Homepage Latest News Archives - Page 37 of 67

Lawsuit Erupts Between Springfield City Group and Aveo Group

Photo Credit: CC 3D Animation Production Company from Pixabay

Springfield City Group has initiated legal proceedings against retirement living provider Aveo Group, alleging a significant failure to meet development targets for a major seniors project valued at $1 billion.

The dispute revolves around an interlocutory injunction sought by Springfield City Group to prevent Aveo from engaging in an expert decision process related to the disagreement until a final court ruling is reached.

The issue stems from an ongoing retirement living project, where Aveo was contracted by Springfield City Group to develop a minimum of 2,500 aged care or retirement village units, collectively referred to as “Seniors Products,” between 2015 and 2030.

The project and agreement

According to court documents, Aveo Group initially entered into a development deed that laid out their commitment to following a rolling business plan. This plan mandated Aveo to provide regular updates on the project’s progress, with specific milestones to be reached on each anniversary starting from October 1, 2015.

The dispute between the two parties arose from two updated business plans that Aveo Group submitted in March and November 2022, both of which were not approved by Springfield City Group.

Clashing business plans

Springfield City Group argues that Aveo’s updated plans deviated significantly from the agreed requirements, making it highly unlikely that Aveo would be able to fulfil the minimum target of 2,500 seniors products within the stipulated time frame.

Aveo’s revised plan indicated the completion of only 562 Seniors Products by 2027, leaving a substantial 87.2 per cent of the project’s products to be completed within the final five years of the anticipated 15-year term.

Springfield City Group also highlighted clause 47 in the Aveo Termination Period that allowed Aveo to terminate the Development Deed if the number of completed products fell below 720 by 1 October 2025.

Springfield City Group alleged that Aveo’s updated business plan was an indication of their intention to exercise this termination clause. They also pointed out that Aveo failed to include a proposed subdivision of a critical development site into staged lots, as stipulated in the agreement.

Legal proceedings and injunction

In response to the non-approval notices from Springfield City Group, Aveo notified them that they would be referring the matter to the Resolution Institute for dispute resolution. An expert was appointed to determine the outcome, in accordance with Aveo’s original agreement.

However, Springfield City Group questioned whether Aveo’s updated business plan submissions qualified as legitimate business plans under the agreed development deed.

During the injunction hearing, Justice Thomas Bradley, presiding over the case, expressed concerns about potential inconsistencies in Aveo’s documents that might disqualify them as valid business plans. However, his ruling solely pertained to the injunction request and not the underlying claim.

Impacts and future outlook

The solicitor for the SCG estimated that the expert process would cost them between $570,000 and $1 million, whilst Aveo countered with claims of incurring about $2.8 million in annual interest costs for the 96 completed but unsold Seniors Products.

Aveo’s acting head of development, George Petersen, reassured residents and stakeholders that the legal proceedings would not impact the operations or residents of the Springfield retirement community. Petersen emphasised Aveo’s commitment to the existing retirement community and its amenities, including a mix of serviced and independent living apartments.

Justice Bradley ultimately granted the interlocutory injunction, effectively halting Aveo’s progress in the export process until the resolution of Springfield City Group’s claim.

As the court proceedings continue, both Springfield City Group and Aveo Group are eagerly awaiting a final resolution to this dispute that could have significant implications for the future of the $1 billion seniors project.

Published 11-July-2023

Springfield Gears Up for Six-Month E-Scooter Trial

Did you know that a six-month e-scooter trial will be conducted in Springfield Central, Spring Mountain, and Springfield Lakes through leading e-scooter hire company Beam, in collaboration with Ipswich City Council?

Starting 8 July 2023, residents and locals in those areas will have access to Beam’s latest fleet of top-of-the-range, safety-focused e-scooters, riding them around as a convenient and safe transportation alternative, reducing reliance on private cars and public transport and providing data that would be useful in deciding on a longer term use case for them.

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

To ensure safe usage, e-scooters and personal mobility devices will be permitted on footpaths, shared paths, separated paths, bike paths, and local streets with a speed limit of 50 km/h or less and no dividing line.

E-Scooter Trial — Photo credit: Beam AU/Facebook

The introduction of e-scooters aligns with Ipswich City Council’s iGO Intelligent Transport Systems Strategy, which was adopted in 2019. This strategy outlines a roadmap for integrating new technologies, such as e-scooters, into the city’s transport networks.

Speed limits for e-scooters are set at 12km/h on footpaths, shared paths, and crossings, and 25km/h on permitted local roads, bike paths, and bike lanes, unless otherwise indicated by signage.

Beam was selected for the trial due to its strong safety record and commitment to prioritising pedestrian safety. The company employs geo-locking technology to restrict e-scooters from entering high pedestrian zones and enforces maximum speed limits.

Deputy Chairperson of the Growth, Infrastructure and Waste Committee and Division 2 Councillor Paul Tully emphasised the importance of the e-scooter trial, stating that it will allow residents to try out shared e-scooters and provide their thoughts and input on how council might integrate e-scooters into the city’s transport network for the long term.

The six-month trial period, running until December 2023, will provide ample time for residents to experience the benefits of shared e-scooters and offer valuable feedback to the council.

Read: First Traffic Switch For Springfield Greenbank Arterial Widening Project

Beam, in preparation for the launch, will also host the Beam Safe Academy event, aimed at educating the community about e-scooter safety and gathering their input. This event will take place at the Robelle Domain car park next to the Orion Lagoon on Saturday, 8 July 2023 starting at 9 a.m, providing curious residents with the opportunity to test ride the scooters.

Published 6-July-2023

Door Locking Feature Saves Woman from Carjacking in Springfield Lakes

Photo Credit: Pixabay / aitoff

A woman almost fell victim to a carjacking incident in Springfield Lakes one Sunday evening, but she escaped unscathed, thanks to an automatic door locking feature in her car.

On Sunday, 25 June, the woman was about to drive into her driveway when a man approached her with a knife. He tried to open the door, but she was able to speed off. The woman then pretended to call the police, which scared the man away.

The woman was shaken by the experience, but she’s grateful that she’s okay. She’s also grateful for the automatic door locking feature on her car, which she believes saved her life from the attempted carjacking incident.

This incident is a reminder that carjackings can happen anywhere, even in seemingly safe neighbourhoods like Springfield Lakes. It’s important to be aware of your surroundings and to take precautions to protect yourself, such as locking your car doors and keeping your valuables out of sight.

If you’re ever confronted by a carjacker, don’t resist. Try to stay calm and cooperate with the attacker. Once the attacker has left, call the police straight away.

The Queensland Police are investigating this incident and are asking anyone with information to come forward.

Springfield Lakes residents, please take precautions to protect yourselves from carjacking. Lock your car doors, keep your valuables out of sight, and be aware of your surroundings. And if you ever see something suspicious, don’t be afraid to call the police.

Published 30-June-2023

Platypus Found Thriving in Unlikely Urban Oasis in Ipswich

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

A recent survey conducted by the Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland has detected a significant platypus population in an unexpected location within the Brisbane River catchment near Ipswich.

The survey, conducted after the 2022 February flooding, identified Sandy Creek, along the western edge of Brisbane and Ipswich, as the unexpected habitat for Australia’s elusive mammal, with no other sites in the catchment recording a positive eDNA test for the animal.

The researchers examined 22 sites in the catchment and Sandy Creek emerged as the sole location where platypuses were found. The discovery highlights the importance of protecting the land surrounding waterways, particularly as the region transitions into a period of anticipated drought after several wet seasons in southeast Queensland.

Tamielle Brunt, an ecologist involved in the survey, emphasized the significance of preserving the platypus’s habitat in order to ensure their survival during dry spells. Female platypuses have the ability to burrow up to 30 meters, sometimes emerging within 30 centimetres of the surface, even in open parklands or residential backyards. Many people are unaware of the proximity of platypus colonies to their own homes.

Maintaining healthy water quality and preserving the habitat where platypuses reside are crucial factors in their well-being. The availability and quality of water directly influence their food sources, which primarily consist of aquatic water bugs such as dragonfly larvae and caddisfly larvae.

However, sedimentation and poor water quality can impact refuge pools, causing them to become shallower and reducing the diversity and abundance of these species that platypuses rely on for sustenance.

The presence of platypuses is not limited to Sandy Creek alone. Locals in Bellbird Park, a suburb of Ipswich, regularly report sightings along Woogaroo Creek. Keith McCosh, whose property backs onto the creek, expressed concern over the potential effects of a proposed development in his neighbourhood on one of Australia’s most remarkable mammals. While not opposed to urban development, McCosh believes it should be carried out sensitively, taking into account the needs of wildlife.

The responsibility of protecting the platypus population falls on local councils, as the species is considered relatively stable in Queensland.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tam (@platypus_protector)

Ipswich City Council faces the challenge of striking a balance between the demand for housing and the preservation of the natural environment. Ms Brunt highlighted the significance of maintaining platypus populations in specific areas, as once they are lost, the chances of natural migration or recolonization are rare.

Deputy Mayor Russell Milligan, who chairs the environment and sustainability committee, assured that the Council collaborates closely with developers to mitigate the impact on wildlife. Within the 2023/24 budget, Ipswich City Council has identified conservation projects aimed at improving platypus habitats in urban areas. They acknowledge the concerns expressed by residents regarding land clearing and wildlife impacts and aim to establish a balanced approach in the assessment of development applications.

Published 26-June-2023

Springfield’s Mater Hospital to Feature Cutting-Edge Robotic Pharmacy System

Springfield residents will soon benefit from the latest advancements in medical technology as the Mater Foundation, a charitable organization supporting Mater hospitals across Queensland, invests $450,000 in a state-of-the-art robotic pharmacy system for the new Mater Private Hospital in Springfield.

This innovative system is set to revolutionize prescription delivery, aiming to provide around 100,000 prescriptions annually to patients and medical staff within minutes. The investment made by the Mater Foundation demonstrates the importance of community fundraising in supporting the vital work of Mater, Queensland’s largest not-for-profit health provider.

Mater Private Hospital Springfield’s General Manager, Suzanne Hawksley, expressed gratitude for the generosity of Mater’s donors and highlighted the significant impact the investment will have on the hospital’s pharmacy team and patients.

With the completion of the Stage 2 expansion, Mater Pharmacy anticipates dispensing approximately 100,000 prescriptions per year. The cutting-edge technology of the BD ROWA Vmax-160 pharmacy robotic and inventory dispensing system will ensure accurate and efficient medication delivery, significantly reducing waiting times for patients. The system automates the process of picking and dispensing medicines, directing them to each pharmacist’s workstation via chutes and conveyor belts. This eliminates the need for pharmacists to manually locate and collect medications from shelves, streamlining operations and enhancing patient care.

In addition to improving efficiency, the robotic pharmacy system will optimize stock control, leading to more effective inventory management within the pharmacy. This will ultimately reduce the amount of storage space required and enhance overall pharmacy operations.

Mater Foundation’s Chief Executive, Andrew Thomas, emphasized that the acquisition of the pharmacy robot exemplifies how community fundraising efforts directly contribute to enhanced patient care at Mater. He encouraged Springfield residents to participate in Mater Giving Day, which falls on 28 June 2023. On this day, all donations to the Mater Foundation will be tripled by matching donors, amplifying the impact of each contribution.

To contribute to Mater Giving Day and support the Mater Foundation’s initiatives, donations can be made online.

Mater Giving Day serves as an opportunity for the community to support the provision of life-saving medical equipment, research, education, and healthcare throughout Queensland. Mr. Thomas expressed his gratitude to Mater’s staff, patients, loved ones, and supporters, emphasizing the profound difference their collective contributions can make in the lives of Mater’s patients.

Meanwhile, the ongoing Stage 2 expansion of Mater Private Hospital Springfield, located on Health Care Drive, is a crucial development aimed at meeting the community’s healthcare needs for years to come. The expansion will provide 174 public beds and offer both private and public services, including an emergency department, an intensive care unit, and Mater’s renowned maternity services. This comprehensive approach ensures that local women have the opportunity to give birth within their own community, fostering a sense of comfort and convenience during the crucial time of childbirth.

Construction work on the Stage 2 expansion began in early 2023, and it is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. The new Mater Private Hospital Springfield represents a significant advancement in healthcare infrastructure and demonstrates Mater’s commitment to delivering exceptional care to the Springfield community.

Published 18-June-2023

Springfield-Based Medcan Leads the Way in Medicinal Hemp Farming with Advanced Technology

Photo Credit: MedCan/Facebook

Use of medical hemp in Australia has witnessed a steady increase since its legalisation, and one company in Queensland is at the forefront of revolutionizing the industry. Medcan, with its headquarters in Springfield, has pioneered a cutting-edge tech setup that is considered one of the most advanced in the southern hemisphere.

Under the leadership of CEO Craig Cochran, Medcan is dedicated to producing the highest quality hemp available in the market. Cochran emphasised the importance of creating an environment that can be accurately controlled and consistently replicated to achieve this goal.

Thanks to its advanced technology setup, Medcan has the capacity to produce up to 6,000 kilograms of dried cannabis flower per year. This production volume places the company at the forefront of medicinal cannabis cultivation in Australia.

Medcan operates a 3,000-square-meter vertical cannabis farm equipped with the PRIVA software system and a state-of-the-art HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system. The combination of these technologies allows for precise environmental control and optimal cultivation conditions.

Nate Jones, Head of Cultivation at Medcan, highlighted the challenge of managing the dehumidification load required for indoor plant growth. However, Medcan designed an innovative HVAC system that effectively maintains the temperature at an ideal 25 degrees Celsius, with an optimal humidity level of 55 per cent.

The PRIVA system employed by Medcan is a comprehensive software solution that utilizes algorithmic logic to calculate and manage the plant’s environment. It collects data from hundreds of probes and various measuring equipment throughout the facility, ensuring optimal conditions for growth.

In addition to cultivation, Medcan operates as a full-service company, covering the entire value chain of medicinal cannabis. They engage in manufacturing, importation, exportation, wholesale distribution, and local supply of medical cannabis across Australia.

The innovative approach and dedication to quality exhibited by Medcan are propelling Queensland to the forefront of the medicinal cannabis industry in Australia. With the company’s advanced technology and comprehensive services, it is poised to meet the growing demand for medicinal cannabis and contribute significantly to the healthcare sector.

Published 16-June-2023

Stage 2 of $710-M Ipswich Hospital Expansion Awarded

Construction on the $710-million Ipswich Hospital is now one step closer to completion as Stage 2 of the project, expected to add 200 beds and 1,700 construction jobs to the region, is awarded to BESIX Watpac.

Read: New Building With Childcare Centre, Commercial Spaces Proposed For Brisbane Street Ipswich

Ipswich Hospital Stage 2 — Photo credit: Sybille Goss/Google Maps

Local officials highlighted the comprehensive nature of the expansion, which includes not only the 200 new beds but also a new Emergency Department, purpose-built acute clinical service building, six extra operating theatres, a satellite medical imaging service, and a new Central Sterilisation Service Department.

The project is particularly signigicant for the expansion of healthcare services in the region. It is expected to be fully operational by 2027. Local authorities emphasised the short-term benefits for local businesses and suppliers who eagerly anticipate the opportunity to be part of such a significant project.

“It is critical that Queensland Health and BESIX Watpac Qld ensure that our local businesses and suppliers receive orders and that they are informed and given the opportunity to bid for subcontracts, rather than the jobs and work leaving the Ipswich region,” Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said.

The State is currently overseeing the $146.3 million Ipswich Hospital Stage 1 upgrade project, which is set to be completed in late 2023. This project includes the establishment of an Acute Mental Health Unit, an MRI suite, a 26-bed medical and surgical ward, and a transit lounge for the local community. Additionally, a new Satellite Hospital in Ripley is scheduled to open later in 2023.

Councillor Nicole Jonic, Chair of the Economic and Industry Development Committee, highlighted the direct benefits that the hospital expansion program will bring to the Ipswich industry.

“Health care and social assistance is one of Ipswich’s core industries, with 17 percent of our region’s workers employed in the sector,” Cr Jonic said.

Read: Opening Soon in Springfield: Innovative Mater Health Hub for the Whole Family

Construction of the Ipswich Hospital Stage 2 expansion would commence by 2024 and is anticipated to be complete by 2027.

Published 8-June-2023

Good Samaritans Rescue Toddler Found Wandering at Closed Greenbank Military Base

Photo Credit: Garde Jipulu/Pixabay

A heartwarming rescue took place at the Greenbank Military Base, near the Springfield Lakes-Greenbank Arterial Road, when a toddler was found wandering through the closed military base by a vigilant member of the public.

The three-year-old girl, covered in mud and bites, was spotted along the fence line of the training area, freezing and chewing on rocks. Thanks to the quick actions of two good Samaritans, the toddler has been safely reunited with her mother.

Kylie Hey, a resident of the Spring Mountain Estate, was on her way to work when she noticed the child inside the fenced area. Concerned for the toddler’s well-being, she wasted no time and reached through the fence to grab the girl’s hand. Ms Hey immediately called the police, despite the child’s distressed state, with screams overpowering the conversation.

Meanwhile, Sarah Ransley was driving her children to school when she noticed Ms Hey and initially assumed it was a parent attending to their child’s needs. However, her children alerted her to the fact that the child was behind the fence, prompting her to turn around and offer assistance.

Ms Ransley held the girl’s hand, trying to keep her calm, whilst Ms Hey spoke with the police. Several other people passing by also stopped to lend a hand, bringing ladders to aid in the rescue efforts.

Once the girl was safely rescued from behind the fence, her soaked clothes were removed, revealing ant bites all over her body. Concerned for her well-being, the residents wrapped her in a towel and brought her into Ms Ransley’s heated car. There, the girl found comfort in the warmth and even ate some food from Ms Ransley’s children’s lunch boxes.

According to Ms Hey, the company responsible for security on the fence line at the Greenbank Military Base suspected that the girl may have crawled through one of the wildlife holes in the fence, setting off on her unexpected adventure. The nearest homes were believed to be several kilometres away, separated by multiple creeks.

Emergency services arrived at the scene and assessed the girl for injuries. Fortunately, she was found to have no significant injuries and was later transported to Ipswich Hospital as a precautionary measure. The police, in the meantime, launched a door-to-door search in the surrounding area to locate the girl’s parents, but their efforts were initially in vain.

As news of the incident spread, social media platforms were inundated with messages of support and appeals for assistance in finding the child’s parents. The community rallied together to aid the police in their search. Eventually, a mother reported waking up late in the morning and discovering her toddler missing. After verifying the information, she was identified as the parent of the toddler.

The heartwarming reunion between the mother and child took place, bringing relief to all involved. The police confirmed that there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the incident, attributing the toddler’s adventure to a case of curiosity and wanderlust.

Authorities from West Moreton Health, when contacted for comment, declined to provide any specific details about the child’s condition.

Published 22-May-2023

Springfield Grande Shopping Hub Soon to Rise in Springfield Lakes

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Springfield Lakes residents can look forward to a new shopping destination as Springfield Grande prepares to open its doors in early 2025.

Springfield Grande, previously known as Springfield Lakes Shopping Village, will soon begin construction at its prime location on 11 Grande Avenue. This much-anticipated project comes to fruition under the new ownership of Limbada Group, taking the reins after Taree Property faced voluntary liquidation.

The owners are pushing forward with the approved plans for the centre, aiming to commence construction in just four months. With this timeline in mind, locals can look forward to Springfield Grande’s grand opening in early 2025.

Site plan | *Photo Credit: Ipswich City Council / developmenti.ipswich.qld.gov.au*

Strategically positioned a mere three and a half kilometres from the thriving Orion Shopping Centre in Springfield Central, Springfield Grande will be ideally situated to meet the growing demands of the community. Anderson highlighted the centre’s intent to cater to the rising needs of nearby Aveo retirement living, as well as the expanding communities at Springfield Rise and Greenbank Arterial.

The current blueprint for Springfield Grande reveals an impressive array of businesses, poised to deliver a diverse range of services and products. Anchored by a Drakes Supermarket, the centre will also feature a 7/11 convenience store, a Snap Fitness gym, the popular Yiros Shop, Sushi Hyo, and JAX Tyres Auto.

Retail elevations | Photo Credit: Ipswich City Council / developmenti.ipswich.qld.gov.au

Moreover, a pharmacy, bottle shop, laundromat, kebab shop, and bakery will enhance the convenience and variety offered to shoppers. Anderson expressed the team’s ongoing commitment to finding the perfect tenants to complete the centre’s vibrant atmosphere including a café and restaurants.

The plans for Springfield Grande may also include the addition of an auxiliary childcare centre, ensuring that families in the area will have access to quality care whilst attending to their shopping needs.

Published 19-May-2023

Australian Made Week Celebrates Local Legends to Promote Aussie-Made Products

Waves of promotion kick off for Australia Made Week, which is aimed at encouraging Australians to support local makers and growers by purchasing Australian-made products.

As part of Australian Made Week, Brookwater local and tennis star Ash Barty is calling on all Australians to join in and support local producers by buying genuine Aussie products.

Ms Barty, who is a strong advocate for buying local, says that every purchase makes a difference for local businesses and encourages people to spread the word on social media using the hashtag #AustralianMadeWeek.

According to Roy Morgan research, every household in Australia could contribute an extra $4.8 billion to the economy each year and up to 9,500 new jobs if they spent just an extra $10 a week on products made in Australia. Ben Lazzaro, CEO of Australian created, is asking Australians to make a weekly commitment to purchasing at least one additional item that is created or farmed domestically.

The Australian Made logo, featuring a trusted green-and-gold kangaroo, is recognised by a staggering 99% of Australians, making it one of the most trusted certification brands in the country.

A whopping 93% of Australians are confident that products displaying the Australian Made logo are made or grown in Australia.

The week-long event, which runs from May 15 to May 21, is being promoted through various channels, including TV, radio, print, and online advertisements. With 86% of Australians considering it important to buy Australian-made products, the event aims to celebrate local makers and growers while boosting the country’s economy.

Published 15-May-2023