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Ipswich to Welcome Multi-Million Dollar Hilton Hotel Development

Photo Credit: MayorTeresaHarding/ Facebook

A $53-million Hilton Garden Inn that project proponents expect will outclass Noosa in terms of visitor infrastructure and capacity will soon rise in Ipswich.

The project is scheduled to begin construction in late 2026 and reach completion by the end of 2028. This seven-storey development will occupy council-owned land on Ellenborough Street, positioned directly next to the recently improved Nicholas Street Precinct. Local officials noted that the city already draws more day-trip visitors than the Sunshine Coast’s Noosa, making a high-end stay option a logical next step for the region.

As the local population is expected to nearly double to half a million people by 2044, the addition of one hundred and sixty rooms will help manage the increasing number of people moving through the area.

Boosting the Local Economy and Jobs

hilton — *Photo Credit:* *MayorTeresaHarding/ Facebook*

The project is expected to create fifty permanent jobs for the community once the hotel is finished. This new business is projected to add nearly three million dollars to the local economy every single year. Beyond providing rooms, the building will include a restaurant, a bar, a fitness centre, and a shop.

These facilities are designed to support regional tourism, serving both local and international visitors who want a high-quality place to gather. The city recently spent over three hundred million dollars on the Nicholas Street Precinct to make the area more attractive to outside investors. This hotel is seen as a major result of that long-term investment in the heart of the city.

Preparing for the 2032 Games

Local representatives believe the hotel will be a prime location for international sports teams during the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Games. Because the site is about a thirty-five-minute drive from the main bustle of Brisbane, it offers a level of privacy and security that teams often look for when they are training.

It allows athletes to get used to the Queensland climate without the distractions of a major capital city. There is currently a significant shortage of short-term accommodation in the area, and this project aims to fill that gap well before the world’s eyes turn to Queensland for the Olympics.

A Growing Industrial and Tourism Hub

Ipswich is currently home to major global names like Boeing and L’Oreal, along with the largest meat processing plant in the southern hemisphere. The city holds more industrial land ready for development than all other councils in Southeast Queensland combined. This makes it a busy destination for business travellers from places like Singapore and Korea who may be visiting for work or to see family.

The Hilton Garden Inn will operate under a fifty-year lease on the council land, with options to stay for another fifty years after that. This long-term commitment suggests that the city is being viewed as a stable and growing part of the state’s future.

Published Date 14-February-2026

Swanbank Energy Precinct Activates One of Queensland’s Largest Batteries

One of Queensland’s largest grid-scale batteries has reached full operational capacity at the Swanbank Energy Precinct in Ipswich, marking a significant milestone for energy storage in the region.

Read: Swanbank Toasts Success as Giant Drinks Factory Commences Production

The 250MW/500MWh Swanbank Battery can now operate at full output while completing final regulatory and market approvals. Located at the historic Swanbank site near Springfield Lakes, the massive battery facility has the capacity to power approximately 355,000 homes—enough for two-thirds of Ipswich for two hours.

The project represents a major evolution for the Swanbank Energy Precinct, which has been generating electricity for Queensland for more than 50 years. The battery sits alongside the existing Swanbank E gas-fired power station, demonstrating how modern energy storage technology can work in tandem with traditional generation infrastructure.

Photo credit: Facebook/Queensland Treasury

CleanCo Chief Executive Officer Tom Metcalfe said the battery was a major milestone for both the company and Ipswich.

“The Swanbank Battery is a critical addition to CleanCo’s portfolio, providing greater flexibility to supply reliable, lower-emissions energy to our customers when it’s needed most,” Mr Metcalfe said.

“At full capacity, the battery can deliver up to 250MW of electricity for two hours during peak demand periods.”

The facility works by absorbing excess energy when supply is high and dispatching it back into the grid within seconds when demand peaks. This rapid-response capability helps improve system stability and manage peak demand periods.

For Springfield Lakes residents, the Swanbank Energy Precinct represents a significant local energy infrastructure development. The battery technology was supplied by Tesla.

The project has been delivered under budget through a partnership between state-owned CleanCo and Energy Queensland. Treasurer and Energy Minister David Janetzki noted that the facility demonstrates how existing energy infrastructure can be used to advance new technologies, particularly during peak demand periods.

Mr Metcalfe emphasised the site’s ongoing transformation and its role in supporting Queensland’s energy needs.

“This project reflects the continued evolution of the Swanbank site, from coal to gas-fired stations and now battery storage, reinforcing CleanCo’s role in supporting Queensland’s energy system with dependable, lower-emission firming generation,” he said.

The battery forms part of Queensland’s broader Energy Roadmap, which anticipates 3.1GW of short-duration battery storage across the state by 2030. The Swanbank facility’s two-hour storage and dispatch capacity enables it to support the integration of renewable energy into the grid.

Read: New Regulations Target Odour Issues at Swanbank and New Chum

As the facility completes its final approvals before entering full commercial operation, it demonstrates the evolution of historic energy sites. For Springfield Lakes families and businesses, the Swanbank Energy Precinct’s latest addition supports more reliable electricity supply during peak demand periods, continuing the site’s decades-long role in powering the region.

Published 11-February-2026

Authorities Target E-Bike Rideouts in Springfield and Ripley

QPS

Authorities are ramping up enforcement against organised e-bike “rideouts” occurring weekly across South East Queensland. Officers are specifically targeting areas in Springfield and neighbouring Ripley, where they allege youth groups use social media to coordinate group rides on non-compliant, high-powered devices.

Chief Superintendent Mark Wheeler, from the Queensland Police Road Policing and Regional Support Command, confirmed that the service is allocating extra resources to Springfield, Ripley, North Lakes, Mango Hill, and the Gold Coast. Specialised teams now use digital intelligence to enact targeted responses to these gatherings.

Police allege that footage uploaded online shows groups using devices reaching speeds of 90 kilometres per hour, performing one-wheel stunts, and riding in large convoys through suburban streets.

Digital Monitoring and Police Strategy

QPS monitors these activities through its Digital Intelligence Coordination and Engagement (DICE) team. This unit tracks rideout announcements and helps coordinate the operational response. Online posts frequently discuss police patrol locations and offer tips on how to avoid interception.

Authorities describe these behaviours as posing a significant risk to the community. Officials emphasize that youth groups on e-devices are considered vulnerable road users who endanger themselves and the public when they disregard standard road rules.

Safety Trends and Operation X-Ray Surety

Following 14 e-mobility fatalities across Queensland in 2025, authorities launched Operation X-Ray Surety. This statewide enforcement campaign ran from 3 November 2025 to 26 January 2026 to curb rising road trauma.

Between 3 November and 23 December, police issued 2,124 fines related to e-mobility devices. The most common offences included:

Failure to wear a helmet: 1,652 fines
Use of prohibited roads: 207 fines
Carrying passengers: 72 fines

Chief Supt Wheeler suggested that Christmas gift-giving likely increased the number of these devices on the road. He urged parents to ensure any e-bike they purchase complies with Queensland law, which requires motors to cut off at 25 kilometres per hour and limits power output to 250 watts.

North Lakes and Mango Hill Context

Springfield and Ripley Context

Springfield and Ripley sit within Ipswich’s rapidly developing Greater Springfield region, approximately 23 kilometres southwest of Brisbane CBD. The area’s master-planned communities include extensive cycling paths and recreational infrastructure that attract e-bike users, though illegal high-powered devices exceed specifications for safe use in shared spaces.

Springfield’s population has grown from approximately 5,000 in 2003 to over 70,000 across Greater Springfield suburbs including Springfield, Springfield Lakes, Springfield Central, Brookwater, and Augustine Heights. The rapid development created suburban street networks where youths organise group rides.

Ripley, located west of Springfield, underwent similar master-planned development through the early 2000s. The Centenary Highway extension to Ripley completed in 2008 improved connectivity whilst creating additional road infrastructure where non-compliant e-bike activity occurs.

Both suburbs contain substantial youth populations. The demographic profile contributes to e-bike adoption amongst teens seeking transport independence before obtaining driver licences.

Legal Requirements and Potential Penalties

Queensland law classifies any e-bike exceeding 250 watts or a 25 km/h assisted speed as a motor vehicle. Consequently, these devices require registration, insurance, and a valid motorcycle licence.

Riders of non-compliant devices face a ‘compliance package’ of fines that can exceed $1,600, covering registration, insurance, and licensing offences simultaneously.

Police hold the authority to impound devices suspected of being involved in an offence. While owners can often go to court to seek the return of their property, a magistrate may order the permanent forfeiture or destruction of devices that are heavily modified or deemed a persistent public risk.

Community Views and Infrastructure

Community sentiment remains divided. While many residents express frustration with dangerous riding, others advocate for better infrastructure. Some community members suggest that the Brisbane 2032 Olympics provide an opportunity to build dedicated high-speed cycling networks that could safely accommodate evolving e-mobility technology.

Critics of the current crackdown argue that the speed capabilities of some modern devices—reaching up to 100 km/h—require them to be regulated as motorcycles rather than bicycles. Meanwhile, police continue to encourage residents to report dangerous behaviour or organised rideouts via Crime Stoppers.

Published 08-February-2026.

Springfield Lakes Scout Group Programs Face Collapse as Volunteer Numbers Hit Record Lows

Photo Credit: Springfield Lakes Scout Group/ Facebook

The Springfield Lakes Scout Group has temporarily paused two of its primary youth programs due to a shortage of adult volunteers, and will resume operations once sufficient volunteers are available to ensure safe supervision.

The group operates five youth sections: Joey Scouts (ages 5–8), Cub Scouts (8–11), Scouts (11–14), Venturer Scouts (15–18) and Rover Scouts (18–25). Each section must meet strict youth-to-leader supervision ratios under national Scouting requirements.

At present, the Cub Scout and Scout sections are paused because the group does not currently have enough trained adult leaders to meet those supervision requirements. These sections will resume once additional adult volunteers come forward.

A Community Program Under Pressure

*Photo Credit:* *Springfield Lakes Scout Group/ Facebook*

While interest from local families remains high, the lack of adult supervision has created a gap that the group can no longer fill. National safety rules require a specific number of adults to be present for every child involved. Because these ratios cannot be met, the sections for children aged eight to fourteen have stopped running.

This means many young people in the area are missing out on the chance to build life skills and friendships through outdoor activities.

Leadership Gaps Stall Local Activities

The situation worsened recently when two key leaders had to step away from their roles. One leader left for personal reasons while another is managing a medical condition. Without these individuals, the group cannot legally run camping trips or basic outdoor lessons.

Brendan Kross, the Group Leader, explained that the organisation relies entirely on the presence of adults to function. He noted that even though many children want to join, the program must stop if there are not enough mentors to guide them.

The Search for a Permanent Home

Operational struggles are made harder by the fact that the group does not have its own building. For the past four years, they have moved between different hired spaces like the local YMCA. Mr Kross mentioned that having a permanent spot to meet would help the group grow and feel more stable. He believes a dedicated space would make it easier to recruit new volunteers and keep the program running smoothly for the long term.

An Urgent Call for Local Support

The group is now looking for residents who can give some of their time to help lead the youth. They are also asking local businesses if they can help find a permanent meeting location. Mr Kross stated that the current leaders are working very hard, but they cannot manage the entire workload alone. The future of the program now depends on whether enough people in the neighbourhood step forward to help.

Published Date 05-January-2026

Ipswich Population Boom: Springfield, Springfield Lakes Lead Growth Past 270,000 Milestone

Springfield, Springfield Central, Springfield Lakes, and Spring Mountain are among the key growth areas as Ipswich City officially recorded 270,624 residents as of 1 January 2026.

Read: Springfield Parkway Upgrade Stage 2 Moves Closer as Long-Term Road Expansion Continues

According to data released on 2 February, Ipswich City has experienced remarkable growth over recent years, adding close to 10,000 people in the past 12 months alone. Over a four-year period, the population has swelled by approximately 30,000 residents.

Springfield, Springfield Central, Springfield Lakes, and Spring Mountain have emerged as key drivers of this expansion. The broader Springfield area has welcomed over 5,000 new residents since January 2022, growing from 33,333 people to 38,415. The precinct now accommodates more than 12,000 dwellings across its master-planned estates.

Meanwhile, the Ripley and South Ripley corridor has experienced even more dramatic growth, with the population nearly doubling from just over 10,000 residents to more than 19,000 during the same timeframe.

The rate of population increase has been accelerating, with annual growth jumping from around 8,000-9,000 people to nearly 10,000 in the most recent year. People are relocating to Ipswich from across Queensland, Australia, and internationally, with 300 new migrants becoming citizens in the past year.

Spring Mountain, Springfield Lakes, Ripley, South Ripley, White Rock, Deebing Heights, and Redbank Plains continue to be the fastest-growing suburbs in the region. Total dwellings citywide have reached 98,313, edging close to six figures.

While the population growth has brought new residents to the area, it has also placed pressure on existing infrastructure. The need for improved roads, expanded public transport options, and additional community facilities has become increasingly apparent.

Looking ahead, projections indicate Ipswich will reach 530,000 residents within two decades, necessitating an additional 100,000 homes. This growth trajectory underscores the urgent need for improved transport links, particularly enhancements to the Cunningham and Centenary highways and a dedicated public transport corridor connecting Springfield Central with Ipswich Central.

Data from the October to December 2025 quarter shows the city approved 877 new dwellings and created 725 new lots during that period. A total of 433 development applications were processed, while more than six kilometres each of new pathways and local roads were added to accommodate the growing population.

For residents of Springfield Lakes and neighbouring communities, the statistics reflect what they see daily: construction cranes dotting the skyline, new schools opening their doors, and shopping centres expanding to meet demand.

The challenge now lies in ensuring that essential infrastructure keeps pace with the residential boom. Transport capacity, particularly road networks and public transport frequency, will need to expand significantly to accommodate the growing population.

Read: More Springfield Lakes Roofs are Storing Solar and Saving Power

As Springfield Lakes and its neighbouring suburbs continue their remarkable growth trajectory, they represent both the potential and the pressures of rapid urban development in modern Australia. The coming years will prove critical in determining whether infrastructure investment can match the pace of population growth, ensuring the region’s transformation remains sustainable for current and future residents alike.

Published 5-February-2026

Springfield Parkway Upgrade Stage 2 Moves Closer as Long-Term Road Expansion Continues

The Springfield Parkway Upgrade is set to transform one of Ipswich’s busiest transport routes, with major plans moving forward to Stage 2 to widen the key corridor linking Springfield Central with neighbouring suburbs. The project aims to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, and support one of South East Queensland’s fastest-growing communities.

Procurement Plan Moves Project Forward

Ipswich has adopted a Significant Contracting Plan to prepare for the next stage of construction for the Springfield Parkway duplication. The adoption of this plan enables the move toward issuing tenders for Stage 2 of the project. Further details on the contracting process and project planning are available in the official announcement.

The plan is required by procurement rules before contracts of significant value or duration can be awarded.

Project planning information also indicates that $22 million has been allocated in the 2025–2026 budget to continue Stage 2 works, as part of a broader $43 million investment spread over five years to deliver the upgrade.

The upgrade is part of a long-term strategy to duplicate Springfield Parkway and Springfield Greenbank Arterial into four-lane roads to better handle increasing traffic demand.

Supporting Rapid Population Growth

Planning materials show Springfield is experiencing strong population growth, placing increased demand on local transport networks. The duplication project is designed to increase capacity along the corridor, which currently services tens of thousands of commuters each day.

Council information states that preliminary works, such as relocating underground services and constructing retaining walls, are expected to support the main construction phase. The improvements are also intended to enhance road safety and reduce travel delays for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists using the corridor.

Long-Term Planning Linked to Regional Development

The upgrade is being delivered as part of wider infrastructure planning across Springfield and surrounding areas. Local infrastructure upgrades are considered essential to support residential expansion, business development, and access to community facilities across the region.

The road network improvements are also expected to support future regional events and large-scale activities by improving access to key community venues.

Published 4-Feb-2026

Man Charged With Murder Following Death of Baby Boy in Hospital

Photo Credit: myPolice Logan

A 25-year-old man has been arrested and charged with murder following the death of a three-week-old baby boy who passed away in hospital more than a year and a half ago.

The infant was brought to Queensland Children’s Hospital on 18 July 2024 in critical condition and died four days later.

According to Queensland Police, detectives from the Logan Child Protection and Investigation Unit and Child Trauma Unit conducted a lengthy investigation into the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.

Police say that following extensive medical examinations, results recently confirmed the baby had sustained internal injuries. Investigators allege these injuries occurred at a Rosemary Street address in Greenbank.

The man, a Cleveland resident who was known to the child, was arrested at his home on Monday morning. Police bodycam footage captured officers executing a forced entry into the Cleveland property before taking the man into custody.

He has been charged with one count of murder.

The investigation involved collaboration between multiple police units and required comprehensive medical assessments before charges could be laid.

The matter is now before the courts.

Published 2-February-2026

Redbank Plains Pug Honey Honoured as National Canine Home Hero

Photo Credit: Elfie96/Instagram/Puppy Tales

Honey doesn’t look like a hero. She’s a pug from Redbank Plains. She’s small and snuffly, the kind of dog you expect to see trotting down the footpath or snoozing on a lounge, not walking into an intensive care unit day after day. But that’s where Honey did her most important work: during the final months of her human Vanessa’s life, she visited the ICU daily for three months, offering calm companionship in a place defined by alarms, bright lights, and uncertainty.

In January 2026, Honey’s story reached well beyond Ipswich’s western suburbs when she was named the Canine Home Hero Medal recipient at the 2026 Australian Dog of the Year Awards. The medal recognises dogs whose intuition, courage or companionship makes a life-changing difference at home.

For locals, it’s not hard to understand why this story is landing. Most people in our community have had some brush with hospital corridors — visiting relatives, sitting through long nights, holding their breath for good news. Puppy Tales, which runs the national awards, describes those final three months for Vanessa as time spent in ICU, with Honey there to help make a clinical space feel like home.

Nervous Dog to Support Dog

Honey was once a timid rescue, but grew into an assistance dog whose steadiness became a comfort not only for Vanessa, but for Vanessa’s husband Joel and even hospital staff who saw her gentle resolve up close – from nervous beginnings to a grounded presence during the hardest chapter.

That “now” matters, because the story doesn’t end when the hospital visits do. Honey continues to support Joel now. Vanessa has since passed away, but Honey continues forward as Joel’s assistance dog — a living thread of routine and companionship in the wake of grief.

It’s a detail that shifts the story from a snapshot of devotion to something longer: what happens after the casseroles stop coming, after the messages slow down, after the world moves on, and a person is left learning how to keep moving too.

Joel describes Honey as the reason he keeps going, not with grand statements, but with ordinary anchors and routines. It’s the kind of line many readers will recognise, even if their “Honey” looks different: a pet that insists the day begin, a lead that needs clipping on, a warm body that doesn’t ask for explanations.

Honey’s recognition also nudges at something else: the assumptions about what a “working dog” looks like. In Australia, people tend to picture Labradors and German Shepherds first — big, capable silhouettes. Honey is proof that support can arrive in small packages, and that assistance isn’t only about dramatic tasks. Sometimes it’s the steady presence; sometimes it’s the reason someone gets out of bed; sometimes it’s a dog who keeps turning up, even when the place is frightening, and the future is unclear.

Who else was recognised in the 2026 awards

Honey’s recognition sits alongside a diverse group of dogs honoured nationally in the 2026 Australian Dog of the Year Awards, run by Puppy Tales. This year’s winners reflect the many ways dogs support Australians — from therapy and assistance work to advocacy, sport and community wellbeing — often in roles that unfold quietly and far from public view.

The overall Australian Dog of the Year was Louie, a Border Collie from the Gold Coast who works as a certified therapy dog supporting survivors of sexual violence.

Other major award recipients included Isla, a guide dog whose partnership restored independence and confidence for her human in Sydney, and Willow, a deaf rescue dog from Victoria who has helped change perceptions about deaf dogs through advocacy and education.

Further honours went to Gus, a long-serving comfort dog at Ronald McDonald House WA, and Puck, a Saluki recognised for exceptional achievements across multiple canine disciplines and for school wellbeing work.

Together, the recipients highlight that while their work may look different, each dog’s contribution is rooted in connection, trust, and showing up when it matters most.

Published 27-Jan-2026

Ipswich Cane Toad Challenge Invites Residents To Log Catches Online

Photo Credit: Humanitix

A community cane toad control effort is underway in Ipswich, encouraging residents to collect cane toads and record catch data online during a defined challenge period.

Why Cane Toad Control Matters In Ipswich

Cane toads in Ipswich have been linked to declines in native wildlife, poisoning risks for domestic pets, and impacts on local agricultural industries.

They can live more than 10 years in the wild and become more toxic with age. A single adult cane toad can poison a medium-sized dog in about 15 minutes.

Ipswich Challenge Dates And How It Works

The Ipswich Cane Toad Challenge runs from 30 January to 8 February 2026, with catches counted when logged within that window.

Participants can join as individuals or groups, collecting cane toads and submitting results through the online logging form. All life stages, including tadpoles, count toward totals recorded during the challenge period.

invasive species control — *Photo Credit: Watergum/Facebook*

Humane Handling And Disposal Guidance

Best-practice guidance recommends stepped hypothermia for humane euthanasia, using refrigeration followed by freezing.

Watergum Community also operates cane toad collection points for frozen toads, which can be used in the production of cane toad tadpole lures.

Ipswich cane toad challenge — *Photo Credit: Watergum/Facebook*

log your catches online

Community Toad Bust Event In Brassall

A Community Toad Bust and cane toad information session is scheduled for Friday 30 January at Haig Street Quarry Bushland Reserve, Brassall, running from 6:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.

The session includes an educational talk starting at 6:30 p.m., a tadpole trapping workshop, group toad busting activities, and a final count before the event closes.

Eligibility And What Happens After The Challenge

Entry is limited to Ipswich LGA residents, and proof of residency may be requested. The competition is open to all ages, with under-18s requiring parental permission.

Winners are determined by the highest number of cane toads collected during the competition period, and will be notified by phone or email within two weeks after the challenge concludes.

Published 21-Jan-2026

More Springfield Lakes Roofs are Storing Solar and Saving Power

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Springfield Lakes has become Queensland’s hottest spot for home batteries, with local households installing more new storage than anywhere else in the state in just six months — turning sunny rooftops into round-the-clock power for kitchens, air-cons and school-night routines.

New data released in January 2026 by the Clean Energy Regulator and analysed by the Queensland Conservation Council shows postcode 4300 (Springfield) ranked No.1 in Queensland for home battery installations since July 2025, with 13.4 MWh installed across 520 homes.

Across Queensland, the same analysis found 777 MWh of home battery storage has been installed across more than 32,000 homes in the six months to January, following the rollout of the national Cheaper Home Batteries Program.

For families in fast-growing suburbs like Springfield Lakes, a home battery can mean using more of their own solar power at night — when lights, cooking and cooling are often at their peak. It also helps cut reliance on grid electricity during expensive evening hours.

Queensland Conservation Council campaigner Clare Silcock said the surge shows people are choosing clean tech because it’s a practical way to manage the cost of living — especially in outer suburban and regional communities.

But while home batteries are spreading quickly from house to house, the group says big, grid-scale battery projects in Queensland have not kept pace, and renters are still missing out on the benefits.

Where else are batteries taking off?

Springfield wasn’t the only area charging ahead. The other top postcodes for battery installs since July were:

The Clean Energy Regulator notes solar battery postcode data has only been available since 1 July 2025, when batteries became eligible under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme, meaning the state-by-state picture is now coming into sharper focus.

Why the rush now?

The battery boom is being linked to the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program, designed to make storage more affordable for households already using rooftop solar.

The federal government has also flagged updates to the program from 1 May 2026, subject to regulations being made.

In simple terms: more people are deciding it’s worth storing the solar power they already generate — rather than sending it back to the grid and buying electricity later at higher prices.

What it means for the local community

For many Springfield Lakes households, home batteries aren’t about gadgets or trends — they’re about control.

The benefits are easy to explain around the dinner table:

More solar used at home after sunset
Lower power bills over time (depending on usage and tariffs)
Less pressure on the local grid during peak times
A step toward a suburb that can better handle hotter summers and growing energy demand

With Springfield Lakes continuing to grow, the jump in battery installs also shows how quickly a community can shift when the numbers stack up — especially when families are already used to rooftop solar.

The bigger question: who gets left behind?

Energy groups say the next challenge is making sure renters and social housing residents can share in the savings, not just owner-occupiers.

Queensland Conservation Council argues that programs for renters remain small compared with the pace of battery installs happening in private homes, and is calling for more support so the energy transition feels fair across all neighbourhoods.

Published 15-Jan-2026