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New STEM Centre Opens at Ipswich Grammar School

Budding scientists, engineers and maths experts attending Ipswich Grammar School stand to gain the best nurturing and learning in the years to come at the newly-opened STEM facility.

The new centre is a three-storey building with several learning spaces and laboratories, as well as a 155-seat theatre for lectures and other activities catering to the school’s more than 1,000 students from Prep to Year 12.

The State Government contributed $740,000 for the building in addition to the $9.5 million investment for Ipswich Grammar School‘s improvements in the last five years.

It’s a wonderful new building that will help our boys reach their STEM education goals,” Ipswich Grammar School Headmaster Richard Morrison said. “It’s a beautiful modern facility that fits in so well with the rest of our school. We thank the State Government for its generous contribution to this important project.”

Mr Morrison, together with the school officials, welcomed Education Minister Grace Grace local Member for Ipswich Jennifer Howard MP during the opening of the new building in mid-March.

Ms Grace said that 90 percent of students in Queensland will eventually have jobs requiring STEM knowledge.

“That’s why it is so important to build facilities like these which can incubate the next generation of STEM entrepreneurs and nourish their potential,” the minister said. “It’s great to see a school with a proud history of 158 years of education embracing the future to meet the learning needs of its students.”

New Learning Facilities Delivered to Goodna State Special School

Students at Goodna State Special School are now enjoying some of the new learning facilities completed, so far, in the expansion and renovation projects that started in mid-2020.

At the start of Term 1 2021, Goodna State Special School’s students moved into the new spacious classrooms at the Q Block, whilst the renovation of the A Block for the junior students was nearing completion.

“Both students and staff have been delighted by their new classroom environments and also the amazing view we now enjoy of Goodna as students sit out on the balconies to eat their lunches,” Principal Fleur Watson wrote in the school community’s newsletter, adding that the parents also like the addition of the dining room at the Q Block.

The A Block, on the other hand, has “flexible spaces” where various sensory equipment has been set up. The multipurpose area has been designed as a “break out” learning facility, with at least six classrooms.

In mid-February, Goodna State Special School’s sign by the entrance was installed courtesy of the Ipswich City Council. Additionally, the trampolines and new play equipment arrived and were set up by the grassy area of the Q Block.

Wiley won the project to expand Goodna State Special School into a three-level learning site in late 2019 with the help of KO&Co Architects, and Hammond & Neale Project Management.

Aside from the new classrooms, sensory learning areas and kitchen, the contractor is also doing more work to improve the facilities, including the new school gym.

NDIS: Ipswich Artist Overcomes Disability Issues, Achieves Her Creative Goals

Having cerebral palsy and epilepsy hasn’t impeded Ipswich artist Deb Chilton’s creative pursuits and she could manage her work as an artist, mentor and business owner with the help of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

Deb, 52, has done solo exhibits and grew her two small businesses, Doodles and Dribble and Ignite Artists Network (formerly ArtISability), whilst living with a disability. She has also participated in a number of artistic events in the Ipswich community in the last 20 years.

Creating art has been Deb’s passion and she acknowledges the part her support workers from NDIS have contributed to sustaining her creative goals so she could run her business.

“My support workers help me obtain supplies to create artworks, offer support in the art studio, attend art galleries and hang art for my exhibitions.”

Through NDIS, Deb has also learned to master a few technological tools to promote her work on digital media.

“A large part of my community access support is around my visual arts practice and building my brand,” she said. “It is no use doing an event or painting if I’m not going to use social media (to promote my business).

“In 2013, I founded ‘ArtISability’ (now called ‘Ignite Artists Network’), a professional development visual arts workshop program; the industry networks and skills I gained in building this program has enhanced my ability to coordinate small scale workshop programs.”

As she has elevated her work and overcame her disability issues, Deb was able to secure mainstream funding like the Art Queensland stART grant and a Regional Arts Development Fund grant for the Ipswich Artists in Residency Kindergarten Workshop Program.

“I have an artist in residency booked for the second term at a local kindergarten, with funding for three kindys (as part of the) Ipswich Artist Emerging Program, to inject an understanding of what it means to be an artist as a career,” she said.

“Telling my own story can play a powerful role in creating social change; at the core of my heart is the fight for an inclusive arts culture.”

Deb received assistance to apply for and implement her NDIS funding from Carers Queensland’s NDIS Local Area Coordination Partner in the Community Program for the Ipswich region.

“My NDIS plan is written to enable me to grow in confidence and to allow me to self-direct, with the freedom to travel safely and confidently within Australia to continue the work I am passionate about.”

Contact Carers Queensland via 1300 999 636 or cq.enquiries@ndis.gov.au to learn more about NDIS.

Centenary Highway Transport Options Upgrade in Springfield, Ipswich Now a Priority

The upgrade of transport options in Springfield and Ipswich, specifically on the Centenary Highway, was added among 44 proposals in the latest priority list of Infrastructure Australia.

Westbound of this 43-kilometre stretch, which is also known as the M5, was projected to increase by 400 percent as the population between Springfield and Ipswich is expected to grow from 222,000 to 558,000 residents in the next 20 years.

According to the priority list, the daily trips from Ipswich to Springfield Lakes on the Centenary Highway were at 7,500 in 2016 but it will increase to 40,000 trips by 2036 as job opportunities also increase.

Robin Jackson, the chief of Infrastructure Australia, said that the current public transport options in this area will not support the future needs of the suburbs. Currently, the drive from Ipswich to Springfield takes 32 minutes and bus rides take almost two hours on three routes.

Thus, the Ipswich City Council proposed adding bus networks to increase the frequency of services and coverage, as well as improving the existing roads and providing more public transport options.

On the state level, the Queensland Government has set out plans to fix 65 level crossings across the southeast by either building bridges or removing hazards. Road closures and restrictions are also in the proposal, with the Federal Government undertaking the following initiatives for the M5:

intersection and on-ramp and off-ramp improvements
implementing smart freeway technology
road widening

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