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Springfield Rise Welcomes The Opening Of Silver Jubilee Park

The Silver Jubilee Park at Springfield Rise, the newly developed master planned community in Spring Mountain, is now open.

Read: Bottle Alley Reopens To Pedestrians With Striking Tribute To Ipswich History

Spanning over 14.4 hectares, Silver Jubilee Park offers a diverse range of recreational amenities. It features a versatile sporting field that can accommodate two contact rugby fields or alternatively one AFL field.

Additionally, there are six basketball and netball hardcourts, along with shaded picnic and barbeque areas, a thrilling kids’ adventure playground, a toddlers play area, an amenity block, and ample parking facilities.

Photo credit: Springfield Rise & Springfield Lakes/Facebook

During the park’s official opening day on 22 April 2023, local families flocked to the site and had the exciting opportunity to meet the renowned Australian cricketing sensation, Usman Khawaja.

Silver Jubilee Park — Photo credit: Springfield Rise & Springfield Lakes/Facebook

During the opening day festivities, a wide range of engaging activities and attractions were organised, ensuring a delightful experience for attendees. These included classic games like the Egg and Spoon Race, Tug of War, Circus Games, Sack Races, Chess, Jenga, Giant Parachute, and Stilts, offering fun and friendly competition for all ages.

Collaborating with the Ipswich City Council, the event featured lawn games, further enriching the entertainment options available to the attendees.

The park’s design, rendered by Vee Design, aims to facilitate a multitude of activities, making it a perfect destination for individuals of all interests. By providing designated spaces for various recreational pursuits, games, sports, socialising, and relaxation, the park encourages visitors to continually return and discover new ways to enjoy the space.

Vee Design has taken great care to ensure that the overall park design harmonises with the natural environment of Spring Mountain whilst also embracing its connection to nearby urban centres.

Read: Commune With Nature and Calm Your Spirit at Nerima Gardens

Silver Jubilee Park is located at Russell Luhrs Way in Springfield Rise, Spring Mountain.

Published 3-May-2023

Ipswich Jets Leagues Club Proposes Expansion, New Cafe and Parking Upgrades

The Ipswich Jets Leagues Club is set to expand whilst preserving the heritage assets of the Hotel Cecil, which has been under the club‘s ownership since 1998.

The proposed development aims to expand the current Licensed Club in two stages, with a plan to increase the Gross Floor Area by 240m2 and create parking spaces for an extra 61 cars, including a multi-level car parking structure during Stage 2.

Additionally, the plans include improved vehicular access to Downs Street, better pedestrian access to the club, street activation and articulation to Lowry Street, and minor internal modifications.

One of the major highlights of the proposed development is the cafe, which will be situated at the Lowry Street entrance of the building. It will feature a window for street orders and a roof extension, creating a perfect space for a casual meal or a relaxing dining experience.

The plans also incorporate a kid’s play area, more storage, a gaming room, a cool room, and a plant area, providing a comprehensive entertainment venue.

The heritage-listed Hotel Cecil, meanwhile, will be retained under the proposed plans.

The Hotel Cecil, which was first established as the ‘Imperial Hotel’ in April 1887, is a Queensland Heritage Place that was designed by architect F.D.G. Stanley. Over the years, it has undergone several extensions, including a single-storey wing in Lowry Street in 1915 and extensive renovations in 1992.

“It is reiterated that the Hotel Cecil is to be retained with no works proposed to the fabric and areas identified as being of heritage significance. In addition, the existing acoustic wall along the northern boundary of the premises is to be retained,” the submitted document reads.

As part of the parking upgrades, the proposal includes a new drop-off zone and rear entry to the main building, along with a multi-storey car park that would increase the number of parking spaces from 24 to 85 (16 new spaces in Stage 1 and 45 new spaces in Stage 2 of construction).

Currently, Jets Leagues’ application for the expansion is under review and awaiting Council approval. If approved, the proposed development will provide a much-needed entertainment venue and additional parking spaces for Ipswich Jets fans.

Published 27-April-2023

How a 13-Year-Old Raised Over $1500 to Save Endangered Bilbies

Photo credit: Australian Museum / /australian.museum

A 13-year-old girl from Springfield Lakes has raised over $1,500 for the Save the Bilby Fund. Although Greater Bilbies are not yet extinct, they are considered an endangered species in Queensland and are nationally listed as vulnerable.

Read: Bottle Alley Reopens To Pedestrians With Striking Tribute To Ipswich History

Mikaela Van Haren has independently raised over $1,500 for the Save the Bilby Fund through various fundraising methods, including the Containers for Change program, bake sales, car washes, and even selling her toys.

In the aftermath of the 2019 bushfires, Mikaela was inspired to fundraise to assist animals in need. Putting plans into action, she sought assistance from the Ipswich Nature Centre, which had bred bilbies with success, to help her connect with the Save the Bilby Fund and make a contribution.

On Tuesday, April 4th, Mikaela presented her donation to the Save The Bilby Fund at the newly renovated Queens Park Environmental Education Centre.

Mikaela said she thinks it is unfair that the baby is only remembered during Easter. She takes comfort in knowing that her efforts, no matter how small, can have a significant impact on at least one animal.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Al Mucci (@wildlife_al_mucci)

Mikaela’s donation to the Save The Bilby Fund was accepted by its director, Al Mucci. He said that the funds will be utilized to support the Charleville Breeding Facility and the bilby population in Currawinya National Park, which is estimated at 450, offering hope for the species’ survival.

Read: Brisbane Lions Scores Major Sponsorship Deal With Chevron

The Greater Bilby, or “Mankarr” by the Martu people, once inhabited 70% of Australia but is now vulnerable to extinction due to feral cats and foxes, habitat destruction, and inappropriate fire regimes.

It can only be found in remote areas of northern and central Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and southwest Queensland.

As one of Queensland’s 15 endangered mammals, conservation efforts are underway, including the replacement of the Easter Bunny with the Easter Bilby to raise awareness.

Mikaela’s contribution to the Save the Bilby Fund showcases the impact of individual efforts towards the conservation of an endangered species. Her inspiring dedication at such a young age serves as a reminder of the power of one person to make a positive impact.

Published 15-April-2023

Bottle Alley Reopens To Pedestrians With Striking Tribute To Ipswich History

To honour the Lost Buildings of Ipswich Central, an 83-metre long, three-metre high mural has been completed on the walls of Bottle Alley in Ipswich.

Read: Bottle Alley in Ipswich Set for Artistic Transformation

Bottle Alley, which was temporarily closed in March 2023 has reopened to pedestrians now that the project is complete.

Ipswich’s lost city center buildings are brought back to life in the new mural on Bottle Alley’s walls, which also features the area’s native flora and fauna.

Sharon Billinge and Karla Hayes are the talented artists who brought the stunning mural on Bottle Alley’s walls to life.

Sharon Billinge (Photo credit: Ipswich City Council)

Sharon Billinge, a Sydney-based artist with a focus on community building and people-centered art, has over 25 years of experience in the field and has collaborated with prestigious organisations including Sydney University, Lendlease, UTS, and several councils.

Karla Hayes (Photo credit: Ipswich City Council)

Karla Hayes is a multi-disciplinary artist rooted in Dharawal land, who received an international design award and completed her Honours in Design in Visual Communications at UTS in 2019. Her impressive student-led projects earned her recognition for her creativity and skill.

Councillor Marnie Doyle stated that the newly completed mural is like taking a stroll through time, paying homage to some of Ipswich’s most historic businesses, such as the Beirne or Waltons building, the Rockman building (previously Fleischmanns), the Whitehouse Café, and Hoopers.

“Now visitors to Ipswich Central will take a trip down memory lane as they walk through Bottle Alley, enjoying glimpses of Ipswich’s past,” said Cr Doyle.

This public art installation, located beside the proposed Eats building and serving as a gateway to Tulmur Place, will help create a welcoming atmosphere for visitors entering the Nicholas Street Precinct.

Read: Ipswich Children’s Library Recognised for Excellence in Innovation at LGMA Awards

Cr Doyle also mentioned that the Council is actively investigating further opportunities to enhance Bottle Alley, such as improved wayfinding, replacing the current Queensland Rail security fence with new screening, and the potential widening of the alley.

Published 10-April-2023

Brisbane Lions Scores Major Sponsorship Deal With Chevron

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.”

Published 5 April 2023

Plans Lodged for a Greyhound Breeding and Training Facility in Ipswich

Did you know that Ipswich may soon have its own greyhound breeding and training ground near the Greater Brisbane Greyhound Centre?

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.

Published 27 March 2023

Commune With Nature and Calm Your Spirit at Nerima Gardens

Photo credit: Ipswich City Council, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

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.

Commune With Nature and Calm Your Spirit at Nerima Gardens — *Photo credit: City of Ipswich /* ipswich.qld.gov.au

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.

Published 20-March-2023

Ipswich Logs Biggest ‘Clean Up Australia Day’ Participation for the City

Great work Ipswich, for a record 55 registered sites for Clean Up Australia Day, yielding the biggest turnout yet for the city!

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.

Published 19 March 2023

Almost 700 New Homes Built in Ipswich to Support the Housing Market

Did you know that almost 700 new homes were built in Ipswich, the fastest-growing city in Queensland, in the last quarter of 2022?

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.”

In September 2022, Ipswich also approved 1,033 homes as the city’s influx of residents rose to 27 per cent.

Published 5 March 2023

Construction of Multi-Beverage Manufacturing Facility in Swanbank Well Underway

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.”