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Three School Projects Planned in Springfield and Ripley Valley

A campus addition to Springfield Central State High School and a new special school for the Springfield-Redbank area are part of education expansion plans for 2028 and beyond in high-growth areas.

School Projects in the Springfield Region

New Secondary Campus at Springfield Central State High School

A new secondary campus for Springfield Central State High School is planned to open between 2029 and 2030. The project, first planned for 2024, was postponed after enrolment growth stabilised. The site has been identified and planning work is under way, including design for additional classrooms and facilities. The opening year will be set in line with student demand.

Ripley Valley Primary School

A new state primary school in Ripley Valley is scheduled to open in 2028. It was originally planned for 2025 but delayed after enrolment growth and housing development progressed more slowly than expected. The project is in the planning phase, with the site identified and a design contract to be awarded. A budget allocation was made in the 2025–26 state budget to progress delivery.

Springfield–Redbank Special School

A new special school serving the Springfield–Redbank area is planned for 2028 and beyond. It is in the early stages of planning, with the final site and design yet to be confirmed. A budget allocation for this project was included in the 2025–26 state budget.

Springfield new schools — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Planning Context

The Queensland Department of Education monitors enrolment growth across the state to determine when and where new schools are required. This includes assessing the capacity of existing schools, potential for expansion, population forecasts, and site availability.

The Springfield and Ripley Valley projects form part of a wider program of new schools planned for 2028 and beyond, aimed at meeting future demand in high-growth areas.

Queensland school projects — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Next Steps

For Ripley Valley Primary School, design work will follow the awarding of a contract, with assessments to consider factors such as traffic, environmental impacts, and site conditions. The Springfield secondary campus and Springfield–Redbank Special School will continue through planning, with construction timelines to be set when enrolment demand meets required levels.

Published 12-Aug-2025

Second Fatal Springfield Central Intersection Crash in Three Months

Photo Credit: Google Maps

A Springfield family’s grief has been rekindled after a second fatal crash at the same intersection where their beloved son died just three months earlier.

Emma Todd is struggling to come to terms with another tragedy at the University Drive and Sinnathamby Boulevard intersection in Springfield Central, where a man in his twenties died when the HiLux he was travelling in crashed into a tree on Wednesday night.

The latest fatality has brought flooding back the devastating memories of losing her own son, Bryce Todd, at the exact same intersection on 3 May.

The 20-something oil rig worker had been celebrating his twin siblings’ birthday at Flagstone Creek Tavern when he decided to ride his motorbike home rather than take the family car as his mother had suggested.

Mrs Todd recalls their final conversation with heartbreaking clarity. Despite her usual insistence that he take the car, she didn’t push as hard as normal when Bryce was determined to ride his motorbike that evening.

His parting words were a casual promise to see the family later – a promise that would never be fulfilled.

The family had access to Bryce’s location through a tracking app, and Mrs Todd witnessed the moment her son’s journey came to an abrupt halt at the intersection.

She remembers her son as someone who brought energy and joy to every gathering, describing him as the life of any party. Bryce had followed his father’s career path onto the oil rigs and was passionate about his motorbike – tragically, the same bike that would cost him his life.

Mrs Todd emphasises that her son was just beginning to experience all that life had to offer when it was cut short.

The family honoured Bryce’s memory with a celebration of life at Albert River Wines.

Queensland Police confirmed that emergency services were called to the latest crash around 11.03pm on 6 August. The driver of the HiLux, a man in his thirties, sustained minor injuries and was transported to Princess Alexandra Hospital for treatment.

Police investigations into the Wednesday night incident are ongoing.

The intersection of University Drive and Sinnathamby Boulevard sits in the heart of Springfield Central, near major facilities including the University of Southern Queensland’s Springfield campus and the Orion Shopping Centre.

Both crashes have highlighted concerns about road safety at this busy intersection, which serves as a major thoroughfare for the growing Springfield community.

Published 8-August-2025

Greenbank Scouts Strengthen Youth Programs with $2.5K Community Grant

The Greenbank Scout Group has secured a $2,498 grant to help purchase new survival camping, hiking, and lighting equipment, further strengthening its outdoor adventure program for young members.

Read: Defying Expectations: How A 20-Year-Old Purchased His Own Home at Covella Greenbank

Now in its third year, the support comes through the Covella Sponsorship and Grants Program, an initiative by Covella — a joint venture between AVID Property Group and Greenfields Development Company — which backs local organisations making a positive community impact.

Acting Greenbank Scout Group Leader Belinda Anderson said the funding has been essential to the group’s continued development and success.

“We are thrilled to be honoured once again as the recipients of Covella’s program, which has allowed us to better support local youth through our expeditions and community engagement initiatives,” Ms Anderson said.

“Adolescent development is at the heart of what we do, and the investment from our neighbours at Covella helps make our program success possible.”

In previous years, the funding helped purchase essential safety items such as a defibrillator kit, UHF radio, and compasses — all of which were used during a multi-day expedition. This year’s grant will go toward expanding the Scouts’ adventurous hiking program.

“We are grateful for another year of support, and plan to use this year’s funding to purchase equipment to enhance our adventurous outdoor hiking program,” Ms Anderson said.

AVID Executive General Manager Bruce Harper, who also chairs the joint venture with Greenfields, said the Greenbank Scouts reflect the values that define the local community.

“Our Sponsorships and Grants Program is designed to build strong partnerships with local organisations that make a difference, making the Greenbank Scout Group the perfect recipient,” Mr Harper said.

“We’ve seen firsthand at Covella the impact of the Scouts and the groups commitment to stewarding resilient, adaptive and community-minded individuals from their youth into adulthood.

“We are proud to partner again with the Greenbank Scouts and showcase its commitment to helping our local community to prosper.”

Currently, the Greenbank Scout Group supports 185 members aged five and above through a wide range of environmental, cultural and skills-based activities.

With Logan ranked as Queensland’s fastest-growing local government area, Ms Anderson said initiatives like theirs are vital to keeping the community strong and connected.

Read: Future Secondary School Planned in Greenbank Growth Area

“Since 1982, we have grown alongside the Logan community and as the region continues to welcome new families, programs like ours are vital to foster community spirits,” she said.

“As Logan grows, so does its youth population – thanks to AVID’s support, groups like ours can continue to thrive and strengthen our Scouts social, emotional, physical and intellectual abilities.”

Published 31-July-2025

Future Secondary School Planned in Greenbank Growth Area

Photo Credit: Pexels

A 9.3-hectare site has been secured in Greenbank for a future state secondary school, addressing projected population growth in the surrounding region.

Planning for Population Growth in Greenbank

Land has been formally acquired in Greenbank for the development of a future secondary school, with planning work to commence from 2026. The site is located within the Everleigh development, part of the Greater Flagstone Priority Development Area, which is undergoing significant population expansion. Previous commitments to secure land in this location were made in 2020 but did not result in acquisition at that time.

The Greater Flagstone Priority Development Area is forecast to accommodate approximately 138,000 residents and around 51,500 dwellings. Employment hubs in nearby North Maclean and Bromelton are also expected to contribute to residential demand in the area.

Greenbank high school — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Site Details and Timeline

The secured site covers 9.3 hectares and falls within the Everleigh estate in Greenbank. According to the State, the Department of Education will begin a business case for the school in 2026. The future high school is anticipated to be required beyond 2028, based on current enrolment projections.

At present, local students in the Greenbank area are served by existing secondary facilities at Park Ridge State High School and Flagstone State Community College. These schools are expected to have the capacity to meet enrolment demand until at least 2029.

Current Schooling Options

While the new high school is not expected to be delivered in the short term, local secondary students will continue to be accommodated at the two established state high schools nearby. These schools are currently functioning within their capacity based on existing demographic forecasts.

Community Sentiment and Public Involvement

More than 800 community members signed a petition supporting the acquisition of land for a future high school in Greenbank. Residents have also raised broader concerns about infrastructure and service delivery in the area, including traffic congestion and access to public transport. Some feedback has suggested that future education projects should align with upgrades to roads and other essential services.

Greenbank school — *Photo Credit: CharisMullenMP/Instagram*

Next Steps

The Department of Education will proceed with the development of a business case in 2026 to inform the future high school’s design and delivery. Construction and opening of the new school are expected to occur after 2028, subject to population trends and infrastructure planning. Enrolments will continue to be monitored to ensure timely delivery of education facilities in line with regional growth.

Published 30-July-2025

Ipswich Waterways Targeted for Platypus Monitoring and Creek Restoration

Ipswich’s creeks and rivers are set for a major environmental boost, with several key local projects forming the backbone of a $30 million effort to revitalise waterways across South East Queensland.

Read: Efforts to Save Platypus Habitat Ramp-Up in Greater Springfield

From platypus monitoring to creek bank restoration, Ipswich will play a central role in the delivery of more than 30 projects under the Resilient Rivers program over the next two years. The program aims to improve water quality, restore native habitats, and protect local catchments, many of which flow through or begin in Ipswich.

waterways — Queensland lungfish (Photo credit: CC-BY-SA-2.5/Author Unknown/Wikimedia Commons)

One of the most notable projects is the launch of a region-wide environmental DNA (eDNA) survey, starting in Ipswich, which will help detect and monitor vulnerable species including platypus, freshwater turtles and lungfish. This marks the first time a coordinated survey of its kind will be carried out across South East Queensland.

Along Black Snake Creek, riverbank repair works will focus on revegetation and erosion control, improving both the environmental health of the area and its resilience to future flooding. The creek has long been prone to damage during heavy rainfall, and the planned interventions aim to strengthen its natural defences.

Ipswich will also benefit from downstream improvements. In the Lockyer catchment, which is closely linked to the city’s water supply—thousands of native plants will be established along Lower Lockyer Creek to help prevent an estimated 1,000 tonnes of sediment from entering the water system each year. These works support the continued operation of the Mt Crosby Water Treatment Plants, which supply drinking water to over half of Ipswich and Brisbane.

Other projects in the region include the restoration of high-value ecological areas, large-scale native tree planting to support wildlife, and riverbank stabilisation works in neighbouring Scenic Rim and Somerset areas, many of which have shared waterways with Ipswich.

While the broader Resilient Rivers program spans the entire South East, Ipswich stands out as a focal point for both early intervention and long-term catchment recovery. The city’s natural assets, its creeks, floodplains, and wildlife corridors, make it a key player in regional waterway management.

Read: South Ripley Land Secured to Protect and Conserve Koala Habitats

With works set to roll out gradually over the next two years, Ipswich residents can expect to see noticeable improvements in their local environment, helping to protect the city’s waterways, like creeks and rivers for generations to come.

Published 29-July-2025

Brisbane Teen Gout Gout Breaks Records On Road To 2032 Olympics

Photo Credit: gout.goutt/instagram

Gout Gout, a 17-year-old sprinting sensation from Brisbane, has already clocked a 200m sprint in 20.02 seconds, breaking an Australian record and putting the world on notice ahead of the 2032 Olympic Games set to take place in his own backyard.

Local Hopes Rest On Rising Sprint Star

With the Brisbane Olympics still seven years away, Gout Gout is already turning heads across the country. The Ipswich Grammar student is drawing bold comparisons to Usain Bolt, not just for his blistering pace, but for the fearless confidence he brings to the track.

His breakout win in the Czech Republic, where he outran seasoned international sprinters, sent a clear message: he’s not just fast for his age, he’s world-class. His meteoric rise has made him a thrilling symbol of Queensland’s future, and a name we’ll likely be chanting in 2032.

Queensland’s Magnificent Seven Shaping 2032 Dreams

Gout Gout is one of seven rising Queensland athletes with strong Olympic or Paralympic potential. The group includes runner Torrie Lewis, Australia’s fastest woman at just 20, and junior tennis world No. 1 Emerson Jones. Basketballer Rocco Zikarsky has signed with the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves, while young swimmer Koa Stotz and surfer Sierra Kerr are making waves in their respective sports.

Holly Warn, Australia’s youngest Paralympian at the Paris Games, is a standout in para-swimming. All seven come from communities across southeast Queensland and are already gaining national or international attention.

Home Games Bring Focus To Local Athletes

The Brisbane 2032 Olympics have sparked fresh interest in young Queensland athletes with dreams of competing on home soil. His rise shows how local support and training are propelling talent to the world stage. Torrie Lewis has long spoken about the dream of running at home, while Zikarsky and Jones already bring international experience.

Despite their different paths, all are focused on growth, juggling school, travel, and early career demands. What unites them is the chance to represent Queensland at Australia’s first home Olympics in over 30 years.

Community Connection And Future Goals

Each athlete has strong ties to their Queensland communities, with stories rooted in local pride, like Stotz training in Somerset and Warn finding purpose through swimming. For these young competitors, the 2032 Games represent more than a global event; it’s a daily goal.

Hometown pride fuels their journey as they prepare for the chance to compete on home soil. And while the world will be watching, it’s southeast Queensland that will be cheering loudest.

Published 25-July-2025

Ash Barty’s Son Pictured Taking First Golf Steps from Brookwater

Photo Credit: Ash Barty/Instagram

Ash Barty’s son Hayden has taken early steps into golf, with the Brookwater local sharing photos of her two-year-old showing interest in the sport.

Sporting Legacy Continues in Brookwater

Ash Barty’s two-year-old son, Hayden Kissick, is already showing signs of following in his parents’ sporting footsteps. The toddler was recently pictured with his first set of junior golf clubs — a gift from Callaway Golf — in a moment shared by Barty on social media.

Barty, who is closely associated with Brookwater in Queensland, has claimed an amateur golf title at the Brookwater Golf and Country Club. Her continued involvement at the club highlights an enduring connection to the local sporting community.

Background in Elite Sport

Barty retired from professional tennis in March 2022 after holding the world No. 1 ranking. Her transition to golf followed years of success across tennis and a brief stint in professional cricket. She has since maintained involvement in community events and local tournaments.

Her husband, Garry Kissick, is a PGA trainee professional. The couple met in 2016 at the Brookwater Golf Club, and later married in a private ceremony in July 2022. They announced the birth of their first child, Hayden, in July 2023, and welcomed a second child, daughter Jordan, in June 2025.

Ash Barty's son — *Caption: The Kissicks’ second child, Jordan.*
*Photo Credit: Ash Barty/Instagram*

Early Interest in Golf

Hayden’s recent photo with a junior golf bag drew widespread attention online, including responses from athletes and fans. The post, which quickly attracted thousands of likes, showed Hayden smiling beside his new clubs.

The early start is unsurprising given the family’s background. Both of Barty’s parents played representative golf for Queensland, and her partner remains active in the sport.

Looking Ahead

With Hayden’s second birthday recently celebrated and a second child welcomed in June 2025, Barty and her family continue to share glimpses of life beyond elite sport. Whether golf becomes Hayden’s path remains to be seen, but his early exposure to the sport reflects the family’s enduring ties to elite competition — and to Brookwater.

Published 26-July-2025

Springfield Lakes Leads QLD in House Sales as Buyers Seek Suburban Value

Springfield Lakes has emerged as Queensland’s most in-demand suburb for house sales, signalling a shift in buyer preference towards Greater Brisbane’s outer-ring communities.

Read: Road and Recreation Projects Progress in Springfield Lakes

InfoTrack’s new property data for the June 2025 quarter shows that the Ipswich suburb outpaced all others in the state, highlighting its growing appeal among home seekers looking for value, liveability, and future potential.

Located around 30 kilometres southwest of the Brisbane CBD, Springfield Lakes offers a well-established mix of lifestyle amenities, green space, and proximity to major transport links. These factors, paired with its relative affordability compared to inner-city suburbs, have positioned it as a strong contender for families and first-home buyers alike.

The suburb climbed to the top spot for house sales after placing second in the previous quarter, overtaking Caboolture in Moreton Bay. The broader trend reveals that Brisbane’s fringe suburbs are gaining ground as popular alternatives to more expensive inner-city locations. In fact, several Moreton Bay suburbs dominated the top 10 list, alongside other outer-urban areas such as Redbank Plains and Ormeau.

Springfield Lakes’ strong performance mirrors a wider move across the Ipswich, Logan, and Moreton Bay regions, where a blend of masterplanned communities, accessible services, and continued infrastructure investment are reshaping the property landscape. Buyers are increasingly prioritising space, lifestyle and long-term value, pushing up demand in these areas.

“From vibrant inner-city living in Newstead to family-friendly growth in Springfield Lakes, Queensland buyers are making bold moves, driving demand for houses on the fringe while keeping an eye on lifestyle, space, and long-term value,” said Lee Bailie, Head of Property at InfoTrack.

While Springfield Lakes led the charge for house sales, Surfers Paradise returned to the top of the list for unit transactions, suggesting a parallel resurgence in Gold Coast’s apartment market. Yet it is clear that for those looking to buy a house, the outer suburbs of Greater Brisbane, led by Springfield Lakes, are where attention is turning.

Read: Creative Hearts Co to Launch New Art Gallery and Creative Hub in Greater Springfield

The latest trends suggest that Springfield Lakes is not just a current favourite but part of a larger, sustained shift towards Queensland locations offering room to grow, both for families and investment.

Published 22-July-2025

Lifeblood Brings Local Blood Drive to Springfield Lakes

Photo Credit: Australian Red Cross Lifeblood/Facebook

A new mobile blood centre site will arrive in Springfield Lakes, giving residents an easier way to contribute to lifesaving efforts as the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood works to collect 10,000 extra donations across Brisbane suburbs.

Lifeblood Moves Into the Heart of Springfield Lakes

The donation site at Brighton Homes Arena, located in Springfield Central, will open on 1 September 2025. The mobile centre will remain in place for six days, offering a range of appointment times to fit into everyday routines.

This location is one of several being trialled across Greater Brisbane to make blood donation more accessible and convenient. Instead of relying solely on permanent donor centres in city areas, Lifeblood is bringing temporary, fully equipped mobile units into suburban spaces where people live and work.

Springfield Lakes and surrounding communities will have another chance to donate when the pop-up returns in late November.

Lifeblood donation — *Photo Credit: Australian Red Cross Lifeblood/Facebook*

Local Access, Big Impact

According to Lifeblood, the goal behind the pop-up strategy is to make it easier for people to donate regularly without the hassle of long travel times or finding parking in busier districts. With hospitals constantly in need of blood, every appointment matters.

Spokesperson Belinda Smetioukh said the mobile centres are being trialled in community venues like sports clubs and local halls to reduce the barriers many people face when trying to donate. She added that filling appointments at each site is crucial to the program’s ongoing success.

The Springfield Lakes site forms part of a wider rollout, with mobile donor centres also planned for Mt Gravatt, Victoria Point, Toowong, Cleveland, Mt Ommaney and Holland Park over the coming months.

How to Donate in Springfield Lakes

To donate at the Springfield Lakes pop-up, locals can book a session online at lifeblood.com.au, call 13 14 95, or use the Donate Blood app. Walk-ins are welcome, but booking ahead helps staff manage resources more effectively.

Lifeblood Pop-Up Donor Centres Schedule (2025)

Location	Dates
Holland Park Sports Club	22–25 July 2025
Holland Park Sports Club	13–17 October 2025
Mt Ommaney – McLeod Country Golf Club	28 July – 3 August 2025
Mt Ommaney	8–10 September 2025
Mt Ommaney	3–9 November 2025
Mt Ommaney	1–3 December 2025
Mt Gravatt – Showgrounds Memorial Hall	4–8 August 2025
Mt Gravatt	27–31 October 2025
Cleveland – Comfort Hotel Pacific Cleveland	11–17 August 2025
Cleveland	15–21 September 2025
Cleveland	20–26 October 2025
Cleveland	17–23 November 2025
Cleveland	8–14 December 2025
Toowong – Wests Bulldog Rugby Club	18–22 August 2025
Toowong	7–10 October 2025
Toowong	10–14 November 2025
Springfield – Brighton Homes Arena	1–6 September 2025
Springfield	24–29 November 2025
Victoria Point – YMCA Victoria Point	22 September – 3 October 2025
Victoria Point	15–24 December 2025

The donation centre is located at Brighton Homes Arena, just off Eden Station Drive, making it easily accessible for Springfield residents during the week or over the weekend.

For those who have never donated before, Lifeblood encourages you to give it a try. A single donation can help save up to three lives, and with mobile access now right in their backyard, there’s never been a better time to step forward.

Published 22-July-2025

Puppies Found Bound in Ipswich Bushland Spark Animal Cruelty Probe

Photo Credit: RSPCA

Two puppies were discovered in bushland near Robin Street in Ipswich with their mouths taped shut, prompting an animal cruelty investigation.

Puppies Found Abandoned in Ipswich Bushland

Authorities are investigating a case of animal cruelty after two young dogs were found dumped in bushland near Robin Street, Chuwar, west of Brisbane. The dogs, estimated to be around five months old, were discovered with duct tape tightly wrapped around their snouts.

Rescue Operation Over Two Days

A member of the public initially spotted the dogs on Saturday, 12 July, managing to catch one of them and alert animal welfare authorities. The second dog, frightened and evasive, remained in hiding until the following day. Inspectors returned to the site and used the first rescued puppy to coax the second out of the bushland.

Sticky residue found on all four paws of both dogs suggested that their legs had also been restrained.

Emotional Toll on Responders

Animal welfare officers described the rescue effort as incredibly distressing, with the young animals appearing scared and timid during the initial approach. Staff involved in the operation were said to be impacted emotionally by the confronting nature of the situation.

Call for Public Information

The organisation involved has appealed to the public for assistance in identifying the person or persons responsible. Investigators are encouraging anyone with knowledge of suspicious activity in the Chuwar area to come forward.

Animal cruelty offences in Queensland carry penalties exceeding $300,000 or prison terms up to three years. More severe offences under criminal law can result in up to seven years imprisonment.

puppies abandoned — *Photo Credit: RSPCA*

Options for Animal Surrender

Authorities reminded the public that there are legal and humane alternatives for people unable to care for animals. These include surrendering pets to shelters or contacting animal rescue groups. Abandoning animals in this manner is not permitted under law.

Puppies Now in RSPCA Care

Both dogs are currently safe and receiving care at the RSPCA. Their condition has improved since being rescued, and they remain under the care of professionals.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Published 18-July-2025