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

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

Springfield Lakes: Four-Lane Exit 32 Ramp Now Open

The newly upgraded Exit 32 ramp at Springfield Central has opened to traffic for the first time, featuring four lanes to reduce congestion and improve access for Springfield Lakes and surrounding areas.



Largest Road Project in Springfield Lakes

The opening of four lanes on the Exit 32 ramp at Springfield Central marks a significant milestone in the largest road upgrade project ever undertaken by Ipswich City Council. The project, carried out in conjunction with the State, aims to reduce congestion on the Centenary Motorway and enhance access to Springfield Lakes and nearby areas.

Improved Traffic Flow and Safety

The newly opened ramp now features two through lanes and two left-turning lanes, leading to a new signalised intersection at Springfield Greenbank Arterial and Main Road. This change is expected to alleviate bottlenecks and improve traffic flow, particularly during peak hours.

The upgrade is part of a broader initiative to replace the existing roundabout at Main Street/Springfield Greenbank Arterial Road/Exit 32 with a signalised intersection, thereby enhancing safety and increasing capacity. The State funded the project under the State Road Network Upgrades program, with a total investment of $6.5 million.

Community Response: No Right Turn Controversy

Despite the upgrade, some residents have expressed frustration with the removal of the right-turn movement from the Exit 32 ramp. The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) made the decision to prohibit right turns at the intersection to optimise signal performance, improve travel time reliability, and enhance road safety.

Some community members, however, feel that the change makes navigating the area more cumbersome, as it requires drivers to head towards Orion, perform a U-turn at the roundabout, and then return to the intersection. Despite public feedback, TMR has remained firm. They stated that the change was essential for improving intersection performance.

Springfield Lakes upgrade
Photo Credit: QLD Gov

Project Status and Alternative Routes Available

Construction on the Exit 32 upgrade is ongoing. Some minor works, such as line marking, will still be completed as weather permits. Motorists affected by the right-turn restriction are advised to use Exit 31 or Exit 33 as alternative routes. 

Contact Information



For further information or feedback regarding the upgrade, residents can contact the Department of Transport and Main Roads via email at metropolitanregion@tmr.qld.gov.au or phone (07) 3066 4338.

Published 1-Apr-2025