Fire ants are considered very destructive pests. About 94% of fire ant nests that have been spotted in the past 12 months in the western corridor were found in Greater Springfield.
In light of this overwhelming figure, intensive fire ant treatment has begun. The hot spots identified by the National Red Imported Fire Ant Eradication Program are Augustine Heights, Springfield Lakes and Brookwater.
Recent Infestations
Just recently, fresh fire ant infestation has been found in Brookwater at Augusta Pwy. Last May, there were already nine nests also found there by Biosecurity Queensland. Earlier, in March of this year also, an infestation was also located near St Augustine’s Catholic College.
The past year has seen 13 fire ant colonies in Augustine Heights, two in Springfield, 11 in Springfield Lakes and 10 in Springfield Central.
First Round of Treatment
The treatment was scheduled to start earlier but due to weeks of wet weather in Ipswich, it has been delayed. Up to 140 people were hired to tackle fire ants across Queensland as part of the $411.4 million decade-long eradication program. The first of three rounds of bait treatment issuing applied between November 2017 to June 2018.
The first treatment will be executed in western outer infestation areas of Ipswich, the Lockyer Valley, Scenic Rim and Somerset. The next three rounds would be applied during the warmer weather of 2018-19.
The Danger of Fire Ants
Fire ants were first detected in Brisbane in 2011. These South American ants are a huge threat to the social, economic, and environmental state of Queensland. They are considered Category 1 restricted pests under the Biosecurity Act 2014.
Considered as the most dangerous ant in the area, the fire ant is a very invasive species that can hurt you if disturbed. They are copper brown in colour with a darker abdomen. Often, they are mistaken as a common garden or house ant. They come in various sizes and their nest may appear as loose soil with no exit holes or visible entry points.
Sisters Holly and Becky Stower are once again encouraging locals to join their fundraiser in support of Cancer Council Queensland, the second annual Glen Stower Memorial Race Day which will take place on the 15th of December at the Ipswich Turf Club. The event will run from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and is their way honouring the memory of their father who lost his 10-month battle with lung cancer in 2015.
Becky Gifford, Dad Glen Stower, and Holly Stower. Taken in 2014, on their last Father’s Day together. (Photo supplied)
Glen’s Story, in Holly’s Words
A 2014 visit to his GP for removal of sunspots, and a casual mention of a chronic cough that he had, led to the eventual diagnosis of Stage 4 lung cancer for Glen Stower.
“Our dad was a much loved poppy, partner, uncle, mate and colleague. At the time of his diagnosis he was only 55 years old, with countless hopes, plans and dreams for the future that he never had the opportunity to realise. He battled cancer with courage, grace and an unfaltering will to live.”
“When the results were finally delivered, our worst fears were confirmed – Stage 4 lung cancer. The disease had already spread to his spine and ribs and there were no “active” treatment options. Suddenly, at age 55 dad was dying. He was given a prognosis of 9 – 12 months.”
After suffering the loss of his physical independence as the disease spread, courageously going through palliative chemotherapy, and braving the painful spread of cancer to his bones, Glen Stower died peacefully at home in May 2015, 10 months after he was first diagnosed.
A Tribute to Dad
From their family’s shared experience, Holly and Becky felt that it would be a fitting tribute and memorial to their Dad’s battle with cancer to put up a fundraiser in his name.
“Sadly we know that dad’s story is not the only one of its kind. As a result of this terrible disease, many people will suffer as he did and many families will experience the same helplessness and grief that we have,” Holly said.
They also felt that it would be beneficial to other families who are going through or have gone through the same experience with their loved ones.
“Becky and I created the annual Glen Stower Memorial Race Day fundraiser, not only as a legacy for dad but also because we’d like to think that in some small way we might be able to bring hope to other families affected by cancer.”
“The Cancer Council Queensland is focused on providing all Queenslanders with the best possible prospects of preventing, detecting, effectively treating and surviving a cancer diagnosis. Ultimately any money we raise will contribute to their work in cancer research, support services for patients and their families and cancer prevention and early detection programs. We really hope that one day a cancer diagnosis won’t have to be a death sentence, as it was for our dad,” Holly added.
Event Details
Participation in the event will cost $85 inclusive of entry, a race book, 3-course sit down lunch, 5-hour beverage package and trackside views of live horse racing. There will also be raffles held throughout the day with tickets priced at $5 each.
Local businesses are also encouraged to take part in this event to purchase race sponsorship packages for $450, which includes two tickets to the event and naming rights to the race.
Last year, their fundraising event has reached over $7,000. Hopes are high that this year’s event will solid support, as well. To date, donations have amounted to over $8,000 of the $12,000 goal.
Following the latest Regatta Lake upgrades in Springfield, the Springfield Centenary Canoe Club isn’t done yet with their ideas to make the place better and more functional.
Currently, the club is applying for a storage container at the Regatta Lake to store member equipment. Cr Sheila Ireland is considering this but wants to hear from the locals as well.
Cr Ireland is seeking community feedback on this application especially that this container will be visible from the Springfield Lakes Boulevard. Deadline for suggestions will be on the 24 November, so have your say.
So far, there have been suggestions about seeing more gardens or greenery in the area.
You can send an email to sireland@ipswich.qld.gov.au or call 3470 0077.
Now that the fate of a new library at Springfield Central has been sealed, its design has been revealed by the Ipswich City Council and so far, things are looking good.
The new two-level library will be located off of Main Street and will be at approximately 2,000 square meters. A budget of $5 million is set for the library, which would meet the needs of the community.
The conceptual design package showcases state-of-the-art facilities, which includes a customer assistance area, a “market place” style presentation of famous books, maker space, main collection area, public access computers, express computers, a space for kids and parents, event space, meeting rooms, kitchen space, and a computer training room. The second floor will serve as the administration area.
An after-hours returns and book sorting area in the basement carpark will be available as well. Enhancements will also be made to the entry foyer on the ground floor.
The hike to get to Springfield Station has gotten locals tired and upset. The lack of a bus stop at the station forces commuters to walk a 300m steep incline from Woodcrest Way. Now, councillors and state election candidates are asking for a solution.
To add to the issue, they also pointed out the lack of car parks at the station. On a daily basis, an estimated 467 commuters board the trains whilst the car park can only accommodate 170 vehicles.
Cr David Morrisson and Cr Morgan were quick to point out the poor planning and how all new rail stations must have a bus stop. This is particularly important since the State Government is pushing for the improvements on public transportation to lessen the vehicles on the roads thus lesser traffic congestion.
Ipswich City Council has responded to this issue citing that the road layout cannot accommodate buses. On the other hand, a spokesman for TransLink said that they will review and assess a possible bus stop on the area.
They’re not officially declared as pests, but cane toads seem to be wreaking havoc in Springfield Lakes enough for the Springfield Lakes Nature Care to take action and hold toad-busting nights.
Luise Manning, the president of the group has recruited the Springfield/Camira Scouts for toad-busting night. The amphibians have been killing native animals as well as pests, and they are a nuisance to the environment.
Although there is a slim chance of totally eradicating the cane toads from the community, the locals believe that they can control the numbers. Knowing how to identify a cane toad is very important in order to protect native frogs from getting in the line of danger. There is also a humane way to kill the toads.
Identifying cane toads:
Their colour vary from brown, olive-brown or reddish
They have thick and leathery skin
A visor or awning over their eyes are noticeable
They have small feet with claw-like unwebbed digits
They may appear dry
They look heavily built
Aside from causing environmental and animal damages, cane toads can also transmit diseases, such as salmonella. They also carry toxic illnesses and can cause death to humans and domestic animals if their venom is ingested or if it enters the eye.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) has advised that the most humane way to kill cane toads is through the use of an aerosol spray which has been specifically developed to kill these toads. This spray contains the active ingredient Chloroxylenol and they are commercially available.
Should you find cane toads in your backyard, the proper way to kill them using the spray is:
Spray sufficiently to the point that they are anaesthetised
Once the toad stops moving, spray again
Check after two hours if the toad is dead. You can place them in your garbage or bury them
To stay updated on toad-busting nights, you can click here.
Featuring unique rock formations, valleys and beautiful greeneries, White Rock Spring Mountain Conservation Estate reminds you that you don’t have to go too far from the city centre just to get a taste of nature in its element. The White Rock Spring Mountain Conservation Estate is just 20 minutes from Ipswich CBD and 35 minutes from Brisbane CBD.
Photo credit: Discover Ipswich
The abundance of wildlife in the area will also tickle the nature lover in you. Or even if you’re not the outdoors-y type, just being in the area will bring you serenity — the perfect break from your hectic lifestyle.
If you fancy trail walking, there are various trails to choose from ranging from 200m to 19km. The beautiful views will make everything worth it.
Bluff Lookout (200m)
Little White Rock Lookout (200m)
Little White Rock Track (600m)
Six Mile Creek Boardwalk (300m)
Six Mile Creek Track (1.4km)
White Rock Multi Use Trail (6.5km)
Yaddamun Trail (19km)
The headwaters of seven major waterways can also be found here, making it the perfect place to take in everything that nature has to offer. It also holds the region’s most important natural and conservational bushland, along with significant local landmarks of White Rock and Spring Mountain.
Locals can sometimes take for granted the many thing to do here — bird watching, biking, horse riding and there are also caves, stunning lookouts and boardwalks.
Photo credit: Aussie Bushwalking
The area is also home to over 600 plant species and 150 animal species including one of the most threaded species here in Ipswich, the peregrine falcon.
Photo credit: Brisbane Kids
Picnic spaces and grassy areas abound, perfect for families looking to spend quality time together. Parking and toilet facilities are conveniently and amply provided.
Upgrades at the Regatta Lake in Springfield Lakes are finally complete and the club is encouraging new members to use the new Regatta Lake Pad Hub.
The upgrades have actually taken a bit of time to come to fruition. The boat ramp application was approved by the Ipswich City Council in April of this year, which was actively pushed by various groups such as the Springfield Centenary Canoe Club who have been calling for proper access to Regatta Lake.
The development also included a district park and a dog park, which will form a part of the Discovery Lake District Park.
Now, the lake has a boat ramp, carpark, and pontoon. They are also pushing for a storage container approval. With all of these new upgrades at the lake, there’s no stopping anyone from taking up paddle sports, which is highly promoted by the canoe club.
The aim of the club, which also operates Riverhills, is to make this club the biggest in Queensland. Considering that six members of the club are current canoe polo masters world champions, it seems that the club is well on its way to being just that.
The official launch of the Regatta Lake Pad Hub may happen next year.
Every first Friday of every month from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., the Robelle Parklands in Springfield holds the Springfield Markets.
It’s the perfect place to be on Friday afternoons. There are plenty of stallholders selling multicultural dishes, making it a good spot for your TGIF nights.
Photo credit: Springfield Markets / Facebook
For foodies who are looking for local produce, these are also available here. The freshest ingredients along with imported goods and groceries, quality meat and dairy products are all here.
Photo credit: Springfield Markets / Facebook
It’s not just about food, though! There are also homewards and other handmade products that you can’t find anywhere else.
Photo credit: Springfield Markets / Facebook
The market also plays host to various local artists and designers selling their items such as clothes and other unique finds.
Photo credit: Springfield Markets / Facebook
One of the best things about this market is its location. If you’re bringing your kids with you, you can keep them entertained because of the shaded playground and waterpark.
