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Latest Updates On $400M Ipswich Motorway Upgrade

Locals experienced a major traffic switch in Ipswich following the demolition of the old westbound bridges, to make way for a 3-km upgrade of the Ipswich Motorway between Granard Road, Rocklea and Oxley Road, Oxley.

The traffic change will allow for the establishment of the new, higher westbound motorway lanes and bridges over Oxley Creek floodplain. This is the next important milestone for the first stage of Rocklea to Darra project.

During the traffic change weekend, the Department of Transport and Main Roads assured that access to local businesses on Ipswich Road (northern and southern service roads) will be maintained.

Here are benefits of the $400-million Ipswich Motorway upgrade:

Reliability – improved traffic flow and reduced congestion creating more reliable, consistent travel times.
Safety – upgraded road safety on the motorway with improved sight distances, safer access to and from the motorway.
Connectivity – enhanced local connectivity for all road users, pedestrians and cyclists with new service road connectors reducing the need for local trips on the motorway.
Flood immunity – improving the motorway’s flood immunity by constructing higher bridges over Oxley Creek.

Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said the switch is a major milestone for the project and a key part of upgrading the motorway from four to six lanes between Granard Road, Rocklea and east of Oxley Road Interchange.

“These bridges will carry more than 85,000 vehicles daily and will boost the motorway’s flood immunity by being built to current standards,” Mr Tudge said in a media statement.

During the works, DTMR will place detours, signage and variable message sign (VMS) advising of the changed traffic conditions. The department advises residents to allow extra time when planning their travel.

Based on the department’s project timeline, construction is due for completion in early 2021. For more information and latest updates about the project, visit the Department of Transport and Main Roads website.

Ipswich Teen Wins Big At 2020 Queensland Youth Week

Photo Credit: Queensland Government

A piece of art depicting passion and diverse creativity of young Queenslanders has landed an Ipswich student the top prize at the Queensland Youth Week 2020 artwork competition.

Taking the title for the overall winner is Hanna Jones, a 16-year-old aspiring artist from North Ipswich. She included seedlings in her artwork, a move that impressed judges because for this year’s Youth Week, the State Government will be giving out bookmarks with seeds for young people to plant.

“It includes some of the goals and influential aspects of our lives including music culture and a collective drive to protect our environment. I enjoy experiencing and belonging in the creative community and seeing people the same age as me making a positive impact,” she said about her piece.

Hanna’s piece, entitled “Salad,” has been described as “a riotous splash of colour and movement, with hidden details and messages for young people throughout,” by judge Di Farmer, Minister for Child Safety, Youth and Women.

Ms Farmer said Hanna’s artwork would be used to promote Queensland Youth Week on the department’s website, through social media and on downloadable collateral to support the week. Aside from the opportunity to be featured in this year’s Youth Week, she has also won a:

$500 Mastercard
graphic design tablet (Wacom Intuos Pro Medium with Pro Pen 2 valued at $399)
gimbal (DJI Osmo Mobile 3 Gimbal valued at $159)

Competition runners-up, Murphy McDonald-Smith from Flagstone Creek and Kayla Smith-Bharda from Koongal, each won a $100 JB Hi-Fi gift voucher.

Ms Farmer added that a gallery showcasing entries will be online soon to share some of the wonderful entries. For the meantime, you can view all entries submitted this year by checking out the State Government’s ehub.

Queensland Youth Week 2020

Queensland Youth Week will run from 1-9 April 2020 and will see 25 projects delivered across the state, each receiving a share in $50,000 worth of grants, marking the week and celebrating the enormous contribution of youth to the state.

The theme for this year is ‘Yeah the youth!’ – It’s a call to friendship, strength and unity between young people and a celebration of who they are and what they offer to Queensland.

New Catholic School in Redbank Plains Welcomes Foundation Students

Queensland’s newest Catholic school has recently welcomed its 98 foundation Prep to Year 3 students and officially joins Brisbane Catholic Education’s network of south-east Queensland archdiocesan schools.

On 29 January, St Ann’s Primary School officially opened its gates, joining Brisbane Catolic Education’s network of catholic schools, being its 142nd school. Located at 67-87 Halletts Road, Redbank Plain, the School will grow by one school year at a time and is expected to be a four-stream school when it reaches Year 6 catering for 780 students with around 50 teachers and support staff.

New Catholic School in Redbank Plains open — *Photo credit: St Ann’s School, Redbank Plains / Facebook*

Foundation Principal Sonny Smith said that he is excited and humbled to have been given the opportunity “to bring an affordable Catholic education to the community of Redbank Plains and surrounding areas.”

“Ipswich City Council’s latest development report shows that Redbank Plains is now the fastest-growing suburb of Ipswich, and this momentum is expected to continue as new suburban developments are rolled out all the way to the Ripley Valley,” Brisbane Catholic Education Executive Director, Pam Betts, said.

“Brisbane Catholic Education is committed to ensuring that high quality and affordable Christian schooling is available to young families throughout the region, with other new schools planned for Springfield, Ripley, Greenbank and Flagstone over the next decade.”

Apart from St Ann’s, seven other catholic schools were recently opened including Good Samaritan Catholic College, Bli Bli; St Joseph’s College, Coomera; McAuley College, Beaudesert; Clare’s Primary School, Yarrabilba; St Benedict’s College, Mango Hill; Good Shepherd Primary School, Springfield Lakes; and Mother Teresa Primary School, Ormeau.

St Ann’s Primary School also joins eight new state schools across the state that were also opened in late January 2020. It was indeed a day that marked a milestone for education in Queensland as it recorded the highest number of schools to open on the same day in more than 30 years.

The eight state schools that opened in 28 January, 2020 were Fortitude Valley State Secondary College, Calliope State High School, Foxwell State Secondary College in Coomera, Mango Hill State Secondary College, Yarrabilba State Secondary College, Ripley Valley State School, Ripley Valley State Secondary College and Lee Street State Special School at Caboolture.

St Ann’s Primary School was named in honour of Virgin Mary’s mother, grandmother of Jesus, and patron saint of miners.

Most Innovative Community Transport Bus To Hit Springfield Roads

Photo Credit: hino.com.au

“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.