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The Salvation Army Launches Flood Appeal to Assist in Relief Efforts and Beyond

Photo Credit: The Salvation Army / salvationarmy.org.au

Salvation Army Emergency Services teams have currently been deployed in various evacuation centres across the state, including the one at Ipswich Showgrounds. The Salvos have likewise launched “Flood Appeal” with a $1 million contribution towards relief efforts in the areas ravaged by the floods.

The Salvation Army has activated its emergency services teams, working with the evacuation centres across Queensland and NSW to support first responders and evacuees with meals as well as providing them with emotional and practical support. Apart from Ipswich, they are also assisting evacuation sites in Nambour, Gympie (two evacuation sites), Caboolture, Dakabin, Chandler, Logan, Lismore and Tweed Heads.

“Salvation Army personnel are on the ground right now providing thousands of meals for those impacted by floods across the east coast of Australia. In addition to meals, our teams are offering emotional support, which is well received by those displaced from their homes,” Major Bruce Harmer, National Public Relations Secretary for The Salvation Army said.

So far, Salvos have provided over 12,000 meals to these areas, however, much is still needed to sustain the relief efforts and fund the recovery and rebuilding phase. Thus, the “Flood Appeal” was launched with the aim of raising $10 million that will go directly to the approximately 18,000 homes that are estimated to be impacted by the extreme weather event.

Photo Credit: The Salvation Army / salvationarmy.org.au

To kickstart the fundraising drive, the Salvation Army released $1 million from its Red Shield Appeal funds along with an appeal for public donations “to help ensure we can support those devastated by these floods get back on their feet.”

“We have seen in the past two years, through bushfires, floods, drought and COVID-19, the spirit of generosity shown in times of hardship. We are calling again on the Australians to help us be there for the incredible number of people displaced by the floods. Please, if you are able, give to “The Salvation Army’s 2022 Flood Appeal”, Major Harmer said.

After the initial emergency response, Salvos will remain in the communities for the long term for the recovery and rebuild phase. During this phase, teams of caseworkers will be mobilised to reach out to affected communities, providing grants, financial support and acute care.

Visit the Salvation Army website to donate to “The Salvation Army’s Flood Appeal”. You can also round up your purchase at any Woolworths checkout in NSW and QLD, donate at any register throughout the country, or round up your in-store purchases at any Myer retail outlet nationally.

St Peters Springfield’s Mollie O’Callaghan to Headline 2022 QGSSSA Swimming Championships

Photo Credit: St Peters Lutheran College Springfield / Facebook

St Peters Lutheran College Springfield’s pride, Olympian Mollie O’Callaghan, is set to make waves once more as she headlines the 2022 QGSSSA Swimming Championships.

Fresh from her successful Tokyo Olympics stint, O’Callaghan will be competing for the Mollie Gould Cup on the 16th of March 2022 at the Brisbane Aquatic Centre. Joining her in the Saints’ elite girls swimming squad are Ainsley Trotter, Amelia Weber, Ella Ramsay, Jaclyn Barclay, Jamie Perkins, and Semra Olowniyi.

O’Callaghan was recently awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) on Australia Day in recognition of her two gold medals and one bronze finish at the 2020 Summer Olympics; she was the youngest member of the Australian swimming team.

O’Callaghan bagged the gold medal in the 4×100 medley relay and the freestyle relay as a heat swimmer and was also part of the 4×200-m relay team that took home the bronze medal. She also broke the world junior record in the 200m freestyle.

But whilst the odds are in favour of St Peters Lutheran College given their formidable lineup, other stellar athletes and rising stars including the likes of Tribeca Liu of St Hilda’s, Brisbane State High School’s Hannah Allen and St Margaret’s Sophie Martin are sure to give the Saints some fierce competition.

The 87th Annual Swimming Championships will also feature for the first time, four open multi-class events for swimmers with a disability. The four events are the Open 50-m Freestyle Multiclass, Open 50-m Breaststroke Multiclass, Open 50-m Butterfly Multiclass, and Open 100-m Freestyle Multiclass.

The 2022 QGSSSA Swimming Championships will be streamed live via Clutch. Triple Australian Olympian and St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School Alumni, Bronte Barratt, will be co-commenting with Joel Murray this year’s live stream production.

Bottle Alley in Ipswich Set for Artistic Transformation

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Expressions of interest to re-imagine Bottle Alley in Ipswich are now being accepted. This unique opportunity is open to local, interstate and international creatives until 15 March 2022.

The Bottle Alley public art project has the theme ‘Lost Buildings of Ipswich Central’ and will provide individual artists as well as consortiums of creators with a unique canvas to display their artwork.

Artistic concepts may come in a combination of mediums including mural, sculpture, digital, and light.

“Bottle Alley is a laneway that joins Ellenborough Street with the Nicholas Street Precinct, parts of which date back more than 150 years,” Deputy Mayor and Ipswich Central Redevelopment Committee Deputy Chairperson Councillor Nicole Jonic said.

“Our city has a rich heritage, and this theme is to guide the artwork in connecting our history with the future using modern and innovative techniques to create an artwork that will appeal to our community.

Video Credit: Ipswich City Council TV / YouTube

Ipswich Central Redevelopment Committee Chairperson Councillor Marnie Doyle said that Council recognises that art “improves our public spaces, strengthens local identity, and cultivates a sense of place.”

“In recent years, public art has been a key focus of the Ipswich Central revitalisation with several new works from artists including Lincoln Austin, Rachael Sarra, Kim Ah Sam and Kyra Mancktelow and Fintan Magee,” said Cr Doyle.

“Art is also a significant contributor to our local economy that draws people to local businesses and galleries and fosters cultural tourism through regionally significant events like SPARK Ipswich.”

The project will allow large pieces of artwork to be displayed on more than 60 metres of open-air wall space that can stretch up to three metres high. More space is available inside the tunnel in which an outdoor dining area is also proposed.

Photo Credit: Ipswich First / ipswichfirst.com.au

“Sitting alongside new restaurants in the proposed Eats building, and as a gateway to Tulmur Place, this public art will help set the mood when entering the Nicholas Street Precinct.

Councillor Doyle added that Council is also in the process of exploring improvement opportunities for Bottle Alley including “additional wayfinding, new screening to replace the existing Queensland Rail security fence, and a potential widening of the alley.”

Artists and designers across Australia and internationally are encouraged to submit their Expression of Interest (EOI) by 2:00 p.m. Tuesday 15 March 2022. The EOI process will provide Council with information and concepts from artists necessary to evaluate the most appropriate concept for Bottle Alley.
More information is available at this link.

Springfield Lakes Property Market Carry On With its Fast-Paced Growth

The rapid growth and increasing number of infrastructure projects in Springfield Lakes have given first-home buyers more options to become property owners. Buyers are spoilt for choice in this suburb with a wide range of house sizes, which means there is something here for every potential property hunter.

Highlights

Springfield Lakes has carried on with its rapid growth for the period of October 2020 to September 2021 with a 13.95 per cent house price increase.
Its unit market has gained a 16.99 per cent growth.
There were 509 houses and 110 units sold in Springfield Lakes within this 12-month period.

Springfield Lakes House Price Growth

Springfield Lakes’ growth, coupled with the current condition of the region’s property market, which has been described by industry experts as the “perfect storm” with historically low interest rates and stock shortages, have driven prices upward at its fastest rate as buyers scramble to acquire the home of their choice.

Data from Property Market Updates shows Springfield Lakes pulling a 13.95 per cent house price growth for the period of October 2020 to September 2021, with the median house price nearly reaching the half-million mark at $490,000.

Springfield Lakes House Price Growth — Photo Credit: Property Market Updates

For this period, 509 houses were sold within an average of 38 days on the market and more than half of the sales have been for four-bedroom houses. Springfield Lakes buyers get more bang for their buck as most of the houses are still within reach of a single-income earner eager to invest in a property.

Springfield Lakes Unit Price Growth

The unit market in Springfield Lakes is as equally attractive as the housing market with a 16.99 per cent growth from October 2020 to September 2021. The unit median price is nearly the same as the house median price at $439,000.

However, unlike house sales, there were just 110 units sold for this period within 68 days of listing on the market. Most unit buyers have preferred to acquire three-bedroom properties in luxury property developments, with some seeking investor-type apartments for future income incentives.

About Springfield Lakes

Springfield Lakes is one of the fastest-growing communities in Australia with a population of 30,000 and a projected population increase of 138,000 by 2030. This astounding increase shows the popularity of the area for homebuyers.

Both young and established families love the lifestyle offered in Springfield lakes, where outdoor recreational activities are abundant. The suburb provides biking and walking trails next to a beautiful lakeside park whilst schools, playgrounds, dining options, and essential shops are all within easy reach. Commute to the city using public transportation is also accessible via the train station at Springfield Central.

As part of a masterplanned community created within Greater Springfield, this suburb has a carefully developed mix of suburbian lifestyle, high-tech industries, and heaps of green spaces. Now, nearly two decades since its development, the suburb has also attracted stakeholders and investors in both the private and public sectors, providing more employment opportunities for the residents.

“We’ve lived in Springfield Lakes since October 2005 and now own two houses here. We love the parks, the trees, the layout of the suburbs and the shopping has everything you really need, with more on the way. There’s a good selection of primary, secondary and tertiary education facilities. The train will service the suburb by the end of 2013, so the public transport challenges will be resolved. In the meantime, we commute by car to the CBD every weekday and it takes between 35-45 min each way, and that’s door to door. With the Centenary Hwy duplication, it may be even quicker.”
Chrissy

“Lively and lovely suburb to live in. I have never heard of any crime in the area and statistics show that there is a low crime in the area. Very convenient good schools gd uni and hospital.”
Jek

“A year ago we moved over from New Zealand. Out of the hundreds of overwhelming Suburbs to choose from we narrowed it right down to Springfield lakes. One main factor was that we didn’t want to be anywhere near the City but wanted ample amenities that allowed us to do so. We were advised that Springfield Lakes was a part of a grand masterplan for Ipswich.
Kristy

Ipswich In Talks with Ash Barty for Statue Honouring World No.1

Tennis superstar Ash Barty will be honoured with her very own statue in Ipswich after her victorious performance to end a 44-year drought and win the Australian Open.

Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding confirmed in a press conference that they have been in discussions with Ms Barty’s team about creating a statue for the World No. 1.

Ms Harding said that Ipswich City Council is planning to put in an application for an Ash Barty statue after the Queensland Government established the Framework for Considering Proposals to Establish Memorials and Monuments of Significance.

“People are very keen to do a statue…so we’ll certainly put in a great application for that,” the mayor said. “Again, we’ll work with Ash’s team to make sure that it’s respectful and it’s something that’s really great.”

Ms Harding said that the community will also be involved in planning the statue. On her Facebook page, hundreds of Ipswich locals have shared their ideas on how best to honour Ms Barty.

I’m so proud to be an Aussie 💙 pic.twitter.com/ELbsqR4Vv8
— Ash Barty (@ashbarty) January 29, 2022

Following her epic win, Ipswich installed five electronic billboards to honour their homegrown talent. Ms Harding said that Barty’s success is an inspiration to the community and described the tennis champ as “down-to-earth and hardworking.”

“She is quintessentially Ipswich; down-to-earth, focused, works hard and she has achieved her dream.”

Ms Harding also said they are considering renaming a road after Ms Barty, depending on how the talks with her team work out.

In 2017, Ipswich gave Ms Ash Barty the key to the city for her outstanding contribution to tennis, besting Grand Slam singles results in the 2017 Australian Open and the 2017 US Open. This was also the year Ms Barty climbed the WTA Top 100 world rankings to end at 17. Tennis centres across Ipswich have also been named after her.

Ms Barty’s accomplishment also brings pride to the First Nations people. The 25-year-old is a proud Ngarigo woman.

Last year, two petitions were opened for an Ash Barty bride and an Ash Barty statue in Springfield Central in Ipswich, where she grew up.

“Ultimately, whatever Council and the community come up with, we will need to see what Ash feels comfortable,” Ms Harding said.

Ipswich Excavation Unearths 120-Yr-Old Handmade Brick Drain on Milford Street

Photo credit: Ipswich First / ipswichfirst.com.au

A handmade brick drain believed to be over 120 years old has been unearthed during an excavation carried out along Milford Street near Queens Park.

The historical find appears to be in great condition. The discovery of the clay brick arch stormwater drainage system happened whilst Ipswich City Council field crews were working on the site as part of the Eastern Ipswich Bikeway Link project.

Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding explained that a section of the artefact was exposed during the excavation. Realising the historical significance of the discovery, the field crews handled the brick drain with extra care whilst successfully connecting the new pipes into the existing and still fully functioning brick drainage network.

A 1947 ‘The Queensland Times’ article with a photo showing replacement work being undertaken on the old brick drainage structure

Photo credit: Trove / trove.nla.gov.au/

“I would like to acknowledge the staff that uncovered the drain, recognising they had dug up something special,” Ipswich Central Redevelopment Committee Chair Councillor Marnie Doyle said.

“Council officers trawled through the history books to discover when the drain was built and unearthed the whole story behind it, which speaks volumes about our city pride and commitment to preserving local history.

Council research revealed that drainage works were carried out at the site in the 1880s and in 1910. At the time, the most prominent brick maker in Ipswich was the Welldon Company which was established in the 1860s by Thomas Welldon – acknowledged as a pioneer in the brick-making trade in Ipswich.

“While we may be the state’s fastest-growing city, we are also a city steeped in heritage and it is vitally important to protect historical artifacts where possible, “ Cr Doyle said.

“This wonderful piece of history is now part of a future bikeway and it is an example of how the future and past can sit together when both are valued.”

Plans For Mater’s New Public Hospital In Springfield Central Unveiled

Artist’s impression of proposed hospital, on the corner of Mercy Ave & Health Care Drive (Photo credit: Ipswich City Council)

Mater Health Services has lodged its plans for a new public hospital in Springfield Central, which will cater to the increasing demand for public health services in the Greater Ipswich region.

Read: New Services, More Beds Part Of St Andrew’s Ipswich Private Hospital’s Expansion

Mater Health Services plans to build the new structure at the same site as Mater Private Hospital Springfield on Health Care Drive.

First announced in May 2021, the proposed public hospital will take up about 2.6-ha of land in the area bounded by Mercy Ave, Health Care Dr, Nightingale Ave, and John Nugent Way.

Site of the proposed Mater public hospital

The new facility will feature two different building structures, a public hospital and an ancillary central energy plant.

The Mater Hospital Springfield Stage 2 will consist of a new 10-storey building (9 storeys and partial roof level) whilst the central energy plant building will serve as an ancillary, integrated central facility.

With plans to accommodate 152 beds, Stage 2 of the new hospital would also include an Intensive Care Unit, Maternity service, more procedural areas, and a much-needed Emergency Department which Mater Private Hospital currently does not have.

In addition to expanded private bed capacity and services in the region, the proposed hospital will also feature more interventional spaces, such as operating theatres and endoscopy suite, as well as increased clinical capability of the service, meaning more complex care can be treated locally.

mater-hospital-stage-2 — Plans (Photo credit: Ipswich City Council)

The proposed public hospital in Springfield Central is a partnership between Mater Health Services and the State Government. Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced the expansion of Mater’s private facility as a response to the public’s appeal for a new public hospital in the area.

Mater Health Services will privately fund the facility whilst the Stage Government will contribute $177 million for the care of public patients.

ipswich-hospital — Mercy Ave streetscape (Photo credit: Ipswich City Council)

“The Palaszczuk Government will fully fund the additional operational funding required for the new facility on an ongoing basis from its expected opening in 2024,” said Health Minister Yvette D’Ath.

Read: Australia’s Largest Animal Genomics Lab to Be Established in Ipswich

The project is also expected to bring in 700 jobs throughout construction and over 1,000 health jobs once it opens in late 2024. For more details about Mater Private Hospital’s expansion, see 20230/2021/ADP on the Ipswich City Council PD Online website.

Soon! Australia’s First Hydrogen Fuel Cell Facility in Greater Springfield

Photo credit: Queensland Government / https://statements.qld.gov.au

Did you know that Australia’s first hydrogen fuel cell manufacturing facility is set to commence construction in Greater Springfield in early 2022?

The $15-million manufacturing facility is a joint project between Australian energy technology company LAVO Hydrogen Technology Limited and fuel cells developer Nedstack.

It is one of the first projects to receive support from the State Government through its Invested in Queensland program, an initiative created under the $3.34-billion Queensland Jobs Fund.

Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick said that the project will create up to 200 jobs during its construction, which is expected to be completed by end of 2022, plus nearly 170 operational jobs once the manufacturing facility steps up production by 2026.

He added that the partnership with LAVO is part of the State Government’s COVID recovery plan initiative to push Queensland forward to the next phase of economic growth.

“By supporting this sort of innovation and unlocking greater private investment, we expect to create 5000 jobs over the life of the Invested in Queensland program.

“We welcome LAVO to Queensland, and the new generation of employment opportunities this hydrogen manufacturing facility will bring to our state.”

CEO and Executive Director of LAVO Alan Yu said that the company was encouraged by the Government’s strong commitment to the development of the hydrogen industry and the support of Springfield City Group.

“We will be working to maximise the use of local suppliers in the manufacturing process and will be supplying both domestic and international markets across the residential, off-grid, telecommunications and commercial sectors,” Allan Yu said.

Apart from the fuel cell facility, LAVO also plans to invest in additional hydrogen-based powered units and other hydrogen components including electrolysers and hydride vessel production. The company expects to deliver all these expansion projects in Queensland by 2024.

The fuel cells produced in the manufacturing plant will be used in the LAVO HESS (Hydrogen Energy Storage System), the world’s first hydrogen energy storage system for homes and businesses which was developed by LAVO and the University of New South Wales.

The LAVO HESS is capable of providing power to a typical household that will last for two days by combining its integrated hybrid hydrogen battery component with rooftop solar to store up to 40kWh of electricity.

Bell Street Clean-Up in Ipswich Hailed as a Successful Community Effort

Great things can happen when people work together, something a group of volunteers proved after undertaking a community clean-up on Bell Street in Ipswich Central.

The community-led project, which started in late November 2021, was in response to a petition lodged with Ipswich City Council to “Fix Up Bell Steet.” Provisions were provided for the clean-up in partnership with Clean Up Australia Day and Council’s Ipswich Central Revitalisation Project.

More than 50 volunteers answered the call, which also saw Mayor Teresa Harding, as well as councillors Marnie Doyle, Andrew Fechner, and Kate Kunzelmann, grabbing some sponges and brushes to transform this gateway into a clean and sparkling commercial hub.

The precinct has now been scrubbed of graffiti and dirt, and then revitalised with fresh coats of paint, newly-sanded benches, disposal of rubbish, more plants on the ground, and heaps of planter boxes at the storefronts.

Cr Doyle hailed the initiative as a success. Cr Fechner, on the other hand, said that this was a “fabulous example” of commitment to the revitalisation project.

“As Bell Street is a key Ipswich Central thoroughfare and the entrance to our CBD for those arriving by train it was the ideal location for the Ipswich Central Partnership first initiative,” Cr Doyle said.

“While Council maintains Bell Street with regular cleaning and graffiti removal from footpaths and other council-owned property, the buildings on the east of the street are all state government assets or privately owned businesses.

“That’s why it’s vital that we work together to improve and maintain the streetscape.”

Meanwhile, Cr Doyle also confirmed that improvements to the awning at the train station on Bell Street are in the early planning stages. They are also in the middle of discussions with the Queensland Department of Natural Resources for the upgrades to the Bell Street Walkway.

Australia’s Largest Animal Genomics Lab to Be Established in Ipswich

Photo credit: The State of Queensland 1997–2021 (Department of the Premier and Cabinet) / https://statements.qld.gov.au

Australia’s largest and most advanced animal genomics lab will soon be established in Bundamba, creating an additional 25 high-skilled local jobs and helping farmers deliver the best quality produce and livestock.

Neogen Australasia is set to build an $11 million genomics centre in Bundamba where a University Queensland learning facility once stood. The new facility will be established with the State Government’s support through the Advance Queensland Industry Attraction Fund.

The genomic centre aims to consolidate Neogen Australasia’s operation in Queensland and will allow the company to more than double its testing capacity to up to a million tests per year. Neogen currently conducts around 35,000 genomic tests per month, apart from food diagnostic and biosecurity services they provide for the agribusiness sector.

Photo credit: Neogen Australasia / Facebook

“Neogen has become a genuine Queensland success story and a great example of a world-leading company investing in their future here in the Sunshine State,” Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick said.

“In 2017 our government worked with the University of Queensland to attract US food safety giant Neogen Corporation to our state to set up a new Australian office at UQ’s Gatton campus.

“Neogen went on to established the largest livestock DNA testing lab in the country, backed by our Advance Queensland Industry Attraction Fund, and they currently employ 48 staff locally.

“Our government is now investing in this new facility, again through AQIAF, which will create 25 new jobs by 2027, and potentially more than 40 jobs over the next decade.”

Neogen Australasia Senior Director Bobby Creasman said that the new facility will allow new technologies and expanded food diagnostics to be offered across Australasia.

“Our future Bundamba facility will be at the forefront of ensuring greater accessibility of genomic tools at improved value to the cattle and sheep producer, while providing more information across the livestock production value chain,” concludes Mr Creasman.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner welcomed the announcement, adding that the new Bundamba facility will be a real asset for the State’s agricultural sector, specifically the beef industry.

“Our state offers some of the best produce and livestock in the world, and if we can take that quality even higher then it’s only going to deliver positives for the sector and our state,” Mr Furner said.