Homepage Latest News Archives - Page 39 of 65

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

Mater has announced its plans to open an innovative Mater Health Hub in Springfield, designed to cater to the health and wellness needs of the whole family.

Scheduled for a July 2023 inauguration, Mater Health Hub, Springfield offers services like GP clinics, consulting rooms, a new Mater Pathology department, a chemist, a childcare centre, a cafe and a gym.

The facility will run allied health services, including women’s healthcare, pediatric and child development care, group therapies, diet and nutrition programs, and corporate wellness services. Some services currently delivered at Brookwater Health Clinic will be incorporated into the health hub when it opens.

Dr Fiona Hinchliffe, Mater Executive Director of Residential Care and Community Services, said that this facility is a deviation from traditional hospitals but it will still provide families access to health care services that are otherwise out of reach or require them to travel to Ipswich, Brisbane or Gold Coast.

The new building will also serve as the centre for Mater Education for the Diploma of Nursing program, as well as provide practical training for students gaining experience at the nearby Mater Private Hospital Springfield and Mater Hospital Springfield. Thus, providing more options for the young people of Springfield who are looking for the right career path.

In line with this, Mater has also enlisted HealthCo Healthcare & Wellness as the anchor tenant of the Mater Health Hub for 10 years. More healthcare service initiatives will be developed as a result of this strategic partnership.

Council Approved Hundreds of Homes as Ipswich’s Population Grew 27 % Last Quarter

Photo credit: Ipswich First / ipswichfirst.com.au

Ipswich City Council approved 1,033 homes over the September quarter as the city’s population grew 27 per cent to 243,588, latest report says.

“As Queensland’s fastest growing city, Ipswich continues to lead the charge in catering for the south-east’s growing population by ensuring we have more land coming to market,” Mayor Harding said about the total lot approvals during the past quarter which saw an increase of 1,145 per cent or 1,033 lots.

The data is included in the Council’s Planning and Regulatory Services Quarterly Report from 1 July to 30 September 2022 which provides a glimpse into the development activity and population growth across Ipswich.

“That growth from the previous quarter is largely because we had two large housing estates approved this quarter with 799 lots for an estate in Spring Mountain and 184 lots for an estate in Ripley.

“While Brisbane will run out of available land to build new homes in less than three years, Ipswich goes from strength to strength with 7.3 years’ worth of approved lots – land that is ready to go to market for housing.

“Council continues to work with all levels of government to secure the critical funding needed to deliver community and transport infrastructure to support our rapidly growing population.”

Ipswich City Council Addresses Growing Population With Hundreds of Lot Approvals Over the September Quarter — Photo credit: Ipswich First / ipswichfirst.com.au

According to Growth, Infrastructure and Waste Committee Deputy Chairperson Councillor Paul Tully, the quarterly report also shows that the city grew to an additional 1,218 residents that moved to the city during the period. That equates to a 27 per cent rise compared to the June quarter bringing Ipswich’s population to 243,588.

Most of those residents, Cr Tully said, are moving to the suburbs of Ripley, Spring Mountain, Redbank Plains, South Ripley and Springfield. These are also the top five suburbs for new dwellings and additional population.

“New dwellings overall increased 35 per cent, lots created increased 7 per cent, while development applications also went up by 7 per cent in the September quarter.”

Other highlights of the quarterly report card include:

415 new dwellings (35 per cent increase from June 2022)
88,653 total dwellings
8.4km of additional pathways and bikeways
4.45km of additional local roads
1.32ha of additional local parks
32 new food businesses started up
Almost 30,000 animal registrations
8.4km of additional pathways and bikeways created
4,175 customer service requests lodged with the council
More than 2,400 parking infringements

You can read the full Planning and Regulatory Services Quarterly Report here.

Springfield Anglican College Proposes New Facility for Sports and Learning

Photo credit: Google Maps

Springfield Anglican College plans to construct new learning environments, a multi-purpose hall to accommodate a range of indoor sporting activities, and undercroft parking facilities.

The proposal seeks If approved, the two-storey development proposal will add a 2,623-sqm extension to the existing campus. It will include a multipurpose hall and learning environments along with associated amenities, staff areas and storage. The undercroft parking provisions will add 180 spaces on site including space for disability parking.

Photo credit: City of Ipswich / developmenti.ipswich.qld.gov.au

“This multipurpose hall structure has been designed to respond to the natural topography of the site with a single level presenting internally to the school campus with an undercroft area below that accommodates for parking areas and associated storage and maintenance areas,” planners at Land Partners stated.

The primary upper level of the building is where the learning rooms will be contained and will have an entry foyer and pedestrian apron that are accessible both internally and externally.

The main space, on the other hand, will feature a double-height internal void to accommodate a range of court-based sporting activities, a stage, and a back-of-house area where there will be toilets, change rooms and storage.

The facility is expected to start construction in 2023 to coincide with the 25th anniversary celebration of The Springfield Anglican College.

Established in 1988, The Springfield Anglican College is a non-selective Christian co-educational school that caters to students from Kindergarten to Year 12.

The school has three campuses: The Tiny Tartan Kindergarten, The Springfield Anglican College Primary (primary schooling) and Secondary (secondary schooling) campuses.

New Woogaroo Creek State School to Open Next Year

Photo credit: Facebook / Woogaroo Creek State School

Four new state schools that are now being built have been named, including one state school for Augustine Heights which will be named Woogaroo Creek State School. These new schools are expected to open next year.

Announced last October 2022, Education Minister Grace Grace named the four new schools currently undergoing development in Augustine Heights, Palmview, Ripley and Yarrabilba costing a total investment of $330 million.

These schools will be known as:

Woogaroo Creek State School;
Palmview State Secondary College;
Ripley Central State School; and
South Rock State School

Woogaroo Creek State School will serve the growing area of Augustine Heights and will open for Prep to Year 6 students for Term 1, 2023. The project features an administration block, student support and staff building, information and resource centre, a multi-purpose hall, canteen, prep/junior general learning areas, sporting field, multi-purpose courts, general and student amenities, and internal roads and car parking.

The $85 million Woogaroo Creek State School will support more than 230 local jobs, increase the area’s schooling network capacity and provide enrolment relief to neighbouring Fernbrooke State School, Augusta State School and Redbank Plains State School.

Foundation Principal Ms Seccombe and Deputy Principal Mrs Cameron | Photo credit: Facebook / Woogaroo_Creek State School

Ms Kendall Seccombe was appointed the state school’s foundation principal and she will be working with Deputy Principal Mrs Lisa Cameron. Ms Seccombe began her teaching career at Murgon State School in 2006. Since 2014, she has been principal to a number of schools including Gindie State School, Cooyar State School, Millchester State School and most recently at Ipswich East State School.

“It is a privilege to accept the position as Foundation Principal of the new school being built at Augustine Heights. I look forward to building a legacy with the local community and creating and empowering futures for our students.”
Ms Seccombe

“Woogaroo Creek has geographical, cultural and environmental significance for our local area and the land on which our school is being built,” Ms Seccombe said about the new school’s name which was chosen by 80 per cent of participants in the final round of online voting.

“This name is a reflection of who we are and what we value at our new school – students will reach new heights at Woogaroo Creek State School.”

The four new schools will feature solar panels and LED lights on timers and as well as a 4,000L rainwater tank at the Woogaroo Creek State School to water the school’s garden.

Augustine Heights’ new primary state school is located at 12 Purser Road, Augustine Heights. It will be able to accommodate 1,000 students once all stages of construction are completed.

Radio Host Matty Acton Walks from Bowen Hills to Ipswich, Raises $50k

Photo Credit: Supplied

Matty Acton, a familiar voice on Brisbane radio, has walked 50 kilometres from Bowen Hills to Ipswich to raise more than $50,000 for a cause he passionately cares about.

From the B105 studio complex on Campbell Street, Matty reached the Raceview Hotel in Ipswich all whilst wearing a 10kg weighted vest, symbolising carrying the weight of mental health.

Along the way, Matty was uplifted by heaps of people who tooted their car horns, walked with him, or stopped him to express their support. Raceview Hotel also donated $2,000, as well as its loyal patrons.

Early this year, the B105 breakfast show host spoke to an ambassador of the Top Blokes Foundation who encouraged him to get involved with the charity.

“Top Blokes shines a light on mental health and suicide prevention, and they run workshops in schools to help develop great men for the future,” the radio host said.

“It’s a difficult time for young men who are trying to find their place in the world. The wrong influences can send them on the wrong path. They are helping grow boys into great men, not fix broken men in the future.

He also spoke about this on his radio show weeks before the day he walked for a cause:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by b105 (@b105brisbane)

In total, Matty Acton was able to successfully rake in $50,885 for doing this journey.

“It also struck a chord with me when asked, as I lost a cousin to suicide last year. When someone loses their life that way it leaves so many questions and I saw this as an opportunity to honour him and help other young men.

“Being a father of 2 boys, a Foundation like Top Blokes is something I would want for them if they needed it.”

Brisbane Lions Now Occupying New Home in Springfield

Photo Credit: Brisbane Lions

After 30 years in the Gabba, the Brisbane Lions has moved into the Brighton Homes Arena, their new $80-million state-of-the-art facility in Springfield.

The team’s new home, located some 28 kilometres southwest of their former turf, is an eight-hectare sports centre that will be shared with the Brisbane Bears and the Fitzroy Football Club.

The Brisbane Lions expect to play around 20 to 25 major events in their Springfield home every year, thrilling 10,000 spectators during the matches.

The Brighton Homes Arena grandstand can comfortably seat 600 spectators in the permanent shade and has access to disabled seating. Broadcasting night matches will be a breeze as the facility has ample lighting.

Brisbane Lions Brighton Sports Arena — Photo Credit: YouTube screengrab

Visitors to the arena will also be able to use the facilities, such as the pool, the gymnasium and the outdoor lawn, for their community events all year round, including non-sports-related activities. The venue will also be ready for the Modern Pentathlon at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.

Despite the delays and the economic impact brought on by the pandemic, the construction’s completion was delivered on schedule and within the budget. The multi-million investment should also benefit and uplift the club financially.

The Springfield move is the culmination of a plan to create an elite sport and community centre that was first established in 2013 with the Australian Football League, the Ipswich City Council and the Springfield Land Corporation.

New Primary School Officially Named Ripley Central State School

It’s official! Ripley’s new primary school will be called Ripley Central State School and it will open its doors for the first batch of students in January 2023.

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

Construction is well underway for the new primary school in Ripley, which will accommodate Prep to Year 6 students.

Facilities

Photo credit: Ripley Central State School – Opening 2023/Facebook

Upon completion, the school will feature prep and general classroom learning areas, outside learning areas, multipurpose rooms, a Curiosity Centre, play areas, administration, car parking, hall, outside multipurpose court, oval, amenities and facilities for grounds and cleaning.

The school will also have creative and engaging learning areas, unique play areas that will foster curiosity and exploration and also a well resourced Curiosity Centre.

They will have an onsite out of school hours care (OSHC) provider. Later in 2022, they will announce the successful tender and details of how to book in your child’s before school, after school and vacation care.

Term Dates for 2023

Term	Date
Term 1	Monday 23 January – Friday 31 March
Term 2	Monday 17 April – Friday 23 June
Term 3	Monday 10 July – Friday 15 September
Term 4	Tuesday 3 October – Friday 8 December

Foundation Principal

Serving as the foundation principal will be Ms Wuanita Meyrick, who began her career as a teacher at Howard State School in 2003 and has been a principal since 2005.

Ms Meyrick has been principal at a number of schools including Dingo State School, Sarina State School, Maryborough West State School and most recently Browns Plains State School.

She has also had experience as a Head of Curriculum at Torbanlea State School and deputy principal at Stretton State College.

“I am excited to collaboratively build a school environment, culture, community and traditions for the young learners, families, the foundation staff and the wider community, to build a school of excellence. From day one, I will strive to build a learning environment where every child succeeds,” Ms Meyrick said.

For further information and processes for enrolment at the school, visit https://newprimaryschoolripley.eq.edu.au/. You can also check out the Ed Map boundary to check your eligibility to enrol at the school.

Read: St Augustine’s College Student Helps Queensland Team Win Silver at the NYFC

The school will be located at 103 Binnies Road, Ripley.

St Augustine’s College Student Helps Queensland Team Win Silver at the NYFC

Photo Credit: Michal Jarmalouk/Pixabay

St Augustine’s College is mighty proud of the achievement of its student, Isabela Hoyos, who was part of the Queensland Maroon’s silver win at the 2022 National Youth Football Championships (NYFC) in Coffs Harbour.

The young St Augustine’s College teenager showed strength in the field and an unmatched gift for reading the game well as she represented Queensland at the nationals in September 2022, after a rigorous selection process that saw her chosen for the Under-14s team.

The NYFC resumed the sports competition after two years of pandemic hiatus with more than 350 of the best female players for the Under 14s and Under 16s. The Maroons may have ultimately lost to the NSW Metro with a final score of 1-0, but Isabela and her teammates made quite an impression for their tremendous work ethic, competitive nature, positive mindset, and love for the game.

Girls Squads ranking for Queensland — Photo Credit: Football Queensland

“Congratulations to Isabela Hoyos for representing Queensland at the U14 girls National Youth Football Championships recently held in Coffs Harbour on the 19th – 23rd of September. The U14 Girls were successful in making it through to the grand final and only narrowly missed out on the gold medal to New South Wales by 1 goal. Well done to Isabela Hoyos for proudly representing the state and bringing home a silver medal,” the school shared.

“The National Youth Championships form an important part of the national team pathway and provide a valuable development opportunity for the players who have been selected from around the state,” FQ Academy Director/QAS Head Coach Adam Pengelly said.

2022 National Youth Championships for Girls Finals Results

Under-14s Final – NSW Metro 1 (Talia Younis) defeated Queensland 0
Under-14s Third v Fourth Play-Off – Victoria 1 (Tina Huang) drew Capital Football 1 (Lucy Cameron) Victoria won on penalties
Under-16s Final – Queensland Maroon 1 (Grace Kuilamu) defeated Victoria Blue 0
Under-16s Third v Fourth Play-Off – NSW Metro 1 (Tea Mucenski) defeated NSW Country 0

Award Winners

Under-16s Player of the Tournament – Ischia Brooking (Western Australia)
Under-14s Player of the Tournament – Talia Younis (NSW Metro)
Under-16s Goalkeeper of the Tournament – Jasmine Black (NSW Metro)
Under-14s Goalkeeper of the Tournament – Georgia Ritchie (Capital Football)
Under-16s Referee of the Tournament – Courtney Van Diesen (Football Victoria)
Under-14s Referee of the Tournament – Molly Godsell (Football NSW)

Platypus Population Across Ipswich Waterways Has Severely Declined

Photo Credit: City of Ipswich / ipswich.qld.gov.au

The latest report on the Platypus Monitoring Program across Ipswich’s waterways has revealed a concerning discovery: the platypus population has severely declined and immediate intervention is needed to address threats to the iconic monotreme’s continued survival.

The results of the 2021-2022 Platypus Monitoring Program mark the sixth monitoring event undertaken by the Council across Ipswich’s waterways in the last seven years.

This year’s report noted a “severe decline in the platypus populations” adding that it is “concerning and emphasises some key threats” to the health of the city’s waterways and the importance of the ongoing improvement programs.

Recommendations to implement programs that will help protect the remaining platypus population have been put forward.

*Platypus are rarely successfully bred in captivity, thus, protecting their habitat and their population is extremely important | Photo Credit: City of Ipswich / ipswich.qld.gov.au*

Council has agreed to investigate and support programs that will reduce sediment-laden runoff entering the city’s natural waterways and adversely impacting platypus habitat.

Likewise, the ongoing annual platypus monitoring program, as well as the waterway health projects meant to improve water quality and condition of platypus habitat, will also be continued.

The 2022 February severe weather event that hit South East Queensland and NSW has sparked calls for the platypus to be included in the country’s threatened species list following fears that the monotreme population have been wiped out by the floods.

Ipswich City Council identified the platypus as an iconic species under its Nature Conservation Strategy 2015; Queensland and New South Wales are yet to classify the animal as threatened.

To help better understand the species, following a noticed decline in recorded sightings in recent years, Council partnered with the Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland to create a database that contains sightings and eDNA recordings of this egg-laying mammal.

Results of the monitoring program between 2015 and 2020 identified several locations of their within and adjacent to the Ipswich LGA including Sapling Pocket to Kholo Bridge in the mid-Brisbane River; Woogaroo Creek and Opossum Creek; and Sandy Creek, Camira through to BullockHead Creek and Wolston Creek in Brisbane.

Platypus is considered to be an integral part of Australian freshwater ecosystems but their habitat is prone to threats. They are also rarely successfully bred in captivity which makes it all the more important to protect their habitat and their population.

$10-Million Kerb and Channel Program for Ipswich Suburbs to Go Ahead for 3 Years

A $10-million kerb-and-channel program for various Ipswich suburbs will see various infrastructure improvements being rolled out for the next three years.

Ipswich’s kerb and channel program entail providing rain drainage along the kerb, including repair work of existing concrete structures. During construction work, residents may expect the following activities, along with possible driveway modifications, per Council’s plan:

Some excavation and demolition works (including some driveways that may need to be modified)
Installation of drainage infrastructure (including sub-soil drainage and gully pits)
General earthworks to bring back excavations to correct road levels
Installation of kerb and channel
Installation of existing house stormwater pipes affected by works
Like for like reinstatement of existing driveways and footpaths affected by works
Installation of new road surface for the affected area
Turfing disturbed areas

Councillor Paul Tully said that streets to be added in the kerb and channel program will be determined based on community needs, conceptual design, detailed design, preliminary works, and construction cost. At least 27 roads are on the priority list.

Construction works have already started along Alice Street in Blackstone and Short Street in Walloon.

After the work on Alice and Short streets in Division 1, which has an allocated $1.87 million in funding, at least 11 more projects in the kerb and channel program will follow across Divisions 2,3 and 4.

Growth, Infrastructure and Waste Committee Chair Mayor Teresa Harding targets these projects to be activated in the next two financial years.

“Council has allocated $3 million in the 2022-2023 financial year for kerb and channel works ensuring Ipswich’s established suburbs are not left behind,” Ms Harding said.

“As Ipswich continues to grow at a rapid rate, we want to ensure the city grows together and work on roads, kerb and channel is happening right across the city.”

Meanwhile, roads across the region will also see some more improvements as $31 million has been earmarked for the rehabilitation of 1,710 kilometres of sealed roads and 268 kilometres of gravel roads. More kerb and channel upgrades will be included in this plan, alongside $5.9 million set aside for bridge and culvert works.