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Ipswich Residents Lauds Council’s Junking of Request for Higher Landfill Pile at Swanbank

The 22^nd of February 2019 was an auspicious date for Ipswich residents as the administrator of the Ipswich City Council rejected the application of a waste disposal company for a higher landfill pile at Swanbank site.

Bio-Recycle Australia Pty Ltd has a landfill site for its non-biodegradable wastes at its Memorial Drive, Swanbank facility. The existing approval allows for the disposal of items such as construction and demolition wastes, and clean fill, and may contain limited amounts of acid sulphate soils, asbestos contaminated soil, asbestos sheeting, and drill mud.

In January 2019, Bio-Recycle sought to increase the landfill height by 27 metres, but this was rejected by the Council. It is now the subject of an appeal in the Planning and Environment Court.

Dust from Dumps — *Photo credit: I.R.A.T.E. – Ipswich Residents Against Toxic Environments/Facebook*

In the meantime, the waste disposal company applied for a 5-metre extension of landfill height. This would have put the current mound above its normal ground level had it been approved.

A council spokesman said, “This increase in landfill height is likely to have visual impacts, particularly with regard to future residential observers, including those likely to be living within residential high density built forms.”

“No consideration has been given to these visual impacts of the landfill during the operational or establishment phase.

“The applicant has also failed to demonstrate that there is a need to extend the life of the existing facility by increasing the landfill height from the approved level,” the spokesman added.

Residents Band Together — *Photo credit: I.R.A.T.E. – Ipswich Residents Against Toxic Environments/Facebook*

With a city labelled as the Dumping Capital of Queensland, Ipswich residents have ceaselessly rallied for years now against Ipswich becoming the dumping ground for interstate rubbish. The proliferation of dumps have resulted in health, hygiene, pollution, and environmental issues that are affecting the residents’ quality of life.

The Council’s rejection of Bio-Recycle’s bid to bring in more trash is an indication that people’s voices still matter. Residents are grateful that ICC has taken a positive step towards their side.

Meanwhile, the residents’ battle against dust, noise, and stinking odour problems continues.

Protect Pets In Ipswich Through Microchipping

The Ipswich City Council is inviting dog and cat owners to attend the Microchipping and Registration Event on Friday, 15 March 2019, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the David W Coultas Park in South Station Rd, Raceview.

A park for dogs — *David W Coultas Park*
*Photo credit: www.ipswich.qld.gov.au*

First-year introductory dog registration fee is $20 per dog. This only applies to dogs that have not been previously registered with ICC and is not currently registered with any other Australian local government. It also applies to dogs registered within 14 days of coming into the ICC area and pups who are within 14 days of reaching 3 months of age.

It is highly suggested that dog owners bring along a completed Dog Registration Application Form to save time.

Dogs being registered with the Council for the first time on that day are qualified to get free microchipping. But if the dog is already registered with the Council, then microchipping can be availed at a discounted price of $20 on the day.

Cats can also get microchipped on the day for only $20.

Electronic Funds Transfer at Point Of Sale (EFTPOS) will be available.

Advantages of Pet Registration

The accurate identification of pets is necessary for our pets’ welfare. Details from the tag or microchip can be used to reunite a lost or injured pet with its owners.

If a cat or dog is taken to the Ipswich City Council Pound & Animal Management Centre, the pet will be released for free if it is wearing its tag. But this is done once only, and if the animal has had no prior history of being impounded.

Microchip vs Rice grain — *Taken from Misconceptions About Microchipping/Pet Talk*
*Photo credit: Nat Geo WILD YouTube Channel*

Microchipping

A microchip is a form of electronic identification for pets. It is a permanent method of ID because microchips cannot be removed easily nor can it fall off like the traditional collar or tag.

The chip itself is about the size of a grain of rice and is easily implanted via injection just under the skin between the shoulder blades of the pet. Each chip contains a unique number that can be read by a special microchip reader. The microchip number is recorded on a microchip database registry with details about the animal and owner. Should a pet wander or become lost, animal shelters can scan the pet for a microchip and contact its owners via the database.

In the absence of a chip or tag, pets in pounds or shelters are sadly euthanized if they cannot be re-homed.

Whether or not pets should be registered and microchipped is no longer a question for Ipswich residents as the state government requires all dogs who are three months and older to be registered. Also, the state government demands microchipping for all cats and dogs over eight weeks old. A dog must be implanted with a chip before it is 12 weeks of age. A hefty penalty is imposed for non-compliance.

The good news though is that the Council offers a rewards program for dog owners who register their dogs. The Registration Rewards Program provides great discounts and offers across a variety of providers including pet businesses, vets, leisure providers, and cafes.

So let’s bring our furry family members to Council’s microchipping and registration event this Friday, 15 March 2019, for our pet’s protection and for our own peace of mind as responsible pet parents.

World Harmony Festival 2019 at Ipswich: A Shout-Out to Global Peace & Unity

As a big shout-out to global peace and unity, the World Harmony Festival 2019 will be held on Saturday, 16^th March 2019, from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm, at the Robelle Domain Parkland in Ipswich.

Harmony Day

Harmony Day is celebrated annually on March 21^st. First held in 1999, the festival coincides with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

The continuing message of Harmony Day is ‘Everyone Belongs.’ Thus, the activities are geared towards promoting community participation, celebrating diversity, enhancing intercultural understanding, and advocating solidarity to build a harmonious society.

World Harmony Festival 2019

The World Harmony Festival 2019 is an event held annually to celebrate Harmony Day. It is free for everyone and has a lot of fun activities that the whole family will enjoy.

Browse through the assorted items displayed at various stalls or try the interesting international flavours at different food booths.

Lion dancing
Face painting
Jumping castle
Land train

There’s free face painting for the kids, a Lion Dance Workshop at 5:30 pm, Free Lucky Money to be given out at 6:00 pm, and a Firm Sword Competition scheduled at 6:10 pm. But in order for children to mount the giant slide, land train, rock wall, jumping castle, tea cups, laser skirmish, and ferris wheel, they’ll have to buy the $15 unlimited rides ticket.

There will be multicultural performances to expose the youth to diverse cultures as well as encourage them to understand and accept the idea of multiculturalism.

*Photo credit: World Harmony Society / Facebook*

Entertainment will also be provided by the Showbiz Express Circus & Dance and Paris Morgan, Australia’s Got Talent finalist.

Culminating activity will be the spectacular fireworks display at 8:00 pm.

Come and participate in an entertaining weekend activity with a noble purpose. Everyone is welcome to attend this free event.

For details, click here.

There are no ATMs available in the area so you are advised to plan ahead to take advantage of all the fun.

Eugene Street, Bellbird Park Proposed Development: Residents Refuse to Back Down As Developers Appeal Council’s Decision

Concerned residents of Bellbird Park opposing the proposed development on Eugene Street are maintaining their stance as developers appeal the Council’s decision to refuse the development application.

Days after residents had an audience with then-mayor Andrew Antoniolli and Cr David Morrison to express their strong opposition to the proposed development at 12-26 Eugene Street in Bellbird Park, on which the developers want to build more than 300 houses, the Council announced on 17 April 2018 that the application has been officially refused.

Applicant CB Developments Pty Ltd, however, has appealed the Council’s decision in the Planning and Environment Court.

On 1 Mar, a review hearing on the appeal was held and will resume on 18 April to set the 10-day trial dates. Residents are now as determined as ever to stop the development and are asking the rest of Ipswich to stand behind them in their cause.

*Photo Credit: Ipswich City Council / pdonline.ipswich.qld.gov.au*

“In its current form this application was always destined to be refused by council. It was atrocious, and ever since the application was lodged, I’ve had grave concerns about its implementation,” Cr Antoniolli said on his announcement.

“Lots were too small, green space wasn’t properly managed, and there were concerns about the natural habitat.

“While we appreciate that there needs to be controlled development in our city to accommodate SEQ’s population growth, it is critical that we maintain our lifestyle in the process,” Cr Antoniolli said.

The development will be constructed in 12 stages, on lots ranging from 300 sqm to 700 sqm, whereas a majority of surrounding homes are on acreage.

Residents were concerned that development of this magnitude would negatively impact the local wildlife, vegetation, and the overall character of the suburb.

*Residents fear that the proposed development could hurt the natural habitat of Koalas and other wildlife / Photo Credit: Panthus [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)]*

Councillor Tully described the proposal as “the worst town planning application” he had seen in 39 years. He suggested that developers should donate the land instead to the people of Bellbird Park and Ipswich in perpetuity as an environmental park.

Among the reasons cited by the Council for the refusal include:

The proposed development does not have appropriate access to commercial, community, employment, and transport facilities to support the proposed density.
The proposed development does not conserve essential wildlife corridors.
The proposed development has not been designed to support integrated catchment management, including the protection and rehabilitation of natural drainage patterns and riparian vegetation; and appropriate buffering along any adjoining major watercourses.
The proposed development does not reflect, maintain or enhance the established built character and important landscape elements within the surrounding local area.
The proposed development is located on land with a slope of greater than 15% and does not adequately demonstrate the safety of people and property from the risk of landslide.

Approved Springfield Developments for 2019

Photo Credit: Wes Palmer / Skyepics.com.au/ Wikimedia Commons

Springfield is currently one of the best Ipswich suburbs for property investment. A well-planned area with great community spirit, the central part of Springfield is expected to to be the work, study and services hub of a catchment of 350,000 people by 2036.

As early as now, developers are working on a number of developments in this thriving suburb. Here are some of the approved Springfield developments to look forward to in 2019:

Springfield Lakes Townhouses

The Ipswich City Council has approved the development application for Lakeside Vista, a 118-dwelling at 17 Springfield Lakes Boulevard, 15 and 17 View Point Drive, and 13 Spring Ave, Springfield Lakes.

Located within the heart of Springfield Lakes, My MG Homes described it as a “very unique community” that will be highly sort after. Close to schools, health and tertiary education facilities, the site is less than two kilometres away from the Springfield Central Railway Station and Orion Shopping Centre.

Health City

Springfield’s Health City will have a living lab and more public hospital places, as well as another university. The 52-ha site will be designed by Broadway Malyan, who will be working in Australia for the first time following 10 years working in the Asia Pacific region.

The masterplan includes medical office buildings, and facilities dedicated to aged care, hospitality and wellness, education, research and business, startups and incubators. Residential space is incorporated throughout the development as well as complementary retail and leisure. Broadway Malyan said in their website that it will be delivered between now and 2030.

Read: Quest Hotels in Greater Springfield Opens, Health City Rapidly Taking Shape

Multi-Purpose Hall at Springfield Central State High School

Photo credit: epathway/ipswich.qld.gov.au

The state government has committed $6.9 million in funding for the new multi-purpose hall, which will have retractable basketball backboards, a scoreboard, and sprung sports floors. The hall will also have various amenities, an office, and meeting rooms.

The 3,566 sqm hall, which will be be built by HUTCHINSON Builder would be built on campus in partnership with Education Queensland. It is expected to be finished by 2020.

Parkside Apartments

Photo credit: Springfield City Group/greaterspringfield.com.au

The Springfield City Group is now working on the second stage of the Parkside Apartments after the Ipswich City Council approved the development application.

The 74-unit structure will include an apartment building, commercial spaces, medical centre, general store and real estate office as well as restaurants.

Brookwater Childcare Centre

A new childcare centre will be built along 22 Magnolia Drive, Brookwater. The plan is to accommodate up to 105 children. Once completed, the centre will be operating from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm weekdays.

This will address the growing demands for childcare facilities in Brookwater, because there is only one operating childcare facility in the suburb as of writing.

Kalina community

Photo credit: Kalina Springfield/ Facebook

Stockland has been working on building Kalina Springfields since September 2018. The $121-million development will feature a scenic network of walking and cycling trails winding past bushland and a 5000-sqm central park.

Aside from the beautiful natural surrounds, Kalina has easy access to established schools, medical facilities, parks and public transport.

Additional Classrooms

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

The Council recently approved the plans for a three-level flexible learning space at St Peters Lutheran College, designed by the McLellan Bush Architects. The college, located at 42 Wellness Way, Springfield Central, will undergo two stages of development.

Veris said the planned development will utilise existing on-site services such as car parking, pedestrian pathways and basic utilities. The existing demountable building will be removed once the new building is constructed.

Springfield Rise

Lendlease received an approval from the Ipswich City Council for an additional 350 lots across Sunset Ridge and The Boulevard for Springfield Rise.

The estate is expected to home about 12,000 people in 4,000 homes across 12 addresses. Besides the Sunset Ridge and The Boulevard, the company will also be developing across Creekwood, Park Lane, Forest Ridge and The Highlands. The other six will be announced in the days to come.

Ripley Town Centre’s Minka Place Promotes a Sense of Inclusiveness

Ripley Town Centre’s community hub, Minka Place, officially opened last Saturday, 16 February 2019 with a range of free activities, from gardening workshops and making birdhouses to giant outdoor games, ice cream and entertainment.

Fun activities atlaunching of Minka Place — *Photo credit: Ripley Town Centre/Facebook*

The opening of Minka Place is a significant milestone in providing the necessary social infrastructure to the Ripley community. Minka is a Japanese term meaning “House of the People”, which appropriately describes the multi-purpose community space.

Minka Place will cater to the varying needs of the local community by offering a range of activities from playgroups and workshops to fitness classes and social gatherings. Community activities are meant to promote health, wellbeing, and creativity.

Also, the community space will boost interaction, encourage a strong connection, and promote a sense of inclusiveness in the community among all age groups and abilities.

Consisting of 200 sqm of open space with the inclusion of a kitchenette, flexible office spaces, and greenspace, Minka Place is a joint project of Sekisui House and the City of Ipswich Office of Economic Development.

Currently, everyone is welcome to attend the free positive parenting seminars to be held at Minka Place, Ripley Town Centre from 6:30 to 8:00 pm on the following dates:

Monday, 25 February 2019: Raising Confident, Competent Children
Monday, 3 March 2019: Raising Resilient Children

You can also book a space or the entire facility for a community event, or you can just come along and meet new people.

Feel free to drop by and know that you are part of our community.

For more information, click here.

Springfield Lakes Among SE-QLD Suburbs with Highest Number of Births in 2017

Springfield Lakes is among the Southeast Queensland suburbs with the highest number of births in 2017, the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics report said.

Springfield Lakes has one of the highest number of births among Southeast Queensland suburbs with 356, an increase of 24.47 percent from 2011 and 9.5 percent from 2016. However, total fertility rate was down to 2.05 from 2.73 in 2011 and 2.11 in 2016. Upper Coomera — Willow Vale recorded the highest number of births with 553, an 8.4 percent increase from 2011; TFR was down from 2.48 in 2011 to 2.18.

In 2017, there were a total of 61,158 births recorded in Queensland with total fertility rate of 1.82, down from TFR of 2.09 recorded in 2011 and 1.86 in 2016. To replace the mother and her partner, the current TFR required for replacement is around 2.10 babies per woman, the ABS report said. The national total fertility rate in 2017 was 1.74 down from 1.79 in 2016.

*Photo Credit: Australian Bureau of Statistics / abs.gov.au*

Among QLD LGAs, Brisbane recorded the most number of births with 14,598 (TFR 1.51), followed by Gold Coast 6,958 (TFR 1.67), Moreton Bay 5,539 (1.95), Logan 4,960 (TFR 2.15), and Ipswich 3,351 (TFR 2.15).

Of the total 309,142 births in Australia, 77.60 percent came from New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland. The report showed that fertility rate of women 35 and over is rising, a stark contrast to other age groups which are seen to be falling. For women aged 35-39 has doubled in fertility rate in the past 30 years, whilst women aged 40-44 has tripled. Conversely, teenage fertility was down by almost 50 percent. However, women aged 30-34 still has the highest fertility rate with 25-29 age group coming in second.

“The long-term decline in fertility of younger mums as well as the continued increase in fertility of older mums reflects a shift towards late childbearing. Together, this has resulted in a rise in median age of mothers and a fall in Australia’s total fertility rate,” ABS Director of Demography — Anthony Grubb, said.

Brookwater To Get Optus 5G Network Ahead Of Other Suburbs In Queensland

Photo Credit: StockSnap/Pixabay

Brookwater will be one of the first suburbs in Queensland to get a 5G network upgrade from Optus. The telecom giant is rolling out the service in 12 other sites in the region within the next two months.

The other suburbs that may enjoy Optus’ new 5G home broadband service in the early rollout include Auchenflower, Bellbird Park, Burpengary, Camira, Clayfield, Gailes, Goodna, Kallangur, Kenmore, Kenmore Hills, Macgregor and Newmarket. Residents from these places may now apply for the service and take advantage of unlimited data offer at 50Mbps speed. The new plan will cost $70 a month.

Fifth generation wireless technology, or 5G, provides more bandwidth and better antenna relay for broadband systems. Thus, users may experience a sharp increase in how data is transmitted on their devices with this upgrade.

The 5G devices will be delivered to the customers by mid-2019 once Optus confirms if their address is 5G serviceable. The plan doesn’t require existing phone lines or fixed service.

Optus wants to have 50 sites up and running with 5G technology across Australia in its initial rollout. The company, however, aims to have 1,200 5G sites all over the country by March 2020 and these sites will comprise not just residential locations but also hotspots like business districts, train stations, airports, and stadiums.

Optus is the first carrier in Australia to offer such a service, which gives the company a competitive advantage over other providers. The telco has partnered with Nokia for this upgrade.

Fun Free Pizza Party Organized by ON-Q In Ipswich

ON-Q Disability Support Services will hold a Fun Free Pizza Party on Wednesday, 13th February from 11:30am to 1:30pm at 66 East Street for members of the community in Ipswich.

Founded in 1988, ON-Q is a not for profit organization dedicated to helping disadvantaged people find meaningful employment. The organization is one of Australia’s leading providers of disability employment services.

ON-Q Disability Services — Photo credit: ON-Q Disability Employment Support Services/Facebook

The Disability Employment Services was designed by the Australian government to help people with disabilities overcome the negative stereotypes and misconceptions that prevent them from being recognised for the valuable workers they are. It aims to assist eligible people with a disability, injury or health condition to obtain individually tailored employment services.

Whether people want to return to the workforce after an injury or health condition, or overcome a barrier to employment, ON-Q offers personalised support to find a job or undertake further training. For over 30 years, they have helped hundreds of people with disabilities realise their full potential and empowered them to find jobs they love.

Tailored employment services — Photo credit: ON-Q Disability Employment Support Services/Facebook

ON-Q believes that there is a significant opportunity for employers who choose a different approach to recruitment. By hiring a person with a disability, many of Australia’s employers are already making a difference – to the lives of their staff and to their local communities.

Supporting ON-Q means helping place more people with disabilities into decent, lasting jobs across a wider footprint in Australia.

fun pizza party — Photo credit: Photoman/Pixabay

So come along, have fun, and get to know the members of the ON-Q Ipswich community on their Fun Free Pizza Party in Ipswich. There will also be cold drinks, treats and activities for the kids along with great prizes and giveaways.

See you there.

Budget-Friendly Activities For Kids in Ipswich

Are school holiday activities for your children putting a dent in your wallet? No need to fret as there are free recreational options in Ipswich.

1. Robelle Domain Parklands

This water park and playground boasts of a water fun area consisting of tipping buckets, water spouts and jet sprays that young kids will truly enjoy, whilst the older family members can relax and appreciate the shaded picnic spots, lovely gardens, lake and waterfalls.

2. Orion Lagoon

Located beside Robelle Domain, your kids can cool off in the 50 metre swimming area. Younger children and toddlers will have fun exploring the tail end of the lagoon, which has an average of 30cm depth. Lifeguards on duty ensure a safe swimming experience.

Fun at Orion Lagoon — Photo credit: CCO/Wikipedia

3. Bob Gamble Park

Children will be delighted with this zero-depth aquativity zone as it features opportunities for nature play. They can experiment with water pumps and direct overflow through a network of stepping stones and pathways. There are also playground areas positioned on each side of the aquativity zone.

4. Discovery Forest at Bob Gamble Park

The “Discovery Forest” encourages the little adventurers to explore the forest floor, swing on a rope attached to a tall tree, cross a wooden bridge and climb through two forts.

5. River Heart Parklands Laser Projections

Stroll through wheelchair and pram-friendly boardwalks by the banks of the Bremer River, which is at the heart of Ipswich. At night, children will be amazed as the river comes alive magically with laser projections of the river creatures Ippy, Limey and Stoney.

Playing by the bank of the Bremer River — Photo credit: EME/Pixabay

6. Triassic Park, Denmark Hill Conservation Reserve

A few minutes away from the city’s main streets, venture back to the age of dinosaurs! This park persuades children to examine dinosaur footprints and fossil displays, complete with a Stegosaurus structure.

7. Enchanted Woods Park

A fairy-tale themed park that inspires imaginative play among children. It features a sword in the stone, totter bridge, concrete castle play structure, viking swing, and storytelling chair.

8. Nerima Gardens

These are Japanese gardens designed with Ipswich’s Japanese sister city, Nerima. Kids will appreciate the serenity and beauty of the surroundings, aside from experiencing a model traditional Japanese tea house.

9. Ipswich Nature Centre

Children are given the opportunity to glimpse Australian native wildlife in this centre, including wombats, wallabies, emus, quolls, and a nocturnal bilby exhibit. The Centre also has a rainforest bird aviary and a barnyard that has chickens, goats, sheep, and a friendly bull.

Entrance is free but donations are accepted to help with operational costs.

Kid feeding goats — Photo credit: filinecek/Pixabay

10. Lobley Park

Ten minutes from the CBD, kids of all ages and abilities will enjoy this aviation themed park. Popularly known as “the aeroplane park” it features a mock cockpit, air-traffic control tower with x-ray machine and radar screen, and ‘parachute’ swings. Blue pathways painted with clouds connect different play areas.