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Springfield City to Build First Hydrogen Energy Facility in Australia

An agreement to build Australia’s first hydrogen energy facility in Springfield City has been established between LAVO, the Sydney-based technology and lifestyle company, and property developer, Maha Sinnathamby.

The $20 million deal will see 40 hectares of Springfield City, owned by the Springfield City Group (SPG), developed into a business park with a hydrogen energy plant.

Set to begin construction at the end of 2021, the facility is expected to create 200 local jobs. Once finished in early 2022, the plant will start production of the hydrogen fuel cells, which will bring in additional 50 jobs. The investment for this deal is projected to generate $30 million in annual revenues.

LAVO’s hydrogen energy storage system is sized like refrigerators with a 30-year lifespan and a storage capacity three times greater than other alternatives in the market. The energy company developed this technology as the “first and only commercially-ready” hydrogen energy storage system for homes and businesses in the world.

“I am pleased to welcome LAVO as a strategic sustainability partner to Springfield City and look forward to their support as we work towards producing more energy than we consume by 2038,” Mr Sinnathamby said in a press statement.

“As our relationship grows, we look forward to exploring many more opportunities to apply LAVO’s innovative technology and expertise more broadly to deliver on our blueprint for a clean-green future.

“We will work closely with LAVO to identify co-development opportunities, including the integration of LAVO technology into utility scale solar farms developed in Springfield City.”

Springfield City has been planned as a green space using 100 percent renewable power resources with widespread electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and a hydrogen-powered bus network

The agreement comes as hydrogen technology has been booming in demand globally, with an annual investment forecast of $150 million, which could grow to $2.5 trillion in 2050.

Swanbank E Power Station’s Value Plummets to Zero

Once a highly efficient 385 megawatts gas-fired power station, Swanbank E, located 10 kilometres south of Ipswich, has devalued to zero and will continue to lose money until its retirement in 2036.

A new report released by the Queensland Audit Office revealed that more than $1 billion in the value of gas and coal power stations across Queensland, which is operated by Stanwell, CS Energy and CleanCo, have been written down in the past year.

Whilst net profits gained from transmission and distribution, the numbers were 26 percent lower in the latest report.

COMPANY	VALUE	% of TOTAL ASSETS DECREASE
Stanwell	$720 million	19 percent
CS Energy	$353 million	15 percent
CleanCo	$35 million	8 percent

Factors affecting the reduction in the value of these power stations were attributed to:

the decreasing demand for electricity due to COVID-19
the increasing demand for the generation of renewable sources
lower gas prices

As CleanCo has written off the Swanbank E power station, Stanwell and CS Energy project that their power stations will still be profitable until its scheduled retirement in five years.

However, the Queensland Audit Office said that the forecasted revenues for these power stations will no longer cover the future cost of operations. The devaluation may push the State Government to fast-track decommission as losses accumulate but Energy Minister Mick de Brenni said that no such plans are in place.

“It’s in the best interest of Queenslanders if the state and federal governments plan for a rapid transition to clean energy,” Solar Citizens said. “They need to be upfront with the community and provide certainty for workers who will be affected by inevitable generator closures.”

Swanbank E power station was commissioned in 2002 to help Queenslanders wean off coal-powered electricity. The cost to build and operate this facility was $300 million.

Assessment Ongoing for Hailstorm-Damaged Homes in Springfield Lakes, Ipswich

The State Government is currently conducting an assessment of hailstorm-damaged homes in Springfield Lakes, Ipswich and Logan, more than three months after a severe hailstorm struck Queensland in October 2020.

State Member for Jordan Charis Mullen MP issued a reminder to residents that assessors will be making the rounds, whilst observing COVID-19 safety guidelines, across 1,795 properties to collect information for insurance purposes, inspect structural damage, as well as check the water and electricity accessibility.

“They will be accompanied by officers from the Department of Communities (Thriving Communities Qld) who will be checking on individuals’ welfare and providing information and assistance on community and government services available to assist,” Ms Mullen said.

“If they miss you during their visits, they will be leaving calling cards in your mailbox. Alternatively, you will be able to call the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349 where you are able to discuss your individual concerns.”

Photo Credit: Annastacia Palaszczuk MP/Facebook

Reports stated that more than 26,000 insurance claims have been filed with local companies as the hailstorm caused over $300 million in damages. Tradies have been hard at work but many homes remain unrepaired due to a shortage of workers and problems with their insurers.

A few residents were forced to relocate and rent a new house near until the repairs are completed, adding more challenges to their daily activities and routines.

Ms Mullen said that she has requested extra police patrols, especially in streets where residents have temporarily left their homes. For more concerns, residents may contact Ms Mullen’s office at 3447 9300.

Free Drop-In Child Health Services Clinic Opens at Orion Springfield Central

A new drop-in child health services clinic from West Moreton Health has opened at Orion Springfield Central and will operate at no cost to the parents of 0 to 12-year-old kids.

The free clinic, launched on 20 Jan 2021, is located near the Springfield Central Library and will run every Monday from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. on a first-come-first-serve basis. By 5 April 2021, appointments will be accepted from 1:00 p.m.to 3:30 p.m.

West Moreton Health announced the free clinic’s opening on their Facebook page. This initiative was made possible with the help of the Ipswich City Council.

“We were thrilled to welcome the first families — Amy and baby Oliver and his sister Audrey, as well as Kaylah and Darren with their children Isla and Harper,” the announcement read. “Parents can speak to a child health nurse for support and information about everything from growth and development, sleep and behaviour to feeding and nutrition.”

The child health services clinic provides the following services:

growth and development
feeding and nutrition
sleep and behaviour information
parent support
opportunity to meet other parents
child hearing checks by appointment
information regarding other services
self weigh baby scales (for selected clinics)

COVID-19 guidelines will be observed at the free clinic. For enquiries and other concerns, locals may call 1800 607 030.

BLVD Restaurant Re-Opens at Brookwater Golf Club

After being forced out of the Springfield Lakes Hotel, which was turned into a quarantine centre in August 2020, BLVD Restaurant announced that it’s back to serving its famous American smoked BBQ in a new home after four months.

Since late December 2020, BLVD Restaurant has been slowly but surely accepting dinner bookings for guests to enjoy a delicious banquet at the Brookwater Golf & Country Club on Tournament Drive. The restaurant has also changed its name to Boulevard at Brookwater.

Photo Credit: Brookwater Golf & Country Club/Facebook

“We are pleased to announce that former owners of BLVD have relocated to our beautiful venue as Boulevard at Brookwater and is now officially open seven days a week with a new mouth-watering menu!” the management at the Brookwater Golf & Country Club said. “We will also be holding special events such as Gin and Seafood, Sip and Paint sessions and much more! We look forward to welcoming you to Boulevard at Brookwater!”

Patrons who crave a filling lunch at the old BLVD Restaurant may enjoy the same service and quality of food at the golf clubhouse. The best thing is Boulevard at Brookwater is open for non-members of the golf course so anyone can reserve a table and order a three-course lunch with a glass of beer.

However, an advanced booking is highly recommended as the restaurant currently offers limited seats due to the public health and safety guidelines. The menu frequently changes at the restaurant as well so it’s best to phone 3814 5500 or text Dinner to 0431 011 151 for enquiries, including pick-up options for meals and the restaurant’s popular Deluxe Grazing Board.

Follow Boulevard at Brookwater on Facebook for updates and announcements.

3 Free Greater Springfield Venues for Your Kids’ Enrichment

Are you looking for boredom-busting ideas for your kids? This January 2021, three venues in Greater Springfield are offering free exciting and enriching activities for your children and teens.

There are heaps of fun activities to choose from whether it’s unrestricted play for the little ones or a coaching program for the big kids. Plan your schedule and mark your calendars as these activities will happen before another school term starts.

1. Springfield Central Sports & Community Hall

Location: 134a Parkland Drive

Across the Springfield Central State High School Hall is a new sports and community centre that’s kicking off its youth program for 12 to 18-year-old kids with the help of the YMCA Brisbane and the Ipswich City Council.

On Monday, 18 Jan 2021, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., REKKON Youth will host a social session to boost the confidence and self-esteem of teenagers.

Then on 19, 21 and 22 Jan 2021, a cooking class hosted by Jamie’s Ministry of Food. Participants for this activity are limited and there’s a minimal fee of $10 per child.

For enquiries, phone or message 0476 021 906.

2. Orion Springfield Central

Location: 1 Main Street

The shopping centre on Main Street has recently unveiled its newest outdoor attraction for all abilities. The venue has now incorporated an in-ground trampoline and an inclusive wheelchair carousel.

Drive the whole family down to the centre’s lagoon, where a free movie will screen on Saturday, 16 Jan 2021 at 5:00 p.m. while the kids are playing in the water.

For details about this event, visit the Orion Springfield Central’s Facebook page. Please note that Orion Lagoon is operating in line with Government guidelines for Greater Springfield.

3. Springfield Central Sports Tennis Centre

Location: 22 Sportstar Drive

The Tennis Centre on Sporstar Drive has opened. On Saturday, 23 Jan 2021, from 9:00 a.m. t 2:00 p.m., world-ranking tennis players and some local sports stars will be at the venue to meet budding athletes. They will also be able to try a variety of free activities with some of the inspiring guests.

This event is hosted by Baseline Tennis Coaching and will include the following:

Free Cardio Tennis and activities for everyone
Exhibition Matches with world ranked juniors (from 10:00 a.m.)
Beat the coach (11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.)
Membership Specials on the day
Raffle tickets for awesome prizes
Sausage Sizzle and drinks available for purchase

Brookwater Home Smashes Record as ‘Most Expensive’ Sale to Date

A five-bedroom resort-style home, located near the Brookwater golf course, became the “most expensive” house to sell in the Ipswich neighbourhood for $1.58 million, breaking the 2019 record sale by nine percent ($1.45 million).

Sold by Brookwater Residential, the property is reportedly the first in the area to hit such a milestone.

Brookwater Residential General Manager Nick Kostellar confirmed that the new owner is also a local.

But the home also had interested buyers from other states, who were able to “tour” the house, despite COVID-19 restrictions, through virtual technology and video calls.

In fact, most businesses conducted during the pandemic were done online with many buyers never setting foot on the property before closing the sale.

According to Domain, Brookwater has become a haven for families looking to establish their roots and achieve their dreams since it opened nearly two decades ago. This neighbourhood, best known for its gorgeous surrounding and affluent homes with luxury fittings, is part of the Greater Springfield area and was designed around a Greg Norman championship golf course.

The property, which has ample open space and a rooftop view of the greens, is located just 30 minutes away from the CBD and is accessible to at least 10 schools, a private hospital and the Springfield Anglican church.

State Government Sets New Primary School in Greenbank, Opens January 2022

Work on a new primary school will soon kick off in North Maclean (Greenbank) following the awarding of the contract to the builder, FK Gardner & Sons Pty Ltd.

Education Minister Grace Grace confirmed that the tradies will “hit the ground running” by early 2021 and complete the school building in time for the January 2022 opening.

The $73 million Greenbank school is one of three projects that received funding from the State Government, along with a new primary school in Caloundra South and a special needs school in Coomera.

“More than $198 million (GST inclusive) has been invested into building Stage One of the schools, supporting a combined total of 600 construction jobs,” Ms Grace said. “These schools will not only provide students with a world-class education but construction will ensure local tradies can continue to work as we recover from COVID-19.”

Ms Grace posted on Facebook that the projects will ensure 600 local jobs for the first stage.

The new school’s location is at the Ivory Parkway where a housing development for Mirvac’s Everleigh is ongoing.

“Stage 1 of the new school will include an admin block, library, multi-purpose hall, prep and junior learning areas, amenities, canteen and covered areas,” the minister added.

“As a proud Queensland and family-owned construction and engineering business, we are very pleased to be awarded the contracts,” FKG Group Managing Director Nick Gardner said. “Adding these projects to our pipeline is great news and gives us the chance to create further opportunities for local subcontractors and to support our local communities.”

Visit the Special Christmas Wonderland at Nerima Gardens in Ipswich

Whilst everyone will agree that 2020 hasn’t been the greatest, it won’t stop people from celebrating the joys of Christmas. If you’re looking to do something special this holiday with your family, plot a visit to the Nerima Gardens for a truly unforgettable time.

Nerima Gardens has been turned into a Christmas Wonderland as part of the Christmas in Ipswich 2020 program. It’s a sight to behold, with over 50,000 colourful lights on the lush greens.

“The lighting design is by the super creative Sharon Penny and the intricate placement of millions of lights in the dark was the hard work of so many people bringing this creation to life! Flame Trees, origami boats, waterfalls, tunnels of dripping light bulbs, the tree of life – like walking into a dazzling wonderland from another world,” photographer Leah Desborough said.

Photo Credit: Leah Desborough Photographer/Nerima Gardens/Facebook

Christmas Wonderland is a ticketed, half-hour event to ensure a COVID-19 safe environment. Proceeds for the tickets — priced at $5 (individual), $15 (group) and $20 (group) — will go to charities that have had a hard time raising funds due to the pandemic.

“It’s been a hard year for all, and charity groups are no exception,” Mayor Teresa Harding said. “The funds raised through ticket sales to Christmas Wonderland will go some way to helping these organisations continue the important work they do in our community.”

To score tickets and to get updates on the opening times at Nerima Gardens, visit the Christmas Wonderland event page.

Ipswich City Council Braces for 220 Events for 2021

Ipswich is preparing to say goodbye to 2020 by planning over 220 events in music, sports, food and entertainment for 2021. As the second stage of the Nicholas Street Precinct redevelopment is underway, the Ipswich City Council has unveiled exciting major events that locals and visitors can look forward to in the coming year.

Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding highlighted some of these council-supported events:

WHEN	WHAT	WHERE
February	Earth Frequency Festival	Ivory’s Rock
March	Ipswich 100	Ipswich and surrounds
May	Planes, Trains and Automobiles	The Workshops Rail Museum
May	The Gathering	Ipswich Turf Club
May	White Rock Trail Festival	White Rock
June	Festival of Horsepower	Ipswich Turf Club and Motorsport Precinct
July	SPARK Ipswich (the reimagined Ipswich Festival)	citywide
August	Story Arts Festival	citywide
August/September	Galvanized – A Festival of Heritage	citywide
September	99 Bikes Cycle and Trail Run Epic	Hiddenvale Adventure Park
October	Goodna Jacaranda Festival	Goodna
December	Christmas in Ipswich	citywide

Check the Ipswich Festivals official site for more information and updates on next year’s festivities.

It comes as the anticipated annual CMC Rocks won’t return until 2022. Ms Harding said that the Council’s liaising team was working with the promoters for several weeks to examine how CMC Rocks could proceed.

However, the event promoters decided to skip staging a 2021 event despite its economic, social and cultural benefits to the region.

“We have had to endure some tough times this year and everyone has had to make some tough decisions. But I think our community understands and will look forward to the next CMC Rocks with even greater enthusiasm,” the mayor said.