springfield central Archives - Springfield Lakes

New HOPE Hub Planned At Springfield Central

A new HOPE Hub is planned for Orion Springfield Central, with a dedicated support service set to assist people affected by domestic and family violence.

Expanding Access To Local Support

The HOPE Hub will be established at Orion Springfield Central and is scheduled to open in early 2026. It will be the first of three new hubs supported under a $7.8 million funding package allocated across five years, with two additional locations expected to open during the 2026–27 period.

The Springfield Central site is intended to provide a central access point for support services within a well-used retail environment, allowing people to seek assistance in a familiar and discreet setting.

domestic violence support — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Services And Delivery Model

The hub will be operated by Beyond DV, a community-based organisation that supports victim-survivors of domestic and family violence. The service model focuses on wrap-around support, including trauma-informed programs and pathways to social, health, housing, legal and financial assistance.

Locating the hub within a shopping centre is designed to reduce barriers to access by providing a safe and private entry point for people seeking help.

Building On An Established Approach

The Springfield Central hub follows an existing HOPE Hub model that has been operating in Brisbane for several years. The model brings multiple recovery-focused services together in one location, enabling people to access information, referrals and longer-term support through a single service point.

Services are expected to be available seven days a week once the hub becomes operational.

Springfield Central HOPE Hub — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Community Response

Management at Orion Springfield Central has welcomed the introduction of the HOPE Hub, noting its role in providing a safe and inclusive space to address domestic and family violence and related wellbeing concerns within the Springfield community.

What Happens Next

Planning and site preparation for the Springfield Central HOPE Hub will continue ahead of its early 2026 opening. Once operational, the hub will form part of a broader network of HOPE Hubs designed to improve access to recovery and support services for people affected by domestic and family violence across Queensland.

Published 29-Dec-2025

Mater Hospital Expansion Progress In Springfield Central

Photo Credit: Mater/Facebook

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

Springfield Central at Heart of Ipswich’s Updated Bus Program

Photo Credit: Traveller QLD/CC BY-SA 3.0

Springfield Central has become a key node in a major overhaul of public transport in Ipswich, with new bus links launched to improve connections between growth suburbs, Ipswich and important destinations across the region.

Community Changes Begin

The first stage of the Ipswich Bus Improvement Package introduces four new routes designed to give more direct travel options between Springfield Central, Ipswich, Redbank Plains, Redbank, Augustine Heights, Bellbird Park, and nearby suburbs.

Information from Translink and Ipswich City Council shows the early changes aim to strengthen access to destinations, including Springfield Central and Redbank Plains Town Square. Rollout details are available through Translink, while Council has detailed its transport program.

What Residents Can Expect

Route 501 now offers a direct link between Springfield Central and Ipswich, travelling via Augusta Parkway, Redbank Plains Town Square, Blackstone, Silkstone and Newtown.

Routes 520, 522 and 523 serve commuters travelling between Goodna, Eden’s Crossing, Redbank Plains, Collingwood Park, Augustine Heights and Springfield Central, providing new cross-suburb options that reduce the need for long detours.

Ipswich Bus Improvement Package – Stage 1 (Route Summary Table)

Route	Name / Direction	Service Areas (Summary)	Weekday Service Hours	Weekend & Public Holiday Hours	Frequency
501	Springfield Central → Ipswich	Springfield Central, Augusta Parkway, Redbank Plains Town Square, Blackstone, Silkstone, Newtown, Ipswich	6:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.	7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.	Hourly
520	Goodna → Eden’s Crossing	Goodna Station, Goodna, Bellbird Park, Redbank Plains Town Square, Eden’s Crossing	5:15 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.	7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.	Half-hourly in peak (5:15–8:30 a.m., 4:15–6:35 p.m.); otherwise hourly
522	Redbank → Springfield Central	Redbank Station, Redbank, Collingwood Park, Redbank Plains Town Square, Augusta Parkway, Springfield Central	5:30 a.m. to 10:15 p.m.	7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.	Half-hourly in peak (5:30–8:40 a.m., 4:00–6:40 p.m.); otherwise hourly
523	Redbank Plains → Springfield Central	Redbank Plains, Mountview, Eden’s Crossing, Redbank Plains Town Square, Augustine Heights, Springfield Central	5:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.	7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.	Half-hourly in peak (5:30–9:30 a.m., 2:30–6:30 p.m.); otherwise hourly

A local representative has noted that the stop near Eden Station Drive and Augusta Parkway is confirmed for use by the new routes, while the corresponding stop across Augusta Parkway remains in the design phase between the Department of Transport and Main Roads and Ipswich City Council.

Next Steps for the Network

Planning continues for Stages 2 and 3 of the bus program, with more details to be released closer to implementation. Local representatives say they will meet with Translink and other agencies this week to obtain firmer delivery dates for future stops and additional improvements for Springfield Central and surrounding suburbs as the network evolves.

Published 17-Nov-2025

Why the Ipswich–Springfield Public Transport Corridor Matters Now

Photo Credit: Zach Yeager/Google Maps

Springfield Central is set to anchor a proposed 25-kilometre public transport corridor, which could reshape how residents travel across Ipswich. Linking Ipswich to Springfield Central through fast-growing suburbs like Ripley and Redbank Plains, the Ipswich to Springfield Central Public Transport Corridor is designed to deliver more than just shorter trips. It aims to transform how communities connect to jobs, education, and essential services.

Building for a Growing Population

Ipswich is one of Australia’s fastest-growing cities, with the population expected to more than double in the coming decades. Suburbs along the proposed route, including Ripley Valley, one of the nation’s largest master-planned communities, are already experiencing rapid expansion.

As more homes rise and new families settle in, the need for accessible, reliable transport becomes increasingly urgent.

Local planners say the I2S corridor is designed to meet that challenge. Spanning roughly 25 kilometres and featuring up to nine potential stations, the corridor would link Springfield Central to Ipswich Central, connecting major residential areas with employment, education, and recreational hubs.

Ipswich to Springfield Central Public Transport Corridor — *Photo Credit: IpswichQLDGov*

It is intended to serve more than 200,000 residents and integrate with broader transport networks, including existing train services and the Cross River Rail project in Brisbane.

The Consequences of Waiting

Without major investment in public transport, Ipswich faces a future of gridlock. Council analysis shows that by 2031, the city’s road network could fail to cope with traffic demand, causing significant delays for commuters and reducing productivity. Travelling from Ripley to Brisbane by car is projected to take longer and become more costly as congestion worsens.

The I2S corridor is seen as a solution to this looming challenge. A dedicated public transport link will reduce pressure on roads, cut travel times, and offer a viable alternative to car travel.

The corridor is also expected to encourage transit-oriented development. This planning involves building homes, shops, and services around transport hubs, creating vibrant, walkable communities.

A Community-Focused Approach

Improved connectivity means easier access to education for young people, better links to healthcare, and more options for employment. For those without cars, reliable public transport can be a lifeline, reducing isolation and opening up opportunities.

Council documents highlight the social benefits of the corridor, noting that it will help bridge the gap between new and established communities.

As Ipswich continues to expand, the corridor could play a crucial role in uniting suburbs and strengthening community ties. Local businesses could benefit from improved access for workers and customers, supporting the local economy as the region grows.

Planning the Path Ahead

Progress on the project has already begun. A strategic assessment and initial business case were completed in 2020, and the project is now listed as an early-stage proposal on Infrastructure Australia’s Infrastructure Priority List. Funding commitments have been secured for further planning, with an options analysis completed in late 2024.

The next step is the preparation of a detailed business case, which will refine the preferred alignment, costs, and delivery schedule. While the total cost is estimated at between $2 billion and $3 billion, advocates argue that the long-term economic and social benefits far outweigh the price tag.

Once complete, the corridor would form part of a wider strategy to create a sustainable, efficient transport network for South East Queensland.

Published 15-Oct-2025

EmergencyRedi Workshop Near Springfield Central To Focus On Preparedness

Photo Credit: Australian Red Cross

Springfield Central residents are being encouraged to join a free Australian Red Cross EmergencyRedi™ Workshop at the Camira Springfield Community Centre to learn how to prepare for emergencies.

Preparing Springfield Central For Emergencies

The Australian Red Cross, in partnership with NRMA Insurance, will deliver an EmergencyRedi™ Workshop at the Camira Springfield Community Centre on Tuesday, 7 October 2025. Running from 9:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., the session is free to attend but limited to 25 participants. It is designed to help households understand their risks and take practical steps to become better prepared for extreme weather and other emergencies.

Four Steps To Get Ready

The workshop will guide attendees through the RediPlan®, a structured approach to household preparedness. Participants will be introduced to four steps: understanding risks in their area, connecting with their community for mutual support, organising a clear emergency plan, and packing items that are essential during and after a crisis. These steps are intended to provide both practical tools and psychological reassurance when facing unexpected events.

Part Of A National Program

EmergencyRedi workshops are part of a broader Australian Red Cross program that supports individuals and households to build resilience. They are tailored to the local context, interactive, and designed to be flexible, with a focus on simple actions that can make a difference when disaster strikes. Using the RediPlan® as a foundation, the workshops enable participants to begin creating their own household plan during the session.

Linked To EmergencyRedi Week 2025

This Springfield workshop follows EmergencyRedi Week 2025, which ran from 15 to 21 September as a national call to action on preparedness. Throughout that week, communities across Australia took part in events and activities encouraging people to make emergency planning part of daily life. The campaign highlighted the increasing frequency of natural hazards and the need for proactive preparation.

Community Support

After the workshop, attendees will be invited to take part in a free food giveaway provided by Westside Community Care. This additional activity is aimed at bringing the community together and supporting participation in the event.

Booking Details

Community members are encouraged to secure a place early as capacity is limited. By joining the workshop, Springfield Central residents will gain knowledge, tools, and confidence to prepare for emergencies and protect the people and things most important to them.

Published 1-Oct-2025

Springfield Central Welcomes Peace Pole as New Symbol of Unity

A new Peace Pole has been unveiled at Robelle Domain in Springfield Central, standing as a symbol of unity and harmony.

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The monument was created through a collaboration between the Rotary Club of Greater Springfield and Ipswich City Council’s Provisional Projects program. It carries the message “May Peace Prevail On Earth” in multiple languages.

A monument for community life

Robelle Domain is a well-known gathering space for Springfield Lakes and surrounding suburbs. The addition of the Peace Pole provides a lasting symbol of peace in the heart of the park.

Peace Poles are part of a global initiative that began in Japan in the 1950s. More than 250,000 have been installed worldwide in schools, places of worship and public spaces. Each pole carries the same message in different languages, promoting the idea of peace across cultures.

Celebrating diversity in Springfield

Springfield and the wider Ipswich region are home to one of the most culturally diverse populations in Queensland, with residents representing more than 160 nationalities. The pole highlights this diversity and acknowledges the importance of continuing to foster harmony.

Rotary’s vision for peace

The Rotary Club of Greater Springfield proposed the installation of the pole and partnered with council to bring the project to life. Rotary International has a long-standing commitment to peace, and the Springfield club viewed the pole as a way to reflect that commitment locally.

Rotary Club of Greater Springfield President Donelle Whiteley said the initiative was intended to serve as a lasting symbol of respect and cooperation.

“The Rotary Club of Greater Springfield proposed the installation of a Peace Pole as a lasting symbol of unity and mutual respect,” Mrs Whiteley said.

“This initiative reflects Rotary’s commitment to fostering understanding, harmony, and cooperation within the community.

The Peace Pole will serve as a visible reminder of the shared aspiration for peace, encouraging reflection, dialogue, and connection among all who encounter it.”

A global message close to home

The unveiling of the Peace Pole took place in time for the International Day of Peace on September 21. Declared by the United Nations in 1981, the day encourages communities worldwide to strengthen ideals of non-violence, respect and cooperation.

By linking this global observance with a local space, the Peace Pole in Springfield Central provides a permanent reminder of the value of peace in everyday life.

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A lasting reminder

As the Springfield community continues to grow, the Peace Pole will remain a feature of Robelle Domain. Its message is clear and enduring, reflecting inclusivity and the aspiration for a peaceful future.

Published 30-September-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

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

Springfield Central Drivers Get Relief as Exit 33 Entry Ramp Back in Action

Drivers in Springfield Central can breathe easier now that the long-closed entry ramp at Exit 33 on the Centenary Highway is back in use, months ahead of schedule and after major works to fix a massive landslip that had blocked access for locals.

Months of Landslip Repairs

The entry and exit ramps near Sinnathamby Boulevard were shut down in January after heavy rainfall and Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred triggered a significant slope failure. More than 125,000 cubic metres of earth had to be cleared — about the same as 50 Olympic swimming pools — before the road could be made safe again.

While the exit ramp reopened on April 8, the entry ramp, outbound from Springfield Central, required additional design work due to the damage.

Safety Measures Still in Place

Crews worked day and night to remove debris, rebuild the embankment and stabilise the slope. Minor tasks, including fencing installation, will continue over the coming weeks with speed restrictions in place until late July.

“There is still some minor work that’s required to be done to install some fencing. However, they’ll be completed with minimal impact to traffic, and we expect that work to be completed by late July, and there will be speed restrictions in place until late July while those minor works are completed,” Transport and Main Roads Minister Brent Mickleberg said.

He shared that the department is grateful for residents’ patience and the effort of workers who made the area safe sooner than planned. Local leaders have highlighted the importance of this link for families, workers and local shops, especially as Springfield Central keeps growing. Reopening the ramp will help get things back to normal.

The repairs were funded through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

Published 9-July-2025

Luke Hodge Honoured in AFL Hall of Fame with Ties to Springfield Central

Photo Credit: Brisbane Lions/Facebook

Springfield Central has been highlighted as the Brisbane Lions pay tribute to former player Luke Hodge following his induction into the Australian Football Hall of Fame.

Hodge Recognised for Career Spanning Hawthorn to Brisbane

Former AFL player Luke Hodge has been inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame, with the Brisbane Lions acknowledging his contributions during his final seasons based at their Springfield Central facility, Brighton Homes Arena.

Leadership Legacy from Colac to Queensland

Mr Hodge was drafted as Pick 1 in the 2001 AFL Draft and built a 305-game career at Hawthorn before joining Brisbane via the 2017 AFL Trade Period. His tenure with the Hawks included four premierships—three as captain—two Norm Smith Medals, and multiple All-Australian selections.

When he arrived at Brisbane, Mr Hodge was brought in to mentor a developing list under coach Chris Fagan, who had worked alongside him at Hawthorn. Mr Hodge played 41 matches for the Lions and was credited with helping steer the club back into finals for the first time in ten years.

Influence Beyond the Field in Springfield Central

While at the Lions’ current home base in Springfield Central, Mr Hodge’s influence extended beyond game day. The club attributed part of its culture shift and improved public perception to his presence, describing him as instrumental in positioning Brisbane as a “destination club.” His leadership was viewed as a key factor in laying foundations for the team’s later premiership success.

Hall of Fame Induction Reflects Career Milestones

The Hall of Fame honour recognises both Mr Hodge’s on-field performance and football intellect. After initial challenges balancing professionalism and skill early in his career, his shift to the midfield in 2005 marked a turning point. A later transition to half-back enhanced his tactical impact, culminating in accolades that included club best and fairests in 2005 and 2010.

Mr Hodge has stated that team-first values and consistent preparation contributed to his performances in key moments, such as multiple Grand Finals. His inclusion in the Hall was described as “surreal” and a career highpoint.

Published 14-June-2025