Japan, Nerima Gardens in Queens Park is a celebration of two cultures and a special place to commune with nature and calm the spirit.
In October 1988, a delegation led by the then Nerima Deputy Mayor Mitsuishi arrived in the country to visit three cities with the aim of selecting their Sister City to forge goodwill between cities of different countries, cultures and experiences.
From these three Australian cities, Ipswich was selected because of the similarities it shares with Nerima. Spanning 48.17 square kilometres, Nerima like Ipswich is located next to a capital City, Tokyo. It is also near an international airport and both cities are in the same time zone.
Ipswich and Nerima’s Sister City relationship was formalised on 15 October 1994.
On 17 May 2001, the first stage of Nerima Gardens was opened by former Ipswich Mayor John Nugent and Nerima Mayor Saburo Iwanami. The site serves to commemorate the Sister City relationship between these two cities.
Whilst it aims to capture the elements of a Japanese-style garden, visitors will notice that Ipswich’s distinct identity is also evident throughout with the use of local plants that includes rare and endangered species.
The Nerima Gardens’ design elements include walled entry gates which symbolise protection from outside forces and passage to oneness with the earth; the life bridge which provides a moment to pause and reflect; and the tea house, a special building for holding Japanese tea ceremonies.
Sadly, due to the restrictive nature of the pathways, delicate gardens and limited areas for a large group of people to gather without affecting other park users’ ability to move about freely in the area, events are not allowed within Nerima Gardens.
Hundreds of locals stepped up and participated in the annual, nationwide Clean Up Australia Day activity held on 5 March 2023. Environment and Sustainability Committee Chairperson Councillor Russell Milligan said he was proud and “blown away” by the rubbish Ipswich locals collected.
The Springfield Scouts Group had 40 members and 65 parents as participants and covered two parklands around the YMCA Springfield Lakes Community Centre. The group was able to clear over 300 kg of rubbish.
“We were very happy to contribute back to society and help the environment and we look forward to next year’s event,” Springfield Cub Scout Leader Thomas Hewitt said.
“Community groups around the city should be applauded at the great work they’ve done in cleaning up and helping to keep Ipswich beautiful,” Cr Milligan said.
“I would also urge everyone to think carefully about their waste and to always dispose of rubbish in the correct manner.”
Ipswich City Council’s Environment and Sustainability team supports educational programs that encourage locals to attend events like Clean Up Australia Day. Participation in environmental events encourages positive behaviour change and promotes appreciation and care for the local environment.
Council is also working on several initiatives to improve resource recovery as part of its Resource Recovery Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021-2031.
Mayor Teresa Harding, who is also the Growth, Infrastructure and Waste Committee Chair, said that the Ipswich City Council has been “going from strength to strength” in approving more lands and preparing more dwellings to support the housing market.
“Last quarter, Council approved 269 proposed new lots, 573 new lots were created, and 690 new dwellings were built,” the mayor said, amidst the growing population of the city.
Councillor Paul Tully, the Growth, Infrastructure and Waste Committee Deputy Chairperson, said that there were 1,884 new Ipswich residents from October to December 2022 based on the city’s Quarterly Activity Report thus the need for more action to support the city’s growth.
“That’s a 55 per cent rise from the previous quarter, pushing our total population to 245,472,” Cr Tully said.
“Most of these residents are moving to the suburbs of Ripley, Springfield Lakes, Spring Mountain, Redbank Plains and Bellbird Park.
“These were the top five suburbs for new dwellings and additional population in the past quarter.”
Construction of the $400 million multi-beverage manufacturing facility in Swanbank is well underway and on track for its opening in mid-2024. Once operational, the facility will provide 160 long-term jobs.
Japanese global drinks manufacturer Suntory is currently building its new facility on a 17-hectare industrial site located southeast of Ipswich after getting the green light last September 2022.
The multi-beverage manufacturing facility is expected to produce up to 20 million cases of its well-known beverages annually and it has the capacity to be scaled up when needed. Frucor Suntory manufactures and distributes a wide range of energy drinks and sparkling and other non-alcoholic beverages across Oceania.
During its construction, the project will provide 450 construction and installation jobs. Once open and operational, the development is also expected to benefit the communities of Ipswich, Redbank Plains, Springfield and Ripley Valley with job opportunities.
“Japanese companies like Suntory recognise the benefits of investing in Queensland and Queenslanders,” Queensland minister for trade and investment Cameron Dick said when he made the announcement last year.
“This new investment in the Frucor Suntory facility shows the strength of the Queensland-Japan trade and investment relationship, now sixty years strong.”
Darren Fullerton, Frucor Suntory CEO, said that the company manufactures all its products for Australia over in New Zealand and currently has run out of capacity. The new multi-beverage facility in Ipswich will allow the manufacturer to fulfil its growing retail and consumer demand, enabling it to process, package, warehouse and distribute its beverage products for its Australian customers.
“Ipswich is the perfect place for high-skill, high tech manufacturing,” Member for Bundamba Lance McCallum said.
“Our community is ideally placed with the right workforce, logistics and transport links.”
“Ipswich City Council and the Ipswich community are delighted to welcome Frucor Suntory with its new manufacturing facility to be constructed in Swanbank,” Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said.
“This project will deliver hundreds of local jobs; about 450 during the initial construction phase and another 160 long-term roles when it starts operating from 2024.
“It shows there are significant benefits to global companies establishing their facilities in the city and being part of the local economy.”
The road widening project for Springfield Greenbank Arterial has reached a significant milestone, with motorists able to drive on the additional lanes for the first time in January 2023.
Growth, Infrastructure and Waste Committee Chair Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said that starting 23 January 2023, vehicles travelling along Springfield Greenbank Arterial, from Eden Station Drive towards Springfield Parkway, will be switched over to the new road alignment.
From having only two lanes, the Springfield Parkway and Springfield Greenbank Arterial are being expanded to four lanes, to assist in supporting efficient transport for Springfield and the city’s eastern corridor’s growing population.
Photo credit: Google Street View
Mayor Harding reminded that the traffic switch will result in a temporary closure of the intersection of Escarpment Drive at Springfield Greenbank Arterial for approximately four months.
“Access into Escarpment Drive estate for all road users will be via Springfield Parkway, and there will be staged switching of pedestrian and shared pathways over the coming months,” Mayor Harding said.
Growth, Infrastructure and Waste Committee Deputy Chairperson and Division 2 Councillor Paul Tully said there will be further closures on these entrances and exits throughout the year.
“Traffic switches will also occur next month along Springfield Parkway from Springfield Lakes Boulevard towards the Springfield Parkway roundabout, and from the roundabout to past Hymba Yumba Independent School,” Cr Tully said.
Cr Tully added that as part of Stage 1 of the project, the first traffic switch will allow more efficient refurbishment of existing traffic lanes and shared pathways along the arterial and the driveways of Hymba Yumba.
The Springfield Parkway and Springfield Greenbank Arterial roundabout will also be upgraded to a signalised intersection. The traffic signals will accommodate pedestrian movements and include a u-turn facility.
Plans for a four-storey building have been submitted for Brisbane Street, Ipswich to accommodate a new childcare centre along with several commercial establishments.
The highlight of the mixed-use building, to be located at 7 Milford Street and 3-5 Limestone Street and 2 Brisbane Street, Ipswich is the childcare centre with spaces for 100 children.
The 797 sqm childcare centre will feature an outdoor play area and will be located on the ground floor, in conjunction with the cafe/lobby component to create activation of the street.
Photo credit: Sparc Architects
Designed by Sparc Architects, the building will feature a subtropical design and will include public art to the corner.
“This building has a commercial role to play, and it has been designed with a practical eye that also utilises the design principles of scale, context, presence, articulation, rhythm, order, and consideration of the sub-tropical design ethos that defines Southeast Queensland architecture. It creates a building that suitably reinforces its landmark contex,” designers at Sparc Architects said.
The rest of the 2,997 sqm property will be used for business purposes or as commercial offices. A medical centre and educational establishment uses have been added to the proposal to allow for flexible uses within Levels 1 and 2 in the future.
Photo credit: Sparc Architects
The two driveway locations along Limestone and Milford Street will be kept as part of the development. The site itself is currently vacant and does not contain any buildings or structures.
The applicant is also seeking to establish an undercroft car parking that can accommodate 63 cars, three motor bikes and five bicycles. Access to the building will be via Limestone and Milfors Streets.
Woogaroo Creek State School is accepting students for Prep to Year 6 beginning Term 1 2023. The new school is located in Augustine Heights, one of four state schools to open in Queensland in 2023.
The $85-million Augustine Heights school started construction in March 2022 with Stage 1 ready to accept 600 Prep to Year 6 students beginning 2023 and will further expand to 1,000 once Stage 2 is completed.
The opening of the new school is expected to provide enrolment relief to nearby schools Fernbrooke State School, Augusta State School, and Redbank Plains State School.
Woogaroo_Creek_State_School catchment | Photo credit: Queensland Government / qgso.qld.gov.au
Woogaroo Creek State School includes an administration block, student support and staff building, an information and resource centre, and a multi-purpose hall.
Also, there is a canteen, prep/junior general learning areas, sporting field, multi-purpose courts, and general and student amenities as well as internal roads and car parking.
For 2025 and 2026, the State Government plans to invest in five more new schools in Caboolture West, Caloundra South, Ripley, Flagstone, and Bahrs Scrub. These new schools will add to the 11 that will open in 2023 and 2024.
Three state primary schools, including this one, will welcome new students and ease enrollment pressure in other schools in their respective areas in 2023. The other two schools are located in Yarrabilba and Ripley.
Meanwhile, a state secondary school is also set to open to years 7 and 8 students in Sunshine Coast’s Palmview.
The relocation of Carroll House comes following the approval of a material change of use application for 16 Queen Street, Goodna. The site will soon become the location of a new KFC outlet.
The iconic house will soon be moved to 3 Unnamed Road, Rosewood, a vacant site located within the Character Areas Housing Zone.
According to Growth, Infrastructure and Waste Committee Chair Mayor Teresa Harding, the house had been listed by the previous council under Schedule 3 “Identified Places of Interest.”
This means that the house would be conserved but it did not give council mandatory protection requirements on the site.
“Unfortunately, previous planning decisions about the Carroll House meant this council was left with no power to compel the owner to retain the property on the Queen Street site,” Mayor Harding said.
Photo credit: David Martin: Ipswich/Facebook
“The previous council had already decided that Queen Street would form part of a future commercial zone in Goodna, effectively sealing the fate of the Carroll House.”
To ensure that the city’s heritage can be protected in the future, Ipswich City Council is now in the process of drafting a new planning scheme.
“As part of this process, the Ipswich community will be able to put its views forward on where development should occur in our city,” Mayor Harding said.
Carroll House is a pre-1946 dwelling originally built for John and Mary Carroll, former head teachers at Redbank Plains. The couple, along with their nine children (seven sons and two daughters) lived in the property for around 40 years.
In 2012, a historical marker was installed for the house, as an initiative of the Council.
“This was once the home of Mary Carroll who purchased the land in 1906. Mary and her husband John Carroll were well known and well respected within the community,” the plaque reads.
Two of their sons, Edward and Daniel, were well-known theatrical and cinema managers during their time. Edward and Daniel later joined with others to form the cinema company Birch, Carroll and Coyle. It’s said that Mrs Carroll loved entertaining guests of her sons within the house.
