New 24-Hour Fire and Rescue Hub to Protect Springfield Lakes Region

A powerful new firefighting force is preparing to move into the Springfield Lakes area to ensure emergency response times remain fast as the local population surges.



A Strategic Hub for Rapid Response

Photo Credit: CharisMullenMP/ Facebook

The new facility represents a significant upgrade for emergency services in one of the fastest-growing pockets of Queensland. Situated on Gateway Drive in Augustine Heights, the station sits right next to the existing ambulance centre. This specific spot was chosen because it allows crews to jump onto major roads quickly. 

By placing fire and medical teams side-by-side, the region gains a more coordinated response to accidents and fires. The reach of this station is broad, covering a massive area that spans from Redbank down to Greenbank and across from South Ripley to Carole Park.

Advanced Gear and Round-the-Clock Crews

Inside the ten-million-dollar facility, the focus is on high-performance equipment and constant readiness. The station will be home to powerful firefighting trucks designed to pump 4,500 litres of water every minute. To ensure help is always available, the site will be staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 

A dedicated team of 19 firefighters and five station officers will call this new space home, providing a permanent presence that aims to cut down response times and provide peace of mind for local families.

Planning for a Growing Population

The project is a major piece of a larger 36-million-dollar plan to upgrade emergency services across Queensland, with other stations being built in areas like Beerwah and Caloundra. Experts predict that the population in this region could double over the next two decades, making this infrastructure a vital long-term investment. 

While there have been different reports on the exact timeline, the most recent projections suggest the station will be fully operational in 2026. This new addition will work in tandem with existing stations in Camira and Ripley to create a more resilient safety network for the entire western corridor.



Support for Local Frontline Workers

Fire and Disaster Recovery officials have noted that this project is about more than just a building; it is about giving frontline workers the tools they need to succeed. Fire and Rescue Commissioner Steve Smith explained that the department identified this location as the best possible choice to handle the increasing pressure on local services. Government representatives have also pointed out that the facility addresses a long-standing need for better resources for crews who have been stretched thin. With construction moving through the final stages of earthworks and building, the move into this modern space is expected to give local firefighters a much-needed boost in morale and capability.

Published Date 16-April-2026

Mater Hospital Expansion Progress In Springfield Central

Mater Hospital Springfield in Springfield Central is progressing toward staged openings from late 2025 to mid-2026, delivering the first emergency, maternity and paediatric services locally for public and private patients in  Greater Springfield.



Foundations of the Springfield Central Upgrade

Mater first opened a hospital in the Springfield community in 2015 to address unmet healthcare needs in Brisbane’s western corridor. The current expansion includes Springfield’s first public hospital and responds to significant population growth across Greater Springfield. 

Construction of the new facility is scheduled for completion in early 2026, while the existing Mater Private Hospital Springfield continues operating alongside the development.

Mater Hospital Springfield
Photo Credit: Mater/Facebook

Overview of the Springfield Central Expansion

The expanded hospital will provide 228 beds, with 174 allocated for public patients and the remainder supporting private care. A purpose-designed 28-bed pandemic ward forms part of the development. The new building covers roughly 38,000 square metres across nine levels and includes a central energy plant able to support future stages.

Services will open in a staged sequence between late 2025 and mid-2026. These include outpatients, antenatal clinics, intensive care, operating theatres, medical wards, maternity services, pathology, surgical wards, an emergency department and a paediatric ward. Clinical and administrative teams will relocate to the onsite facility by late June 2026.

Facility Access and Infrastructure

Following construction, the main entry will be accessible via Health Care Drive, connecting directly to a ticketed car park with more than 600 spaces. Additional access will be available from Nightingale Avenue, while ambulance arrivals and outpatient access will be via Mercy Avenue. Outpatient and antenatal clinics will initially operate offsite before transitioning to the new facility as staged openings progress.

Sustainability and Hospital Design

The project is targeting a 4 Star Green Star accreditation. Planning includes energy-efficient and water-efficient systems, renewable energy exploration and nature-based offsets. Level seven has been reserved for future expansion capacity, enabling additional services to be added if required.

hospital expansion
Photo Credit: Mater/Facebook

Community Sentiment In Springfield Central

Community interaction shows strong interest in the expansion, with residents noting the value of having emergency, maternity and paediatric services available locally for the first time. Public questions have focused on bed numbers, parking availability, staffing, ward features and job opportunities. 

Expressions of interest are open for clinical, non-clinical and specialist roles. More than 700 construction jobs have been created, with over 1,000 permanent roles expected once the hospital is fully operational.

Next Steps for Greater Springfield



The expansion remains on track for completion in early 2026, followed by phased service openings through mid-2026. Mater will continue to provide updates as each stage becomes available. The combined facility will operate under an integrated model, offering care to both public and private patients.

Published 24-Nov-2025