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Springfield Lakes Ranks Among Queensland’s Solar and Battery Leaders

Springfield Lakes has been named among Queensland’s top performers in the shift to renewable energy, ranking as one of the state’s leading postcodes for both battery and solar installations.

Read: Funding Boost to Deliver New Fire Station in Greater Springfield

New analysis shows Springfield Lakes residents installed 527.486 kWh of household battery storage in July, placing the suburb in the state’s top five for battery uptake following the launch of the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program.

At the same time, the community also ranked highly for rooftop solar, with a total of 110,056.182 kW installed, making it one of the strongest contributors to Queensland’s solar capacity.

The figures, sourced from the Clean Energy Regulator, highlight Springfield Lakes’ growing role in Queensland’s clean energy transformation. The results reflect broader state-wide momentum, with more than 1,700 Queensland households installing batteries in July alone, and almost half of Queenslanders now reporting rooftop solar on their homes.

Queensland Conservation Council campaigner Stephanie Gray said suburbs like Springfield Lakes show how outer metropolitan and regional communities are embracing clean technology to manage household costs and reduce emissions.

“Queenslanders are turning to clean technology in droves to affordably power their homes and businesses,” she said. “We consistently see outer suburban and regional areas leading the charge in adopting rooftop solar and household batteries because it’s a smart investment to help tackle the rising cost of living.”

Gray also pointed to the broader potential for local communities to power Queensland’s future. “Our latest report found that rooftop solar and distributed battery storage, including EVs, could provide up to 60 per cent of Queensland’s electricity. Currently, small-scale solar provides almost 15 per cent.”

While Springfield Lakes and similar communities are powering ahead, the latest Queensland Household Energy Survey 2025 also revealed a significant gap between homeowners and renters when it comes to accessing clean energy. More than 60 per cent of homeowners in stand-alone houses have solar installed, compared with just 21 per cent of renters in houses and 9 per cent in apartments.

With Queensland preparing its five-year Energy Roadmap, conservation groups are urging policymakers to build on this momentum and ensure access to renewable energy is expanded across all housing types, including rentals and social housing.

Read: Ipswich Landowner Secures Permanent Protection for Koala Habitat

For Springfield Lakes residents, however, the numbers confirm their suburb is already leading the charge towards a cleaner, more affordable energy future.

Published 1-September-2025

Springfield Lakes Braces for Transformation as Population Boom Fuels Major Developments

With its population growing at over five per cent a year, the Springfield Lakes is on the verge of its biggest-ever expansion, marked by a new city master plan and a major land sale aimed at building hundreds of new homes.1

Bracing for a Wave of New Neighbours

The Greater Springfield region is experiencing a period of remarkable growth, putting it at the centre of South-East Queensland’s expansion. The local population has increased by 31 per cent since 2019 and continues to grow at a rate of more than five per cent each year. This rapid influx of new residents is driving a pressing need for more housing and community infrastructure, with projections showing the local population is expected to reach approximately 100,000 people by 2041.

Two Major Projects to Meet Demand

To accommodate this growth, two significant development initiatives are now moving forward. A formal “Master Area Development Plan” has been lodged with the Ipswich City Council for a new area named ‘Springfield City West’. This proposed precinct is located on the large, empty block of land bounded by Sinnathamby Boulevard, Spring Mountain Boulevard, Russell Luhrs Way and Helsinki Street.

At the same time, a separate 5.83-hectare site in neighbouring Springfield Central has been put on the market by Springfield City Group. The landholding, called ‘Vantage’, is being promoted by leading agencies Ray White Special Projects Qld and JLL Land as a prime opportunity for a large-scale residential project. It is situated with prominent frontage on Sinnathamby Boulevard and the Springfield Greenbank Arterial road.

The Economic Engine Behind the Growth

This surge in population and development is underpinned by a robust local economy that has attracted over $18 billion in public and private investment. The area boasts an unemployment rate of just 2.5 per cent, well below the Queensland average. The community is defined by a young and aspirational demographic, with a median age of 31.9 and median household incomes that are around 33 per cent higher than the state average, highlighting the region’s strong economic fundamentals.

According to statements from the land agents managing the Vantage sale, the site’s strategic position is a key drawcard for potential buyers. The real estate industry considers the combination of sustained growth and location to be a rare find. JLL Land heads Jake Burrowes and Liam Petersen affirmed this, noting that very few sites of this scale remain in South-East Queensland that are within walking distance of a major hospital, a university, a regional shopping centre, and a train station.

Updated 28-August-2025

Ipswich Landowner Secures Permanent Protection for Koala Habitat

Photo Credit: WWF Australia

A sprawling, gum tree-laden property in Ipswich will now serve as a protected wildlife sanctuary forever. This is the outcome of a landmark conservation agreement between the landowners and the authorities the first of its kind for the city.

A Forever Commitment to Wildlife

For landowner Sam and her husband, the commitment to restoring their Purga property for native animals is now guaranteed to last for generations. Through a new program, they have signed the city’s first Voluntary Conservation Covenant, a legally binding agreement that ensures their land remains a safe haven for its koala population and other fauna. The covenant is an important step for conservation in the region, as their property sits next to federally recognised Areas of Regional Koala Significance, making it a crucial part of a larger environmental corridor.

Sam explained that the covenant provides certainty that all the hard work they have invested in wildlife restoration will be protected long into the future, regardless of who owns the land. The property is home to a rich variety of native animals, including echidnas, sugar gliders, bandicoots, and numerous bird species from kingfishers to eagles.

How the Partnership Works

The Voluntary Conservation Covenant is a key part of the Ipswich City Council’s Landholder Conservation Partnerships program, designed to support residents in protecting environmentally valuable areas on private land. According to Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding, these partnerships are vital because many of the city’s most significant habitats are located on private properties. The agreement is formally recognised under the Queensland Land Title Act 1994, making the conservation terms permanent.

Environment and Sustainability Committee Chairperson, Councillor Jim Madden, noted that the program is funded through the Ipswich Enviroplan Levy. Through the program, Sam was provided with a bursary to advance the property’s restoration. This support system provides landowners with the resources, education, and property management plans needed to enhance the ecological value of their land through organised tree planting and weed control.

Breathing New Life into the Land

The conservation efforts on the Purga property are focused and strategic. The covenant covers a specific 9.16-hectare portion of the rural property, with a primary focus on restoring and buffering a creekline that acts as a vital corridor for koalas and other animals to move through the landscape.

Having collaborated with community groups like Queensland Trust for Nature and Healthy Land & Water, the landowners have already planted thousands of new trees. This revegetation work is transforming paddocks that had been overgrazed for decades into thriving habitats, with new blue gum and other remnant forest trees growing into future homes for the local koala population.

Part of a City-Wide Green Vision

This new covenant joins a broader network of conservation efforts across Ipswich. Mayor Harding stated that such initiatives help ensure the city’s iconic native flora and fauna can thrive. The council’s Enviroplan Levy has already enabled the acquisition of nearly 7,000 hectares of land for environmental purposes over the past three decades.

Furthermore, other agreements under the Landholder Conservation Partnerships program, such as Biodiversity and Corridor Conservation Agreements, already cover approximately 6,900 hectares of private land. Councillor Madden explained that these programs work together to ensure ecologically important land across the city is preserved from loss and mismanagement for a greener future.

Published Date 27-August-2025

Redcape Expands Portfolio with $30 Million Orion Hotel Acquisition

Photo Credit: Orion Hotel

Redcape Hotel Group has purchased the Orion Hotel in Springfield Central for approximately $30 million, marking a major investment in Southeast Queensland’s hospitality scene.

Strategic Expansion in Southeast Queensland

Redcape has strengthened its presence in Southeast Queensland by acquiring the Orion Hotel, a 2015 venue in Springfield Central developed by Jim Davies. The hotel is located within a busy shopping centre and enjoys strong community support.

This addition complements Redcape’s portfolio and high-traffic venues. The purchase follows the group’s acquisition of four Sunshine Coast hotels, bringing its total regional investment over the past year to more than $250 million.

Enhancing Local Amenities

Redcape’s managing director highlighted that the acquisition allows for further refurbishments and improvements to enhance the venue’s offerings. The hotel’s facilities include a full-service restaurant, bars, gaming lounge, and spaces for family and community events.

The focus on creating a welcoming environment reflects the strategy of combining hospitality investment with community benefit, ensuring local patrons continue to enjoy quality entertainment and dining options.

Capital Raising and Investor Support

To support further acquisitions, Redcape launched a capital raising initiative targeting between $50 million and $70 million. The company has also set an increased FY26 target distribution of 11.25 cents per unit, providing investors with an anticipated 7.5 per cent yield on new equity.

These moves indicate a continued strategy to fund growth while maintaining investor confidence in Redcape’s expanding portfolio.

Community and Economic Impact

Industry analysts note that pubs and hotels like the Orion serve as important social and economic hubs. Redcape’s investment is expected to sustain jobs, attract local spending, and support events that bring together families and residents.

By focusing on high-traffic, well-supported venues, the company reinforces the role of hospitality in fostering community cohesion while maintaining business performance in Queensland’s growing urban centres.

Published 16-August-2025

Kyle Thompson Appointed Principal of Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School

Photo Credit: Ipswich Girls' Grammar School/Facebook

With years of educational and sports leadership across Australia, Kyle Thompson is set to guide Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School as its new principal.

A Leader with a Diverse Background

Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School has appointed Kyle Thompson as its new principal, the second male in the school’s history. His leadership comes as the school seeks strong, values-based guidance for students and community connections.

*Photo Credit: SCOTS PGC College/Facebook*

Thompson began in sports coaching before moving into education, holding a Master’s in Sports Management and experience in co-educational and boys’ schools. His appointment is seen as a progressive step, reflecting the school’s commitment to diverse leadership.

Community Optimism and Engagement

Members of the school community have expressed optimism about Thompson’s leadership, viewing it as an opportunity to maintain the school’s tradition of excellence while embracing fresh ideas. The community looks forward to strengthened engagement with families, students, and local organisations under his guidance.

*Photo Credit: Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School/Facebook*

Thompson will also oversee Ipswich Junior Grammar School, bringing experience from leading roles in several schools across Queensland and New South Wales, including SCOTS PGC College, Brisbane Boys’ College, and Cranbrook School in Sydney.

Building on a Rich History

Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School has a long history of providing quality education for girls.

Thompson acknowledged the school’s tradition and committed to building on its strengths, fostering confident, capable, and compassionate students, and connecting more closely with the surrounding community.

Looking to the Future

Thompson’s appointment signals a focus on continuity and growth. By emphasising collaboration with staff, students, and the Board of Trustees, he aims to ensure the school remains responsive to community needs and prepared for future opportunities.

His leadership is expected to strengthen the school’s culture while fostering both academic and personal development for students.

Published 20-August-2025

Funding Boost to Deliver New Fire Station in Greater Springfield

Photo Credit: Pexels

Greater Springfield will receive a new Queensland Fire and Rescue station, part of a $134-million program to deliver modern facilities, vehicles, and firefighting equipment to the area.

Funding Allocation for Springfield

The allocation for Greater Springfield will facilitate the delivery of a new fire station to meet the needs of the growing community. The funding will cover planning, construction, and equipment acquisition, ensuring personnel have access to facilities and resources to respond effectively to emergencies.

More than $36-million has been allocated for the delivery of the new and replacement Queensland Fire and Rescue stations, including the upcoming facility in Greater Springfield. This is part of a wider $134 million initiative to upgrade and modernise firefighting services across Queensland.

Queensland firefighting upgrades — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

The funding will support the construction or replacement of stations in Beerwah, Greater Springfield, Gympie South, Caloundra, and Boonah. Additional allocations include $25.7 million for new and replacement urban fire appliances and $23.7 million for Rural Fire Service Queensland trucks, alongside $13.2 million for RFS stations.

Springfield fire station — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

In total, 123 new or replacement vehicles will be deployed across Queensland, enhancing operational capability for both paid and volunteer firefighters. More than $9 million has also been allocated for new operational equipment, including specialised firefighting, scientific analysis, and rescue tools.

Additional Emergency Preparedness Measures

The budget also provides $15.7 million to maintain comprehensive workers’ compensation for both paid and volunteer firefighters. This support follows the expansion of the Presumptive Legislation Workers’ Compensation scheme, covering a wide range of work-related illnesses.

A further $40 million per year has been committed to the Queensland Betterment Fund, which finances infrastructure upgrades to improve resilience to natural disasters. This is part of a $450-million, five-year program focused on risk reduction and disaster recovery.

Updated 20-Aug-2025

Young Person Charged After Serious Incident in Augustine Heights

A young person from our local Augustine Heights community has been charged with serious offences following an incident that occurred on Sunday afternoon.

Queensland Police were called to a residence in Augustine Heights around 4pm on Sunday, where they discovered a 55-year-old woman with a chest wound. The victim was quickly transported to Princess Alexandra Hospital, where she remains in a serious but stable condition.

A 12-year-old girl, who lives at the same residence as the injured woman, has since been charged with attempted murder and unlawful use of a motor vehicle. The child appeared before Ipswich Children’s Court on Monday, with proceedings adjourned until Tuesday.

The young person involved is understood to be known to Queensland’s Child Safety Department, highlighting the complex circumstances that can affect vulnerable children in our community. She has been remanded in custody pending her next court appearance.

Under Queensland’s youth justice system, serious charges like attempted murder require careful consideration through the Children’s Court process, which recognises that children have different levels of maturity and decision-making capacity compared to adults.

Police investigations into the incident remain ongoing, and authorities have not released further details about the circumstances leading to the alleged offending.

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of community support systems and the complex challenges facing some of our most vulnerable young people. Local residents may be concerned about safety in the area, but police have indicated this appears to be an isolated domestic incident.

Anyone with information relevant to the investigation is encouraged to contact Queensland Police.

Published 18-August-2025

Ipswich Releases 2025–26 Budget with Rate Increases and New Levy

Ipswich ratepayers will see an increase in household costs next financial year, with the city’s 2025–26 budget outlining higher rates and the introduction of a new infrastructure levy.

Read: Ipswich Waterways Targeted for Platypus Monitoring and Creek Restoration

The $678 million budget includes an overall 8.23 per cent rise in rates and charges, which will add about $196 to the average household bill, or $3.78 a week. The general rate will climb by nearly five per cent, while the annual waste charge will increase to $513.

To help address a long-term funding shortfall, a new levy will be introduced in 2025–26. Most property owners will pay $55, with higher-valued properties contributing more. The charge will be dedicated to funding major infrastructure projects across the city.

Despite the added costs, council’s budget delivers a $165 million capital works program. Among the largest allocations is $9 million for stage one of the Ripley Road upgrade, more than $7 million for the Purga School Road Bridge replacement, and $4.6 million for a new grandstand at the North Ipswich Sport and Entertainment Precinct.

Photo credit: Ipswich City Council/Facebook

Community facilities will also benefit, with $17 million set aside for parks and open spaces, including improvements at the Ipswich Nature Centre, and more than $5 million directed to waste and resource recovery initiatives.

Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said it was a responsible Budget that balanced cost-of-living pressures facing residents with choices that would deliver for the city today and for the next 20 years.

“Council continues to offer value for money, a sensible approach and a range of discounts that ensure we maintain one of the lowest general rate and charges in South East Queensland,” Mayor Harding said.

“We’ve done this by finding operational efficiencies of around $4.5 million which we can redirect to the delivery of essential services and keeping our rates and charges low.

Read: Koala Habitat Under Threat from Development in Ipswich

The overall budget forecasts a modest surplus of $8.1 million and sets council debt to exceed $400 million for the year ahead. Officials have emphasised that Ipswich’s financial indicators remain within safe limits and that the spending program is designed to keep pace with the city’s rapid population growth.

Published 18-August-2025

Ipswich Hospital Expansion to Deliver New Transit Care Centre

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Ipswich Hospital will receive a major upgrade through a new Transit Care Centre and long-term expansion works to increase capacity and reduce emergency department pressure.

Transit Care Centre Upgrade in Ipswich

Ipswich Hospital will undergo a $9.6 million upgrade to its Transit Care Centre. The facility will double in size, increasing from five beds and eight chairs to ten beds and fourteen chairs. Once completed, it will provide 24/7 coverage and include additional nursing, allied health, and administrative staff.

The expanded centre will act as a centralised location for Queensland Ambulance Service transfers and patient transitions. It is designed to free up inpatient beds by accommodating patients awaiting discharge, admission, or outpatient appointments. Construction is expected to be finished by June 2026.

Ipswich Hospital Expansion Program

Alongside the Transit Care Centre upgrade, Ipswich Hospital is part of a $1.2 billion redevelopment program to meet the needs of the fast-growing West Moreton region. The expansion has been planned in stages, guided by population forecasts, service demand, and staff and community consultation.

Stage 1, valued at $146.3 million, was completed in mid-2024. It delivered a 26-bed ward, new oncology and allied health services, and a new building for acute mental health inpatient services.

Stage 2, budgeted at $925 million, is currently underway and will deliver a new acute services building with 200 additional beds, a larger emergency department, six operating theatres, a satellite medical imaging service, and a central sterilisation service. Major construction began in 2024 and is scheduled for completion in May 2028.

Ipswich Hospital expansion — *Photo Credit: Google Maps*

Supporting the Region’s Growth

Ipswich and the broader West Moreton region are among the fastest growing areas in Queensland, with the population forecast to reach more than 636,000 by 2046. The combined investment in the Transit Care Centre and hospital expansion aims to address this growth by expanding local health service capacity.

Next Steps

The Transit Care Centre upgrade is set to be completed by June 2026. The larger expansion program will continue in stages until 2028. Both projects are expected to increase hospital efficiency and reduce emergency department demand.

Published 16-Aug-2025

Ipswich Road Safety Awards to Promote Safer Driving During Statewide Campaign

Photo Credit: QPS

The Ipswich Police District will host the Ipswich Road Safety Awards to recognise community contributions to reducing road trauma as part of Queensland Road Safety Week 2025.

Event Details

The Ipswich Road Safety Awards will take place at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, 27 August, at the Dandiiri Room, Level 1, Ipswich City Council Building, 1 Nicholas Street. The event will feature Australian motorsport driver Todd Hazelwood as guest speaker.

The awards aim to acknowledge individuals, organisations, and groups across the Ipswich Police District who have implemented programs, initiatives, or services to promote safer driving and reduce road trauma.

Connection to Queensland Road Safety Week

The awards form part of Queensland Road Safety Week 2025, running from Monday, 18 August, to Friday, 22 August. The campaign promotes road safety awareness across the state, encouraging motorists to work together as ‘one team’ to reduce fatalities and serious injuries.

In 2024, 302 people lost their lives on Queensland roads, with thousands more seriously injured. Authorities highlight the importance of addressing the ‘Fatal Five’ behaviours—speeding, drink and drug driving, not wearing seatbelts, fatigue, and distraction.

Eligibility and Judging Criteria

Nominations for the awards closed on 11 July. Eligible projects had to be undertaken within the Ipswich Police District during the 2024–25 financial year and comply with road rules and traffic regulations.

Judging criteria focused on achievement, sustainability, collaboration, and innovation in promoting road safety and reducing trauma. The judging panel operates independently of the Road Safety Committee and may reassign nominations to different categories where appropriate.

Ipswich Road Safety — *Photo Credit: QPS*

Community Engagement and Enforcement

Throughout Road Safety Week, Ipswich police and Volunteers in Policing will engage with the community at various events, sharing safety information and promoting responsible driving habits. Authorities will also maintain a zero-tolerance approach to unsafe driving behaviours.

The StreetSmarts program will be promoted to help drivers make informed choices and improve safety awareness. Data shows serious crashes can be significantly reduced when motorists avoid the ‘Fatal Five’ risk factors.

Next Steps

Award winners will be announced at the ceremony on 27 August. Queensland Police urge all road users to discuss safety with family and friends and remain vigilant, both during the campaign and year-round.

Published 14-Aug-2025