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Most Innovative Community Transport Bus To Hit Springfield Roads

“Poncho,” an 18-seater mid-sized bus with provision for a wheelchair and eight standees has been introduced in Springfield.

The Hino Poncho bus was launched in Springfield Lakes in line with the introduction of Route 533, a loop service from Spring Mountain to Orion Shopping Centre and Springfield Central station, running twice an hour on weekdays.

Hailed as the most innovative community transport bus in Australia, Poncho features an ultra-low floor design allowing for quick and easy boarding and alighting for all passengers, regardless of ability. It’s compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA), which outlines provisions for equal public access to services and facilities, including public transport.

Aside from excellent accessibility and being Australian DDA-compliant, Poncho boasts state-of-the-art safety features such as ABS, a comprehensive field of vision, door security and emergency exits.

Poncho is fitted with a fuel efficient, turbo charged 4-cylinder diesel engine for competitive, cost efficient running and performance. Operators benefit from the Poncho’s rear engine access which makes carrying out service and mechanical work easy. This helps reduce maintenance costs.

Hino first arrived in Australia in 2017. Poncho is the second of its kind used on the TransLink network. The first one operated in the Logan region. It was equipped with a large 850mm sliding door touch sensitive technology for added safety.

Route 533 Hours of Operation

According to TransLink, Route 533 (Spring Mountain Loop) will run at the following approximate times:

	Hours of operation	Frequency
Monday to Friday	6:00 am to 9:00 pm	30 mins (both loops)
Saturday	7:30 am to 6:00 pm	60 mins (both loops)
Sunday / public holiday	8:30 am to 4:00 pm	60 mins (both loops)

DA Approved For Six-Storey Tower In Ipswich CBD

Photo Credit: pdonline.ipswich.qld.gov.au

Ipswich City Council has given the green light to transform a block on the corner of Limestone and Ellenborough streets into a multi-use six-storey commercial tower.

The 1,189 sqm development at 90 Limestone Street will feature a restaurant/bistro and small shop on the first floor and commercial offices in the remainder of the building. It will also have 42 car spaces over two levels, 29 of which are on the basement and the 13 others on the first floor.

90 Limestone Street (Photo Credit: pdonline.ipswich.qld.gov.au)

Whilst the approved development exceeds the three-storey height limit for the site, it is considered a ‘landmark’ site due to its location.

“The height of the proposal has been assessed, taking into consideration the nearby courthouse development (7 storeys), and the significant view corridors present through this location,” Baird & Hayes Surveyors and Town Planners noted in the report on behalf of The Ernst Pfister Superfund.

Photo Credit: pdonline.ipswich.qld.gov.au

The application also mentioned that the prominent trees within the 88 Limestone Street property, on the Ellenborough Street alignment known to be white fig will not be impacted by the development. These trees are approximately 120 years old and play a significant role in the established character of Ipswich.

“The intention or objective for the Ipswich CBD area is for it to remain as the administrative and cultural centre for the Western Corridor of SEQ, as well as act as the main retail and commercial centre for Ipswich’s centre, western suburbs and surrounding rural areas,” Baird & Hayes noted.

Construction of the new building will commence after the demolition of the existing structure (currently an Autobarn retailer and Tattoo Studio).

Further information about this approved development can be viewed at MCU – 6645 / 2019.

Innovative Campaign Launched To Help People Affected By Bushfires

Greater Springfield developer has launched an online campaign calling for locals to share relevant skills to help fellow Australians affected by the bushfire crisis.

Springfield City Group recently launched “Springfield Sends Help,” a call to share any talent that can be used to help bushfire victims rebuild their lives. To kick-start the campaign, Springfield City Group staff offered marketing, landscaping and biscuit-baking services, along with a $20,000 donation to go “towards helping Greater Springfield residents travel to fire-affected areas and buy supplies for victims.”

“Springfield city is a nation-building project, and among our 43,000 residents are many of the skills the nation needs to re-build in the wake of the bushfire crisis – whether those are traditional trades like building and plumbing, or even ancillary skills like accounting, marketing and baking that can go a long way to helping a community get back on its feet,” Springfield City Group Chairman Maha Sinnathamby explained.

Innovative Campaign Launched To Help People Affected By Bushfires — *Photo credit: Life-Of-Pix / Pixabay*

“We also understand not everyone is in a position to donate money but may still want to assist the recovery effort, so we thought ‘Springfield Sends Help’ would be a great way for everyone to give back in their own unique way, no matter what their talent.

“One of my favourite quotes is by Margaret Mead who said, ‘a small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.

“We’re not a small group anymore, but through this campaign, we can definitely help make the world a better place.”

Springfield City Group would also be working with a number of existing charities, including Blaze Aid, which is a volunteer-based organisation that works with natural disasters affected families and individuals in rural Australia.

The Greater Springfield’s master developer will act as a link throughout the campaign, matching the skilled individual with a disaster relief organisation already on the ground. The person or business may then choose to either provide their services remotely or where possible, onsite.

“We are absolutely flat out at the moment and being inundated with calls for help,” Blaze Aid Founder Rhonda Butler said.

“Because we are volunteer run, we are really stretched for resources and therefore welcome any help we can get.

“The main task at the moment is to lift the spirits of these communities because it gives people a sense of direction and a little bit of a kick along.

“We’re trying to get people back up and running and get them back to their pre-disaster lifestyle, so knowing that a whole city is behind them will no doubt help give them some light during this dark time.”

Information on how to get involved in the campaign can be found here.

Ipswich To Get New Multi-Million Defence Industry Hub

To support the defence industry within the region, there will be a new and innovative Defence Industry Hub at Fire Station 101 in Ipswich.

According to Annastacia Palaszczuk, Ipswich’s new $5-million Defence Industry Hub will open in early 2020 with the hopes of growing the area’s manufacturing capabilities and ensuring more jobs for the local community.

“My government remains laser focused on jobs for Queenslanders,” the Premier said.

“We’ve seen 3% jobs growth in the Ipswich region in the past year. But we know there is more to be done to ensure the Ipswich community has access to jobs into the future.”

Ipswich Defence Industry

Ipswich is the southern gateway to the defence enterprises of Queensland.

In fact, the region is home to Australia’s largest defence air base—RAAF Amberley, and the multi-million Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence (MILVEHCOE), which is currently under construction at Redbank Plains.

Jennifer Howard, Member for Ipswich
Photo credit: Ipswich City Council/ Facebook

Member for Ipswich Jennifer Howard said the city had a long and productive association with the defence sector.

“Defence represents a significant part of our history, our identity, our community and our future,” she said.

“As a sector, it already generates more than $1.4 billion in export value to our local economy, and nearly 10% of all employment in Ipswich is in the defence industry and associated supply chain.”

Defence Industry Hub

*Photo credit:https://www.ipswichfirst.com.au/*

Minister for State Development Cameron Dick stressed that the allocated budget for the new Defence Industry Hub will ensure more opportunities for small-to-medium enterprises to grow.

These enterprises can increase their share of national and global contracts which will then boost local employment and the economy.

“A total of $5 million has been allocated to the Hub, to assist local industry tap into the rapid growth of the defence industries sector and other defence supply chain opportunities, such as heavy vehicle manufacturing and maintenance, aerospace maintenance and the development of trusted autonomous systems,” Mr Dick said.

Heads Up! Find Out How To Make Your Lole’s Barber Shop Haircut Matter To Bushfire Relief

As bushfires continue to wreak havoc across Australia, concerned individuals, groups and businesses are doing what they can to help. Lole’s Barber Shop, with locations in Springfield Central and Springfield, is one business working to lend a hand in bushfire relief efforts.

From 13 January to 18 January 2020, Lole’s Barber Shop will be donating $5 from every cut they make as an effort to aid bushfire relief.

“This type of devastation will take years for some people to recover from, and for those of us sitting back watching it from afar, it can leave you feeling a little helpless,” said co-owner Shelleigh Lole.

“By donating a portion of this week’s takings, we are hoping that it will ease the burden for someone, be it a person or animal, in even the slightest way.

“It’s only natural to want to help and it makes you feel like you’re actually doing something to help.”

Giving Back to the Community

Lole’s Barber Shop is not new to charitable acts. The husband-and-wife team of Fana and Shelleigh Lole has constantly participated in charitable events such ‘The World’s Greatest Shave’ and Cuts for a Cure.’ They also shave the local men who participate in the annual Movember movement.

Fana and Shelleigh also make it a point to offer free hair cut vouchers to fundraising campaigns and raffles and other little contributions that go a long way.

Aside from raising funds for a good cause, the Fana and Shelleigh also love getting involved in local sports, particularly those involving the young kids. Fana used to coach his sons at Springfield Lakes Hawks Rugby Union Club. Since then, they have launched Springfield Stingers Touch Football and both now oversee the running of the Senior and Junior module, which now has 400 kids.

To Fana, the barber shop is more than just about making great haircuts or making money. It’s having a platform to give back to the community that inspires him to work every day.

You can take part in Lole’s Barber Shop’s fundraiser for bushfire relief by getting a cut at any of its locations at 1/1 Ian Keilar Drive in Springfield Central and 5/23 Commercial Drive in Springfield. The barber shop offers men’s cuts, student cuts, kid’s cuts, cut throat shave, pensioner cuts, or you can also bring your own design or get a custom-design from the barbers.

New Mural Brings Colour to Ellenborough Street in Ipswich

Sam Songailo in front of the large mural in Ellenborough Street (Photo Credit: ipswichfirst.com.au)

A colourful new mural is now on display in Ellenborough Street in Ipswich. The wall, previously covered with faded pictures of Hollywood movie stars, has been transformed into a vibrant piece of art with its retro-futuristic theme.

Ipswich City Council commissioned Queensland born artist Sam Songialo to paint the mural in Ipswich CBD. They chose Mr Songialo for his visually compelling design that is best suited for the wall’s grid pattern. Council also sought advice from public art consultant Simon Koger to help shape the strategic direction of the public art in the CBD.

Mr Songialo’s design is “retro future,” which according to him was inspired by all the ‘80s clothes and surf wear his mum never bought him when he was young. This design is considered one of a kind in South East Queensland.

The mural, being the first of the three public arts planned for CBD, is part of the Public Art Strategy and Plan for the Nicholas St redevelopment. It revolves around the theme “Shine,” which symbolizes the growth and evolution of Ipswich’s history and culture, reflecting on the journey of change and development over time.

The second mural will be painted at 143 Brisbane Street, a building at the top of Nicholas Street owned by Council. Presently, they are still developing the concept for this mural. The third is in the arts selection phase, but it will be an Indigenous mural.

Ipswich City Council Acting Chief Executive Officer Sean Madigan revealed that the three murals are just the beginning of the public art being planned in CBD. Locals can expect more large scale murals to be located in a prominent position in the civic space adjacent to the new Council administration building.

Council wanted to bring life to spaces that are currently unused. They will also come up with workshops during the Brisbane Street Art Festival, so residents will have opportunities to be involved.

For more information about the project visit the Ipswich First website.

Bushfire Fundraising: The Coffee Club in Springfield Hosts Sip and Paint Party for Wildlife

The Coffee Club Orion Springfield has done Sip and Paint parties many times before. But on Sunday, the 26th of Jan 2020, the restaurant and community hub is hosting a special Sip and Paint bushfire fundraising event to benefit the affected wildlife in need of medical care and rehabilitation.

From 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., participants of the Sip and Paint party can relish in a relaxing activity, tapping their creative juices to create masterpieces. Guests may also enjoy tea whilst making new friends or socialising with familiar mates.

“Let’s stand together as Australians to help our wildlife,” The Coffee Club Orion Springfield stated in its event invite. The restaurant is mounting this bushfire fundraiser in partnership with Sip n Dip Australia.

“The fires have been truly horrendous for all the families losing homes, our land losing hundreds of thousands of wildlife,” the establishment further said in its Facebook page. “We salute all the volunteer firefighters who have been working around the clock. We are doing OUR BIT…”

*Photo Credit: The Coffee Club Orion Springfield/Facebook*

For every ticket booked at this event, $10 will go will be donated to the Animal Rescue Collective (ARC). The money raised for this bushfire fundraising event will be disclosed at The Coffee Club Orion Springfield Facebook page.

For inquiries and ticket purchases, phone 3470 0638.

The Coffee Club’s spacious corner in Springfield is at the Orion Springfield Central. It’s one of 360 cafes all over Australia.

Ipswich State Schools Among List of Schools to Receive Air-Con Funding

Photo Credit: Springfield Central State High School/Facebook

Around 300 schools across Southern Queensland will benefit from the State Government’s air-conditioning program, and 26 of them are state schools in Ipswich.

The government will be fast-tracking the release of $50 million to give hundreds of schools the opportunity to start air conditioning their classrooms over the summer school holidays.

“By fast-tracking this funding, work that had been planned in future years can begin now, providing a valuable boost to our economy,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said during her visit to the Centenary State High School, one of the recipients of the air-conditioning project.

The 26 Ipswich state schools to get fast-tracked school air-con funding are:

Amberley District State School	Ipswich North State School
Brassall State School	Ipswich Special School
Bremer State High School	Ipswich State High School
Bundamba State Secondary College	Leichhardt State School
Bundamba State School	Redbank Plains State High School
Camira State School	Redbank Plains State School
Collingwood Park State School	Raceview State School
Fernbrooke State School	Richlands East State School
Goodna Special School	Silkstone State School
Goodna State School	Springfield Central State High School
Grandchester State School	Springfield Central State School
Ipswich Central State School	Springfield Lakes State School
Ipswich East State School	WoodLinks State School

As with the previous Cooler Schools Program, these schools have been selected using heat discomfort data, based on a combination of the highest average apparent temperature data and the highest number of school days in Term 1 and Term 4 above 30°C.

According to Education Minister Grace Grace, an audit of every school outside the ‘Cooler Schools Zone’, is expected to be completed by the end of 2019. Spaces including classrooms, libraries and staff rooms will be air conditioned under this accelerated program.

“Today’s announcement will ensure classrooms in places like Charleville, Gympie and Ipswich will now be air-conditioned, along with schools in our hottest suburbs in Brisbane,” Ms Grace said in a media statement.

Springfield Central State High School’s $9.89-Million Sport & Community Hall Unveiled

The Springfield Central State High School Sport & Community Hall has been officially opened.

“I’m so proud that this hall has come to fruition after consulting with the school and Council to provide a space that was suitable for both students and the Springfield public,” Jordan MP Charis Mullen said.

The $9.89-million sports hall will not only benefit the students but it’s also a community asset, with the wider Ipswich community welcome to use it for local events, Mrs Mullen furthered.

“Construction of the hall also supported 30 local jobs which is a fantastic outcome.”

The hall features two multi-purpose courts, two kinesiology classrooms, staff room, kiosk, change rooms and amenities. There are also meeting rooms and office spaces to “service the school and community,” she said.

“It truly is a state-of-the-art facility.”

Springfield Central State High School's $9.89-Million Sport & Community Hall Unveiled — *Photo credit: Grace Grace MP / Facebook.*

“Our investment in education and training this year is a record $14.9 billion,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said.

The State Government has since 2015 built or started work on 18 new schools in areas of some of our highest population growth including Calliope, Pimpama and Coomera, Baringa and Palmview.

“And we’ve been delivering new school halls like the one the Minister is opening today.”

Minister Grace Grace, on the other hand, confirmed that the State Government is also investing $11 million in 16 new classrooms at Springfield Central. The new learning facility will be two-storeys high and will include specialist spaces, amenities and a lift.

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to providing schools with modern facilities such as this learning centre and the hall that we opened today.”

“The completion of this project is a dream come true for our community,” Ms Lawson said.

“We will not only have state-of-the-art facilities to enhance students’ learning, but an undercover space to conduct whole of school assemblies, something which previously was not possible.

“A school hall is often the heart of a school and we embrace the opportunity for our school to continue our strong relationship with the surrounding community.”

Springfield Lakes to Pilot Test Energex’s New Energy-Saving Systems

Some homes in Springfield Lakes are going to get the chance to test Energex’s new home energy management systems (HEMS) to improve their energy use. The energy company is set to conduct a seven-month pilot test phase in selected households, including those in Chapel Hill, North Lakes, Wakerley, from mid-2020 until April 2021.

Residents of these four suburbs may voluntary sign up online to be considered for the pilot test. Only 500 homes will be selected and provided with the new cutting-edge technology, which should be physically installed at home.

The HEMS are smartphone-controlled via an app to allow homeowners to switch household devices on and off remotely, such as air conditioners, pool pumps, and hot water systems. The device may also monitor the household’s solar panels’ efficiency.

“This pilot will test just how much impact HEMS has on householders’ energy behaviour and if they save money on their power bills,” Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said.

“Energex is also trialling HEMS systems to see how they can help Energex deal with peak demand, with managing solar energy coming into the network and also provide important data to help develop new pricing options for the future.”

Energex has been looking into a range of devices and configurations for the trial through a tender. Included in the tender bids are perks and benefits to the consumer, such as cashback offers, free or discounted HEMS systems, or discounted solar and battery storage systems.

The trial phase will be funded by the Australian Energy Regulator.