Stockland, a known residential developer has recently made a land purchase, for a development in Springfield that has been deemed “controversial.”
The developer has purchased a 30-hectare site for pre-approved development, the Springview Estate. Stockland paid $21 million for the site including pre-emptive buying rights over an additional 136 hectares. The estate is zoned as residential and has been approved for 406 courses and 10 hectares of conservation land.
However, locals are not thrilled about this development even before when a DA was lodged to the Ipswich City Council in 2015 by landowner Cherish Enterprise. They labeled it as “sardine city” and the removal of the O’Dwyers Gully and water basin puts their homes at risk of flooding.
According to the residents near the area, they were promised the land would never be developed because it is owned by the council. They also said that there wasn’t any community consultation about the planned development. They did concede that they are not recommending that the development be put on-hold; instead, they would like to be given a green buffer and have parklands in between their homes and the new development.
A spokesman for the council said that the developer has assured that there would be no worsening of flood levels and flows in the area.
Stockland plans to start first sales and settlements in 2019.
Locals already know that the area in and around Springfield Central and Springfield Lakes has a lot to offer but it’s always nice to look around and count one’s blessings. From houses, recreational facilities and of course, wide areas of greeneries where one can easily get close to nature and just simply enjoy the simplicity of just being in the moment, here is a rundown of some the best that life in the suburb has to offer.
Springfield Lake Parklands
For avid bike riders or you just simply want to get away from your hectic life, this is a tranquil space with an abundant wildlife. You can spot some birds, lizards and ducks. If you get tired from all the walking, you can easily lie on the grassy hills that provide views of the lake.
Photo credit: Weekend Notes
There are also picnic grounds where you can enjoy delicious food with your loved ones whilst you can keep your kids preoccupied with the playground. For sports enthusiasts, there is a tennis court in the area and other facilities such as BBQs, gazebos, ponds, and other water features.
Discovery Park
Photo credit: Ipswich City Council
Here, there are shades grassy areas if the heat is a bit too intense and there are also electric barbecues available for you. There is a fenced Children’s playground for your kids to play in whilst you read a good book or simply enjoy nature.
Located in Springfield Central and one of the best outdoor destinations in Brisbane, there is something here for the whole family. The playground area here is superb whilst there is also the Robelle Cafe if you decide not to bring packed food with you. The water park is also a popular attraction.
Photo credit: Panoramio
Away from all of these, you will find a large grassed oval, amphitheater and stage area. The evenings bring community events and concerts at these places.
If you want some peace and quiet, you will find that the greater area of the park have walking tracks set on beautiful gardens. There is also a man-made lake and waterfall.
Every first Friday of the month, markets are held here as well.
It was in 1992 when Springfield Lakes welcomed developments, which led to its beauty today. It has recently won international acclaim awarded with the ‘World’s Best Master Planned Community’ by the International Real Estate Federation, FIABCI. With its wide parks, the presence of Orion Shopping Centre that offers almost everything, the suburb also has some great dining places you shouldn’t miss.
Overlooking Spring Lake, dining on the large veranda makes it a popular spot for locals and tourists. Sail boats slowly past by and birds chirp whilst you enjoy some great food. You will love the ambiance here due to its relaxed vibe.
They offer a mix of different cuisines from all over the world such as Vietnamese and Thai. It’s the perfect place to go to for Sunday lunches, date nights or just about when you need some good food.
Situated on The Boulevard, hence the name, a former fine dining restaurant, which was later on turned into a casual dining experience to meet the market. If you’re looking for some wood-fired bbq, this is the best place to go. This is where you’ll find that ‘low and slow’ American cooking tradition.
BBQ is very prominent here — there is always something barbecued whether on its menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Lotus Cafe Address: 145 Sinnathamby Blvd, Springfield Central
Photo credit: Zomato
Located at the ground floor of Springfield House, the location is very light and breezy and overlooks Greater Springfield, Robelle Domain, and Orion Shopping Centre.
They offer all-day breakfast and all-day lunch and there is also all-day vegan. This is the perfect place to go to if you have food allergies or you simply want something healthy and delicious.
A jewel in Ipswich and the largest park precinct in Queensland, the parkland is perfect for an all-day adventure with or without your kids. Enjoy a walk along the rainforest whilst you educate your children about the different animals and plants that you are going to see. There is also a waterfalls and water play areas perfect for the summer days.
The park is also the home of Australia’s first Icon on Galaxy interactive play equipment in an all-abilities playground. This is the perfect place to go to in Springfield if you want everything in one place.
Orion Lagoon
Photo credit: Discover Ipswich
Just next to Robelle Domain, this water park is free for everyone. It features several pools that are connected to a larger central lagoon. There are picnic and BBQ areas and of course, if you don’t want to cook on-site, there is always the Lagoon Cafe where you can grab a bite with your kids.
For a little quiet time and for some learning, the Ipswich City Council Mobile Library offers a wide selection of books, CDs and DVDs for hire. They also have a children’s reading area and they visit every Thursday and fortnightly on a Wednesday on Southern Cross Circuit.
Grande Park
Photo credit: Ipswich City Council
A popular spot for families because of its climbing wall with two huge slides, located at 40 Grand Avenue, this park is perfect for your children. They can bring their scooters and bikes. There is also a skate park section and open grassy spaces for them to run around.
Springfield Lakes has been named as one of the growth hotspots in Ipswich, based on a list given by the Ipswich City Council. Also in the list are:
Redbank Plains
Bellbird Park
South Ripley
Leichhardt
Now enjoying a Renaissance of sorts, the city of Ipswich is on the rise and its suburbs give evidence to the growth of its population. Ipswich is called a two-headed city and is now rising from the ashes following the decline of traditional mining and rail industries. The city is now Queensland’s fastest growing city. Just before Christmas last year, the population ballooned over 200,000 and is continuously rising almost as twice as quickly as Greater Brisbane.
One of the factors driving the rapid population growth is that there are major building projects as well as affordable housing options that attract residents. Springfield Lakes and the other listed suburbs are becoming even more popular with young families, first home buyers and investors as people look for quality infrastructure and affordable housing.
From 30 June to 30 September, Ipswich has shown a population increase of 197,656 from 196,026. This has also shown an increase in the total number of dwellings across the city that shows a rise from 71,276 to 71,970, according to the latest Planning and Development Quarterly Activity Report.
Springfield Lakes sees plenty of developments such as the Orion Swimming lagoon, the expansion of the Orion Springfield Central including Coles, Target, Event Cinemas and specialty Retailers. There is also a development for senior living units by the Aveo Group as the retirement facilities in Queensland is booming. Allied health facilities are also opening.
There is also the R&F Properties development that aims to build 10,000 apartments, retail and office space.
It is estimated that by 2036, the city will be as big as a Gold Coast today with nearly half a million people. A predicted 130,000 residents will live in Greater Springfield.
Dress up like a zombie and bring the whole family with you to the Orion Springfield Central for its annual Zombie Walk on 28 October from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
This is a “trick or treat” event. The centre will be filled with roaming ghouls, zombies and ghosts all rooting for some tricks or treats.
There will also be some entertainment in the Town Square throughout the afternoon.
Photo credit: Headspace Ipswich
Headspace Ipswich is an organisation that helps young people aged 12-25 who are going through a tough time. They offer free, confidential support for mental health, general health, drug and alcohol and employment and training needs. They also engage with the local Ipswich community and its surrounds by delivering presentations to schools, community groups, information stalls, events and many more.
Tickets are $5 each. The proceeds will be donated to Headspace Ipswich. You can book your tickets here.
A Springfield Lakes resident made sure to bring art to Brookwater to showcase the work of South East Queensland artists.
Tinaye Jani is the owner of Kheis Art, the only art gallery of its kind in Springfield Lakes. The place is a physical and an online gallery in the region which offers colourful and bright pieces from emerging Brisbane artists. Kheis means “home” or a “place to live” in Zimbabwean Khoi dialect. The gallery is located at the Brookwater Village Shopping Centre.
Mrs Jani, who was born in Zimbabwe, saw so much potential in Brookwater and upon seeing it, she immediately thought of bringing colour to the area. She has been living in Springfield Lakes for years now. Before moving to the area, she used to run an art store in Perth selling African art pieces.
With her love for art, she sympathizes with the artists that haven’t gotten their much deserved exposure yet, so her art gallery is one of her ways to help Brisbane residents, even people all over Australia and around the world, see the magnificent work of these new and emerging artists.
Currently, the gallery hosts three Brisbane-based artists: RMH Art, Beverly Sekete and Lynette Davis.
Mrs Jani said she is always on the lookout for emerging artists to showcase their works of art in her gallery.
On 27th September to 1st October, the most loved Disney-Pixar Cars will be hitting the track at Orion Springfield Central from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Kids will enjoy meeting and greeting Mack the Transporter and of course, Lightning McQueen, and sliding their way down the inflatable slide.
For the more adventurous adrenaline junkies, there is a Crazy Eights Scooter race track that’s guaranteed to set your hearts racing.
A Mater’s Workshop, which involves Arts & Crafts activities will provide a leisurely break before going off to watch (or join!) the pit stop challenge. In the pit stop challenge, participants will prepare their cars to compete against others to the finish line. A racing centre will also let you create your own car license and test your skills on their reflex tester to see how fast you can react to situations on the road.
No bookings are required for this event. Make the most of the last few days of spring holidays!
On 11, 12, 13 of August, the Springfield Mini Show will be bringing in a lot of fun entertainment for kids and families along the Robelle Domain Parklands.
Some of the rides that you should definitely watch out for the Super Satellite, The Pirate Ship, The Merry Go Round and the Screamer Slide. All amusement ride passes are available for only $2 each.
Take note of the following schedules for the show:
11 Aug:11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
12 Aug: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
13 Aug: 10 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Kids who want to try out the rides will enjoy a special rate of S1 between 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. so it’s best to come early.
On Saturday, a fireworks display will light up the sky beginning at 8:05 p.m.
Photo credit: Springfield Mini Show / Facebook
All the activity is bound to get people hungry. No worries, there will be some food vans to ensure adequate (and delicious!) nourishment for your action-packed weekend.
Photo credit: Springfield Mini Show / Facebook
You will also find some sideshow alley games, affordable show bags and market stalls to satisfy those who feel the need to browse and shop.
Brace yourselves for a vital Greater Springfield Duathlon course and winter race this Sunday, 23 July 2017, at Springfield Central’s Robelle Domain. This is an annual event supported by the Springfield Land Corporation and the Ipswich City Council. The duathlon serves as a qualifying race for the Triathlon Australia Age Group ITU World Championship. Qualifiers are to participate in next year’s Fyn ITU Multisport World Championships in Denmark.
It will indeed be a challenging event for the racers. Nevertheless, it will still be a safe race to enter for first-timers. Varying distances of duathlon categories are all age-appropriate, namely: Standard for ages 18-years-old and above at 10km, 40km, or 5km; Sprint (14 yrs + at 5km, 20km, 2.5km); Enticer (12 yrs + at 1.5km, 8km, 1.5km); and Kids & Mini Kids (7 – 13 yrs at 250m, 1.5km, 6km). Standard and Sprint participants can choose to run as an individual or by a team. Each team must have two to three persons only.
Members of this winter event will be ranked in accordance to a points system. Two race types are available for ranking: the Queensland Championship Races and the Nissan State Series Races. For participation, each Triathlon Queensland member will be awarded one point. Also, kids or junior participants in races that are not timed will each be given participation points per entry.
The Greater Springfield Duathlon at Springfield Central accepts online entries only until 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, 19 July. Participants will receive their respective surnames on their race bibs if they enter prior to 8:00 a.m. Monday, 17 July. Regular and prompt entries are priced at $27.50 to $95 depending on the membership and age-appropriate race category.
Tabulated pricing for prompt entries.Photo Credit: Featured image from http://www.triathlon.org.au
Late entries are still accepted from 4:01 p.m. Wednesday, 19 July, until 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday, 22 July. After the cut-off period for the submission of online entries, late entries can be made via the Triathlon Queensland office. Late registrations are also welcome on the afternoon of 22 July until the exhaustion of allocations. Prices for late entries will immediately apply once the online submission is cut off. Late entry prices are at $37.50 to $115 depending on membership and category too.
Tabulated pricing for late entries.Photo Credit: Featured image from http://www.triathlon.org.au
Active members in the Triathlon Australia (TA) receive exclusive membership discounts when submitting entries. Non-members incur the additional cost of a one-day membership fee inclusive of race insurance. Meanwhile, all participants in a team are required to be TA members to qualify for the TA team entry discount. Each entry includes race numbers, timing, medical support or assistance, on-course Aid Station, and a post-event recovery area at the finish.
Only two types of TA memberships are considered valid in order to join the event. They are the Annual membership and the One Day membership (ODM). Annual members for the 2017/2018 season are required to indicate their respective membership numbers upon entry. Those who are not annual members will have to go with the non-TA member race entry stated above. On the other hand, those under TA’s Tri Before You Buy (TBYB) offer will need to have the ODM at the least in order to participate in the event.
For Greater Springfield Duathlon inquiries, memberships, and entries or late registrations, the Triathlon Queensland office may be contacted on (07) 3369 9600. You may also address an email to event organiser Emma McCarthy at events@qld.triathlon.org.au.
