ipswich Archives - Page 13 of 13

Will The Waste-To-Energy Plant In Ipswich Push Through?

Queensland might soon welcome a waste-to-energy solution in Ipswich via a power plant by German-based waste company Remondis. Last year, the city has been labeled the “dumping capital” of south-east Queensland after the waste levy was scrapped. The moniker has irked residents who are likewise u with the influx of trucks coming in the city to drop their waste.

The Plan

The first waste-to-energy plant in the country is currently underway in Perth. Should this new plant be approved, it will be the second such plant in Australia. The Queensland Government has expressed its support for the project.

In fact, Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick has been very welcoming of the plan.

“The proposed plant will convert between 300,000 and 500,000 tonnes of waste per year to generate up to 50 megawatts of baseload electricity for Queensland households and businesses,” he said.

Mr Dick also said that this project could also help the lives of many residents with the jobs that it could create.

Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham shares the same enthusiasm regarding the potential project in the state, “This is an innovative renewable energy project that joins our $4.3 billion pipeline of renewable projects financially committed or underway,” he said.

As if on cue, this announcement came right after the announcement of the Palasczcuk Government to commit $100 million over three years to the Resource Recovery Industry Development Program (RRIDP).

The program allows local governments, established businesses, not-for-profits, and consortia, to use proven technologies for resource recovery to apply for this funding and other support that will help improve existing operations or bring better facilities to the state.

Reservations About The Multi-Million-Dollar Plant

Ipswich City Council has expressed its skepticism over the potential project showing concern about the thermal treatment of waste. The council is leaning towards exploring alternative waste technologies before making any decisions.

Also recently, opposition leader Deb Frecklington said that the announcement of the proposed plant in the city is “rubbish” as it isn’t due to start construction until 2020.

REMONDIS In Australia

REMONDIS is known for its significant resource recovery technology, energy-from-waste EfW. In fact, they are the second largest operator of EfW plants in Europe.

Breaking into the Australian market, the general manager for REMONDIS Queensland, Bret Collins said, “There is an opportunity for Australia to benefit from REMONDIS’ global experience, and other successful European and UK facilities, and incorporate energy-from-waste as part of the solution to sustainable, best practice waste management.”

How Does A Waste-to-Energy Plant Work?

A waste-to-energy plant converts municipal and industrial solid waste into electricity and heat for industrial processing. The plant burns the waste at high temperatures and the heat is converted into steam. The steam that goes through the turbine then produces electricity.

Springfield Central Library Is Officially Open

In 2017, the Ipswich City Council made a decision to lease a space at the Orion Springfield Central to make way for the region’s first library. Over the years, residents have made use of the mobile library. In August 2018, the hi-tech Springfield Central Library finally opened to the public.

Acting Mayor Wayne Wendt, along with seven of his councilors, officially opened the facility. Well-known personalities also took part in the opening of the library, such as author Matthew Reilly, TV personalities Ben and Holly, and cricket legend Glenn McGrath.

Located on the corner of Main St and Sirius Drive, the two-level library aims to deliver hands-on experience that will aid in delivering information, education, and building digital literacy for the communities in the region. All of these goals are also in conjunction with the Smart City initiative of the council.

The Smart City initiative provides new ways of learning and living to help make the region the most liveable and prosperous Smart City in the country. One of the projects involved in this initiative this year is the demo launch of the EZ10 Driverless Shuttle.

Today, the library holds over 50,000 books along with state-of-the-art facilities. It includes a main collection area, a marketplace section, children’s space, parents’ room, event spaces, public access computers. public meeting rooms, training room, smart lockers, makerspace and modern library resources.

One of the highlights of the library is the kids’ area. Soundproof chairs, individual pods, seats in window alcoves, and play areas provide full amenities to this all-important area.

“It will provide Ipswich Libraries’ members a new space to enjoy and a destination where they can relax, learn and grow,” Libraries and Tourism Committee Chairperson Cr David Pahlke said.

11 Fun-Filled Days at the Ipswich Festival

Get ready for the Ipswich Festival happening on 12-22 April. It’s going to be a jam-packed 11 days filled with entertainment and fun.

Catch some of the major events happening at the festival.

11 April – Michael Jackson: The Legacy Tour

Catch The Legacy Tour of Michael Jackson at the Ipswich Civic Centre starting at 8:00 p.m.

Get your tickets here.

12 April – Fire On The River

Catch Fire On The River at 7:00 p.m. at the Riverlink Shopping Centre and watch fireworks light up the night sky synchronised to music. This marks the beginning of the festivities ahead.

Watch Jet Man and his friend propel above the Bremer River and fly into the sky as fireworks explode.

The shopping centre will also have exciting activities starting at 12:00 p.m. leading to the fireworks show.

Smile for the photo booth in the food court and get a chance to win VIP passes to a great dining experience. Catch Dr Hubble Bubble Show and Despicable 3 with your kids as well. At 6:15 p.m., there will be a Joel Fenton’s Comedy Circus Stun Show.

12-22 April – Artworks & Unmasked

See artworks from artists throughout South East Queensland at the St Paul’s Anglican Church from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

There will be over 200 work entries on display.

The school will also showcase their talents throughout festival dates called “Unmasked.” A giant 1.5 mask will be painted by Ipswich Schools following this year’s theme: Waterways and the fate of the Sea.

12-21 April – Festival Gala

Looking for something sophisticated to do during the festival? Come to the Festival Gala and let the Ipswich City Symphony serenade you at the Ipswich Civic Centre. Get a chance to watch Silvie Paladino sing for the first time with the Ipswich City Orchestra. Tim McCallum and David Hubbard will be there as well.

Book here.

13 April – Mayor’s Festival Ball

Join the Mayor’s Festival Ball from 6:30 p.m. at the Ipswich Civic Centre that will transport you the 80’s. Dance the night away.

Call (07) 3812 2974 for bookings.

14 April – Creative Kidz

From 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at various locations from Brisbane to Ipswich Central, take your kids with you and take part in interactive workshops, robotics, tech-fun, music, and craft design.

View all the Creative Kidz’s activities here.

14 April – Festival of Lights

Watch your favourite storybook character come to life at the Festival of Lights on Brisbane Street, Ipswich Central. You can come dressed as your favourite storybook character, too!

14 April – Heritage Street Bank Party

Join the Heritage Street Bank Party starting at 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. There will be great performances at d’Arcy Doyle Place, Food Lane Stage and at the DJ Stage. Make sure you get your dancing shoes on because you will be doing a lot of dancing!

14 April – Honk!

If you’re not up for some dancing, why don’t you check out vintage and classic vehicles at the Honk! event starting at 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Brisbane Street.

15 April – Ipswich Hospital Foundation Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Bike Ride

Join the fundraising bike ride by the Ipswich Hospital Foundation starting at 8:00 a.m. at Fernvale Futures Centre.

Available trails:

14 km
44 km

Get more details here.

15 April – Gala Doll Fair

Do you love dolls? Come to the Gala Doll Fair at the Ipswich Civic Centre from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Ticket prices here.

18 April – Cabaret Five Foot Two

Join Melissa Western for Cabaret Five Foot Two starting at 7:30 p.m. at the Ipswich Civic Centre. Her performance is a tribute to the “vertically challenged” artists such as Kylie Minogue, Dolly Parton, and many more.

Book here.

18 April – Ride to Work

Ditch your vehicle and Ride to Work from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. presented by Shine Lawyers. This event encourages the local community to ride to work and celebrate the benefits of riding to work. There will be a post-celebration breakfast at d’Arcy Doyle Place.

19 April – 60’s Music

Watch a live musical from the 60’s at the Ipswich Civic Centre by The Beach Boyz. Tickets are at $35 each.

20 April – Fiesta, Food, Fun & Flavours

From 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Queens Park, enjoy delicious food at Street Eats whilst your kids enjoy free children’s workshops. There will also be giant games and activities. Of course, it’s not going to be a first without the main stage entertainment by exotic Belly Dancers, Bollywood Dancers, and the traditional South Pacific Islander Fire Dance.

21 April – Jazz, Wine & Blues

At Queens Park from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., get ready for same jazz and blues as Ipswich City Big Band, Elly Hoyt, Asa Bromhall, River City Aces, Aaron West and the Custodians, Devil’s Kiosk, and Joe Camilleri and The Black Sorrows will give you the kind of entertainment that you seek.

21 April – It’s All Gone Mad

Dress as one of the characters from Alice in Wonderland at The Tivoli Drive In Theatre. Gates open at 3:00 p.m. oink the maddest tea parties with the Mad Hatter, there will also be a croquet court with the Red Queen. Make sure that you look for Cheshire Cat whilst you’re there!

Catch two flicks, Alice in Wonderland and Alice Through The Looking Glass starting at 6:30 p.m.

21 April – Ipswich Festival Criterium

Catch the return of the Ipswich Festival Criterium from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The Queensland Penny Farthing and Historical Cycle Club have joined together to display ride of penny farthings and other historical bicycles.

Make sure you bring your own blankets and enjoy live music and food.

22 April – Ipswich 100 Bike Ride

Get active on the last day of the festival starting at 6:00 a.n. at the University of Southern Queensland Ipswich Campus.

Available trails:

100 km
50 km
25 km
5 km

To know more about the events, click here.

Keep Your Children Busy At Jamie’s Ministry Of Food In Ipswich

Keep your kids busy during the autumn holidays and let them learn how to cook sumptuous dishes in the kitchen.

Jamie’s Ministry of Food is coming to Ipswich for a four-day cooking program starting at 3 April 2018.

There will be two courses available and each course will run for four days.

Course 1

3 April – 6 April (10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.)

Course 2

9 April – 12 April (10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.)

The cost:

12-16 year old’s – Concession: $140 per person
17-18 year old’s – Student: $210 per person

With this course, your children will be able to learn to cook 24 of Jamie Oliver’s delicious recipes.

All ingredients, recipes and lunch during the four-day course will be inclusive.

You can book here.

Address: d’Arcy Doyle Place, 116 Brisbane Street

Trapped Animals In Springfield Rise Development Worries Residents

Residents of Springfield Lakes are expressing concern about the safety of wildlife trapped in the Springfield Rise development site in Springfield Central.

Kangaroos have been spotted in the area whilst the residential project’s construction is in progress. Residents are worried that there is no path for the animals to escape the area and they could be harmed during the ongoing construction.

Four thousand homes will be built as part of the Springfield Rise project and a significant area has been cleared for this purpose.

The residents’ concerns have reached environmental groups, Environment Matters 2 Us and Springfield Lakes Environmental Advisory Group (SLEAG). The groups have already filed a complaint with the Ipswich City Council regarding the matter.

The groups believe that the council should take responsibility since they were the one who approved the development.

Cr David Morrison and Cr Sheila Ireland said that the developer has undertaken all measures to get native animals out of the site.

A spokesperson for Springfield Rise at Spring Mountain also reassured residents that their clearing has been approved and that the process was based on their comprehensive Environmental Management Plan. They also employ a wildlife spotter on site throughout the clearing activities.

The developer asserts that all their management plans posted on their website have all been approved by the Commonwealth Department of the Environment. They are assuring the public that their plans are in compliance with the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act of 1999.

View the management plans here.

Planned Bus Service to Help Augustine Heights Residents Send Their Children To St Edmund’s College with Ease

Families from Augustine Heights may soon be able to send their children to one of the city’s most prestigious schools with ease, thanks to a plan for new school bus service in the area.

School Takes Action

The suburb is one of the fastest growing areas in Queensland, along with Ripley and Redbank Plains. The growing population translates to more traffic in these areas and with minimal public transport available, St Edmund’s College has taken action.

St Edmund’s College, in partnership with St Mary’s College, is exploring the possibility of starting their new bus service, set to operate in 2019. Should everything go as planned, it will cover Augustine Heights, Ripley, and Redbank Plains.

This is the school’s initiative to help parents who wish to send their boys to the school without worrying about transportation.

What The Council is Doing

For its part, Ipswich City Council continues to find ways to improve its transport system. Cr Bromage is supportive of better transportation in the city. This, after a recently released traffic data showed that Augustine Heights and other outer eastern suburbs have maintained the highest five-year growth at 31%, based on the council’s 2017 Strategic Traffic Count Program.

“In particular, the continued high growth trend in vehicle trips provides justification for the need for Ipswich residents to be provided access to viable and high quality public and active transport alternatives,” Ms Bromage said.

“Adult” Ice Cream Now Available at Ungermann Brothers Ice Cream Parlour in Ipswich

Masterchef 2017 runner-up Ben Ungermann has finally opened up his ice cream parlour, the Ungermann Brothers Ice Cream Parlour on Limestone St., Ipswich.

After quitting his day job, he decided to go into business with his brother, Danny. Originally, their plan was to build a Dutch-themed cafe to pay homage to their grandmother. But the clamor from Ben’s fans was for an ice cream shop. So, ice cream shop it is.

The ice cream parlour opened on Australia Day this year. The whole place emits good vibes with its chequered floors and blue retro lounges, it’s the perfect spot to be.

Offering gourmet ice cream, customers have 15 flavours of hand-crafted ice cream to choose from.

Some of the popular “adult ice cream” flavour is the lavender honeycomb, lemon, honey and thyme, Dutch spice, roasted garlic or liquorice and fennel.

The fairy bread ice cream and the vanilla bean are winners for kids.

Ben has also hired an apprentice from among the people from all over the nation who submitted their applications. Lauren Bishop from Jimboomba now enjoys the singular opportunity of being Ben’s apprentice chef at the Ungermann Brothers Ice Cream Parlour.

Following the opening, Ben and his brother have been very happy with the overwhelming support. They thanks their customers as well as fans via Ben’s Facebook page.

Address: 88 Limestone St

Springfield Central Library Designs Revealed, Set To Open in July 2018

Now that the fate of a new library at Springfield Central has been sealed, its design has been revealed by the Ipswich City Council and so far, things are looking good.

The new two-level library will be located off of Main Street and will be at approximately 2,000 square meters. A budget of $5 million is set for the library, which would meet the needs of the community.

The conceptual design package showcases state-of-the-art facilities, which includes a customer assistance area, a “market place” style presentation of famous books, maker space, main collection area, public access computers, express computers, a space for kids and parents, event space, meeting rooms, kitchen space, and a computer training room. The second floor will serve as the administration area.

An after-hours returns and book sorting area in the basement carpark will be available as well. Enhancements will also be made to the entry foyer on the ground floor.

The project is targeted to open in July 2018.

Springfield Lakes Contributes Significantly to Ipswich as Queensland’s Fastest Growing City

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.