Springfield Lakes Archives - Page 2 of 12

Springfield Lakes Teen Aiyana Pritchard Selected for Historic International AFL Camp

Photo Credit: St Peters Lutheran College Springfield/ Facebook

A Springfield Lakes rising star, Aiyana Pritchard, has cemented her status as one of Australia’s most promising young athletes by earning selection into the prestigious national academy that will see her train at a world-class facility in New Zealand.

Elite Selection

Aiyana Pritchard, known to her teammates as ‘Narni’, was officially named as part of the 2026 Marsh AFL National Academy. This program identifies the top 50 footballers across the country who are approaching their draft year. The intake includes 25 girls and 25 boys born in 2008, positioning them as top prospects for the 2026 Telstra AFLW and AFL Drafts.

The program kicks off in December. Aiyana will travel to Wellington for a high-performance camp at the New Zealand Campus of Innovation and Sport. This facility is the training ground for major teams like the All Blacks and the Wellington Phoenix. This trip marks a significant milestone, as it is the first time the AFL National Academy Girls program has travelled overseas for training since 2018. The girls’ camp runs from December 17 to December 21.

A Talent on the Rise

Aiyana has built a reputation for her agility and versatility as a tall forward and midfielder. Her unique playing style is often credited to her background in rugby. She currently plays for the Brisbane Lions Academy and the University of Queensland team. Additionally, she attends St Peters Lutheran College, where the school community has celebrated her national selection.

Her track record on the field is impressive. While playing for the Sherwood Football Club, also known as the Magpies, she was a key part of the Under 17 Division 1 Premiership team. In a display of her advanced skill level, she won the Division 1 League Best and Fairest award while she was still young enough to play Under 15 football. More recently, she gained selection in the Queensland Under 18 team after shining in the Brisbane Lions Academy program.

Returning to the Nest

The Sherwood Football Club recently confirmed that Aiyana will return to play for the Magpies in the 2026 season. The club expressed their excitement to have her back at her junior club whenever she is not busy with her extensive representative duties.

AFL National Academy Manager Tarkyn Lockyer noted that the program aims to provide these up-and-coming stars with experiences that go beyond what they receive in their state programs. He added that the camp in New Zealand offers a unique opportunity for the players to challenge themselves in an elite international environment.

Future Opportunities

Beyond the trip to New Zealand, the academy schedule includes high-performance camps in Melbourne during April and June of 2026. These camps will feature showcase matches where the academy squad will compete as the Australia Under 18 team. Players will also get the chance to train directly with AFL and AFLW clubs to prepare for the next step in their football careers.

Published Date 05-December-2025

Springfield Lakes E-Scooter Pilot Ends with Lessons for Queensland

Photo Credit: IpswichCityCouncil/Facebook

The quiet streets of Springfield Central, Springfield Lakes, and Spring Mountain saw a short-lived transport experiment come to an early end, despite solid community support and growing rider numbers.

A popular ride cut short

The trial ran in those suburbs from July 2023 until October 2024 under a partnership between Ipswich City Council and Beam Mobility. Council data showed between 60 and 89 trips a day, with riders typically travelling 2.4 kilometres in about 11 minutes.

An earlier Shape Your Ipswich project page shows the company initially deployed up to 125 scooters and trained riders through its Beam Safe Academy. When the pilot was extended in late 2023, the data looked promising. But by late 2024, Beam had informed Council that it would not continue operations beyond the Springfield Lakes zone.

The most common routes linked the Orion Springfield Central shopping centre, the University of Southern Queensland campus, and the Springfield train stations, revealing demand for short, flexible travel within the growing suburbs.

The official trial summary confirmed that Beam’s withdrawal was voluntary, not due to local performance issues.

Safety before speed

Although only one minor incident was recorded throughout the trial, officials were wary about e-scooter use on busy footpaths and near pedestrian areas. Beam Mobility had introduced strict safety controls, such as speed caps in high-traffic zones, automatic braking or shutdown when riders left approved areas, and restricted parking in unsafe spots.

These measures were well received, and 63 per cent of respondents in a Council survey said e-scooters felt safe to use. Still, it was concluded that community safety had to outweigh convenience.

What’s Next?

Infrastructure, Planning and Assets Committee chairman, Andrew Antoniolli, said many remained uneasy about the pace of e-mobility growth. While the Springfield Lakes trial had proven that residents were willing to use e-scooters responsibly, he noted that the laws governing personal mobility devices had not kept up with public use.

Mr Antoniolli said they were waiting for guidance from a national inquiry into e-mobility safety and regulation, which has received more than 1,200 public submissions. Council officials said they remain open to future trials once clear safety and legal frameworks are in place.

Published 28-Oct-2025

Greenbank Redevelopment to Deliver Supermarket, Discount Department Store

Photo Credit: Region Group

Greenbank residents are set to see their local shopping centre transformed with a redevelopment that will bring a Discount Department Store, a full-line supermarket, expanded retail space and new community amenities to the fast-growing area.

A $220 million growth plan

The Greenbank Town Centre project has been valued at approximately $220 million, with the Region Group lodging revised plans to meet the needs of the suburb’s growing population. The proposal expands on an existing approval.

The new masterplan introduces additional shopping space, parking and landscaping, alongside a pedestrian-friendly design and a central community plaza. A discount department store will be added next to a second supermarket, providing Greenbank locals with greater retail choice within their own community.

What it means for locals

Developers say the centre will support future growth by reducing the need for residents to travel long distances for shopping. The project location, along Pub Lane between the Covella and Everleigh communities, is earmarked for new public spaces, retail options and a plaza intended to serve as a gathering point.

The development is also expected to generate new employment, with Region Group outlining benefits during both construction and the centre’s long-term operation.

Project partners and timing

Region Group has engaged DMA Partners to support delivery. While the construction timeline has not yet been finalised, further details will be shared as the project progresses, with community engagement activities continuing to provide updates and feedback opportunities.

Published 1-Oct-2025

Kickstarter Grants Help Ipswich and Springfield Lakes Youth Programs Take Shape

Four local initiatives in Springfield Lakes and Ipswich are among the successful Greater Brisbane recipients of the Kickstarter grants, part of the state’s Gold Standard Early Intervention commitment.

Read: Greenbank Scouts Strengthen Youth Programs with $2.5K Community Grant

In its first round, the program has provided $2.7 million to 11 community-driven projects designed to support at-risk young people and break cycles of offending.

Legacy Cultural Youth Program – Springfield Lakes

Delivered by Legacy Connect (Cultural Wellbeing Services), this two-year initiative is centred on at-risk Pasifika, CALD, and Indigenous youth. It provides culturally grounded workshops alongside one-on-one mentoring, helping participants strengthen cultural pride, improve school attendance, and develop healthy coping strategies. By addressing trauma, disengagement, and complex social needs, the program aims to foster a stronger sense of belonging and community resilience.

The Durungal Program – Ipswich

Photo credit: Dynamic Community Care/Facebook

Run by Dynamic Community Care, The Durungal Program focuses on reducing aggression and teaching non-violent conflict resolution skills. Delivered over eight weeks, it engages young people aged 10–17 in personalised sessions held in schools, homes, or community spaces. Each participant follows a tailored learning plan designed to strengthen social skills and improve relationships, equipping them with practical tools to manage challenges without resorting to violence.

STRONG Futures – Ipswich

V.I.T.A.L. Projex is leading the STRONG Futures program, which supports 80 young people across four 10-week cohorts. The initiative blends mentoring with innovative approaches such as adventure-based therapy, virtual reality self-reflection, and neurofeedback brain training. Designed to reduce anti-social behaviour and reoffending, the program combines cutting-edge technology with culturally safe, trauma-informed support to build resilience and prepare participants for education, training, or employment pathways.

Reconnect with Culture and Community – Ipswich

Photo credit: Afta Putta Gunawan/Pexels

The Youth Retreat Centre’s program works intensively with young people aged 14–17, with a strong emphasis on cultural reconnection. Participants receive case management, mentoring, and tailored referrals, while also engaging in life skills development and education support. The approach is particularly focused on First Nations youth, helping them rediscover cultural identity and build positive community ties that reduce the risk of offending.

Read: New Traineeship Program Offers Ipswich Youth Pathway to Construction Careers

Together, these four initiatives represent a shift towards prevention and support rather than punishment. By combining cultural knowledge, practical skills, and innovative methods, they are giving young people in Ipswich and Springfield Lakes the chance to find new directions and stronger connections.

Published 8-September-2025

Springfield Lakes Ranks Among Queensland’s Solar and Battery Leaders

Springfield Lakes has been named among Queensland’s top performers in the shift to renewable energy, ranking as one of the state’s leading postcodes for both battery and solar installations.

Read: Funding Boost to Deliver New Fire Station in Greater Springfield

New analysis shows Springfield Lakes residents installed 527.486 kWh of household battery storage in July, placing the suburb in the state’s top five for battery uptake following the launch of the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program.

At the same time, the community also ranked highly for rooftop solar, with a total of 110,056.182 kW installed, making it one of the strongest contributors to Queensland’s solar capacity.

The figures, sourced from the Clean Energy Regulator, highlight Springfield Lakes’ growing role in Queensland’s clean energy transformation. The results reflect broader state-wide momentum, with more than 1,700 Queensland households installing batteries in July alone, and almost half of Queenslanders now reporting rooftop solar on their homes.

Queensland Conservation Council campaigner Stephanie Gray said suburbs like Springfield Lakes show how outer metropolitan and regional communities are embracing clean technology to manage household costs and reduce emissions.

“Queenslanders are turning to clean technology in droves to affordably power their homes and businesses,” she said. “We consistently see outer suburban and regional areas leading the charge in adopting rooftop solar and household batteries because it’s a smart investment to help tackle the rising cost of living.”

Gray also pointed to the broader potential for local communities to power Queensland’s future. “Our latest report found that rooftop solar and distributed battery storage, including EVs, could provide up to 60 per cent of Queensland’s electricity. Currently, small-scale solar provides almost 15 per cent.”

While Springfield Lakes and similar communities are powering ahead, the latest Queensland Household Energy Survey 2025 also revealed a significant gap between homeowners and renters when it comes to accessing clean energy. More than 60 per cent of homeowners in stand-alone houses have solar installed, compared with just 21 per cent of renters in houses and 9 per cent in apartments.

With Queensland preparing its five-year Energy Roadmap, conservation groups are urging policymakers to build on this momentum and ensure access to renewable energy is expanded across all housing types, including rentals and social housing.

Read: Ipswich Landowner Secures Permanent Protection for Koala Habitat

For Springfield Lakes residents, however, the numbers confirm their suburb is already leading the charge towards a cleaner, more affordable energy future.

Published 1-September-2025

Springfield Lakes Braces for Transformation as Population Boom Fuels Major Developments

With its population growing at over five per cent a year, the Springfield Lakes is on the verge of its biggest-ever expansion, marked by a new city master plan and a major land sale aimed at building hundreds of new homes.1

Bracing for a Wave of New Neighbours

The Greater Springfield region is experiencing a period of remarkable growth, putting it at the centre of South-East Queensland’s expansion. The local population has increased by 31 per cent since 2019 and continues to grow at a rate of more than five per cent each year. This rapid influx of new residents is driving a pressing need for more housing and community infrastructure, with projections showing the local population is expected to reach approximately 100,000 people by 2041.

Two Major Projects to Meet Demand

To accommodate this growth, two significant development initiatives are now moving forward. A formal “Master Area Development Plan” has been lodged with the Ipswich City Council for a new area named ‘Springfield City West’. This proposed precinct is located on the large, empty block of land bounded by Sinnathamby Boulevard, Spring Mountain Boulevard, Russell Luhrs Way and Helsinki Street.

At the same time, a separate 5.83-hectare site in neighbouring Springfield Central has been put on the market by Springfield City Group. The landholding, called ‘Vantage’, is being promoted by leading agencies Ray White Special Projects Qld and JLL Land as a prime opportunity for a large-scale residential project. It is situated with prominent frontage on Sinnathamby Boulevard and the Springfield Greenbank Arterial road.

The Economic Engine Behind the Growth

This surge in population and development is underpinned by a robust local economy that has attracted over $18 billion in public and private investment. The area boasts an unemployment rate of just 2.5 per cent, well below the Queensland average. The community is defined by a young and aspirational demographic, with a median age of 31.9 and median household incomes that are around 33 per cent higher than the state average, highlighting the region’s strong economic fundamentals.

According to statements from the land agents managing the Vantage sale, the site’s strategic position is a key drawcard for potential buyers. The real estate industry considers the combination of sustained growth and location to be a rare find. JLL Land heads Jake Burrowes and Liam Petersen affirmed this, noting that very few sites of this scale remain in South-East Queensland that are within walking distance of a major hospital, a university, a regional shopping centre, and a train station.

Updated 28-August-2025

Ipswich Landowner Secures Permanent Protection for Koala Habitat

Photo Credit: WWF Australia

A sprawling, gum tree-laden property in Ipswich will now serve as a protected wildlife sanctuary forever. This is the outcome of a landmark conservation agreement between the landowners and the authorities the first of its kind for the city.

A Forever Commitment to Wildlife

For landowner Sam and her husband, the commitment to restoring their Purga property for native animals is now guaranteed to last for generations. Through a new program, they have signed the city’s first Voluntary Conservation Covenant, a legally binding agreement that ensures their land remains a safe haven for its koala population and other fauna. The covenant is an important step for conservation in the region, as their property sits next to federally recognised Areas of Regional Koala Significance, making it a crucial part of a larger environmental corridor.

Sam explained that the covenant provides certainty that all the hard work they have invested in wildlife restoration will be protected long into the future, regardless of who owns the land. The property is home to a rich variety of native animals, including echidnas, sugar gliders, bandicoots, and numerous bird species from kingfishers to eagles.

How the Partnership Works

The Voluntary Conservation Covenant is a key part of the Ipswich City Council’s Landholder Conservation Partnerships program, designed to support residents in protecting environmentally valuable areas on private land. According to Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding, these partnerships are vital because many of the city’s most significant habitats are located on private properties. The agreement is formally recognised under the Queensland Land Title Act 1994, making the conservation terms permanent.

Environment and Sustainability Committee Chairperson, Councillor Jim Madden, noted that the program is funded through the Ipswich Enviroplan Levy. Through the program, Sam was provided with a bursary to advance the property’s restoration. This support system provides landowners with the resources, education, and property management plans needed to enhance the ecological value of their land through organised tree planting and weed control.

Breathing New Life into the Land

The conservation efforts on the Purga property are focused and strategic. The covenant covers a specific 9.16-hectare portion of the rural property, with a primary focus on restoring and buffering a creekline that acts as a vital corridor for koalas and other animals to move through the landscape.

Having collaborated with community groups like Queensland Trust for Nature and Healthy Land & Water, the landowners have already planted thousands of new trees. This revegetation work is transforming paddocks that had been overgrazed for decades into thriving habitats, with new blue gum and other remnant forest trees growing into future homes for the local koala population.

Part of a City-Wide Green Vision

This new covenant joins a broader network of conservation efforts across Ipswich. Mayor Harding stated that such initiatives help ensure the city’s iconic native flora and fauna can thrive. The council’s Enviroplan Levy has already enabled the acquisition of nearly 7,000 hectares of land for environmental purposes over the past three decades.

Furthermore, other agreements under the Landholder Conservation Partnerships program, such as Biodiversity and Corridor Conservation Agreements, already cover approximately 6,900 hectares of private land. Councillor Madden explained that these programs work together to ensure ecologically important land across the city is preserved from loss and mismanagement for a greener future.

Published Date 27-August-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

Springfield Lakes Man Charged Following Springfield Central Incident

Photo Credit: myPolice Queensland Police News

A Springfield Lakes man has been charged with unlawful wounding following an incident that left another man hospitalised at Orion Springfield Central on Saturday afternoon.

The altercation occurred around 4:30pm on 13 July, when emergency services were called to the popular shopping centre on Main Street. A 57-year-old Ripley resident sustained a stomach wound during the incident and was transported to Princess Alexandra Hospital in stable condition.

Photo Credit: Google Maps / Orion Springfield Central

Queensland Police located a 23-year-old man at a residence in Springfield Lakes shortly after the incident occurred. He was subsequently arrested and charged with unlawful wounding.

The accused appeared before Ipswich Magistrates Court on Monday to face the charges.

Orion Springfield Central is a major retail hub for the region, housing over 185 specialty stores alongside major retailers including Woolworths, Coles, Aldi, Target, Big W and Event Cinemas. The centre serves as a key shopping destination for residents of Springfield Lakes and surrounding suburbs in the greater Ipswich area.

The incident highlights ongoing community safety concerns at major shopping centres, though such serious altercations remain uncommon in the area.

Police investigations into the matter are continuing.

Published 13-July-2025