Springfield Archives - Page 4 of 6

Springfield’s Centenary Motorway Exit 32 Reopens

In a major development for the Springfield community, the Centenary Motorway’s Exit 32, a crucial junction that had been closed for extensive roadworks, has reopened after six months.

This reopening, on 11 Dec 2023, marks a significant milestone in Springfield’s infrastructure development, aimed at accommodating the area’s booming population and reducing congestion on one of the region’s key motorways.

Months of Closure to Fast-Track Roadworks

The closure of Exit 32, which began on August 21, was part of a strategic decision to expedite the construction work in the Springfield area. This move was intended to improve safety for workers and save months of roadwork for the community.

The decision was pivotal in allowing uninterrupted work on the upgrade from a single-lane exit to a four-lane configuration.

Significant Upgrades for Improved Traffic Flow

“Commuters stuck in daily queues down the Centenary Motorway between Ellen Grove and Yamanto have been telling us for a long time that this section needs to be significantly upgraded to support Springfield’s booming population.” Charis Mullen, State Member for Jordan, said.

Ms Mullen also noted the commitment of $6.5 million by the State Government for this major entry point into Springfield to reduce peak hour congestion and improve safety.

Centenary Motorway Exit 32 — Photo Credit: Charis Mullen MP/Facebook

Mayor Teresa Harding of Ipswich commented on the larger implications of the project, tying it with the council’s current expansion of Springfield Greenbank Arterial to four lanes.

“The expansion of Springfield Parkway and Springfield Greenbank Arterial from two lanes to four lanes is council’s biggest-ever roadwork project, and it is vitally necessary we complete it as quickly as possible,” she said.

The mayor emphasised that closing Exit 32 saved months in construction time and millions in overall project cost, fast-tracking its reopening.

Celebrating the Reopening in Time for the Holidays

The timing of the reopening was especially noteworthy, coming just before the Christmas and New Year holidays.

Mayor Harding expressed her gratitude for the community’s patience during the construction period. She also pointed out the convenience the reopening would bring for holiday shopping and activities in the area, including easier access to Orion Springfield Central, Robelle Domain, and Orion Lagoon.

With the completion of these upgrades, residents and commuters in Springfield can look forward to a smoother and safer travel experience. The expanded Exit 32 is expected to significantly reduce congestion on the Centenary Motorway and improve ease of access into Springfield.

Published 12-Dec-2023

Springfield’s Ambitious Journey Towards a Health and Knowledge Hub

Maha Sinnathamby, the visionary founder of Springfield City Group, is embarking on an ambitious journey in Springfield, a suburb that’s been steadily transforming since its inception in 1992. Drawing inspiration from the Texas Medical Center, Mr Sinnathamby aims to establish Springfield as a leading knowledge and health precinct.

Over three decades, Mr Sinnathamby and his business partner Bob Sharpless have turned 2,860 hectares of land into a thriving community with more than 53,000 residents across six suburbs. Their relentless pace and innovative thinking have been crucial in Springfield’s evolution.

Central to Springfield’s transformation is the Knowledge Precinct, spanning 120 hectares and focusing on health, education, and innovation. This precinct represents a significant step towards realising Sinnathamby’s vision of enhancing human and social capital.

“Health, education and IT are the key drivers to make a unique community,” Mr Sinnathamby explained, underscoring his commitment to planning a city of the future.

The Texas Medical Center, known as the world’s largest medical complex, serves as the blueprint for Mr Sinnathamby’s vision. He plans to emulate its success in Springfield by focusing on life sciences and collaboration in medical research and education.

Springfield boasts an extensive network of transport links, schools, and recreational facilities. The Mater Hospital, set to be the nation’s largest, anchors a 52-hectare health precinct. An 18-hectare education precinct centered around the University of Southern Queensland adds to Springfield’s allure as a hub for learning and innovation.

With a focus on education and family, Springfield offers twelve schools and nineteen kindergartens. The university campus further cements the suburb’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of Australians.

The Springfield master plan, valued at $88 billion, has been 25% complete as of 2020.

Mr Sinnathamby’s group is seeking global partners to continue building the city. With $18 billion already invested, a further $70 billion is needed to realise this master plan fully.

As Springfield continues to grow, with a projected population of 145,000, it remains a testament to Mr Sinnathamby’s philosophy of thinking big and innovating.

Published 6-Dec-2023

6-Month Closure of Exit 32 Set to Transform Springfield Greenbank Arterial

A significant six-month closure of Exit 32 off-ramp, which connects the Centenary Motorway southbound to the Springfield Greenbank Arterial (SGA), will soon be in effect as part of a transformative upgrade project.

Starting 8:00 p.m. on 21 Aug 2023, Exit 32 will not be accessible to all traffic for up to six months. During this period, motorists are advised to follow the designated detour route via the Centenary Motorway Exit 33 off-ramp and to factor in additional travel time when planning their journeys.

The existing two-lane off-ramp is being expanded into a four-lane configuration, accompanied by the conversion of the current roundabout into a major intersection. These changes are expected to streamline traffic flow and enhance connectivity for motorists.

Exit 32 Springfield Greenbank Arterial — Photo Credit: Department Of Transport & Main Roads

This decision, aimed at expediting construction, improving safety, and reducing disturbances during the process, marks a crucial phase in the ongoing development of the region’s transportation infrastructure. Whilst the closure may bring inconveniences, the long-term benefits of an upgraded off-ramp and intersection are anticipated to outweigh the temporary challenges.

Local residents and businesses in the vicinity of the construction zone are advised to expect increased noise and dust levels as a result of the ongoing works. Despite these effects, the Ipswich City Council remains committed to the project’s positive impact on the local transportation network and the overall community.

The Ipswich community is encouraged to stay updated on the project’s developments, adhere to traffic control measures, and observe guidance provided by signage and traffic controllers for a smooth and safe commute.

Managed by the Ipswich City Council in partnership with Transport and Main Roads Queensland, the project has received $6.5 million in funding from the Queensland Government.

Jordan MP Charis Mullen expressed her satisfaction with the advancement of the project. The transformed intersection is poised to provide more efficient access for drivers traveling in various directions along the SGA, and will facilitate safer crossings to Main Street and the Orion shopping center.

For further information and inquiries regarding the construction project, concerned individuals can contact the Ipswich City Council Project Team via email at capitalprojects@ipswich.qld.gov.au or by phone at 07 3810 6666, available from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.

Published 16-Aug-2023

Brighton Homes Arena in Springfield More Practical for Brisbane Lions Amidst Gabba Renovation Plans

Amidst plans to renovate the Gabba Stadium for the 2032 Olympics, utilising the existing Brighton Homes Arena in Springfield, instead of revamping the RNA showgrounds, could be the most practical option for the Brisbane Lions.

Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding offered this cost-effective alternative for the temporary relocation of the Brisbane Lions during the Gabba’s reconstruction phase.

In a passionate statement, Mayor Harding highlighted the benefits of utilising the $80-million Brighton Homes Arena, which is already the home ground for the Brisbane Lions AFLW team and was designed with expansion in mind.

Ms Harding pointed out that the cost of expanding the existing stadium would be approximately half of what it would take to renovate the RNA showgrounds, in response to Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner’s plea to transform the RNA showgrounds into a temporary home for local teams, including the Brisbane Lions and the Brisbane Heat, during the Gabba’s redevelopment.

“Brighton Homes Arena is the natural choice to host the Brisbane Lions’ AFL team during the Gabba reconstruction for the Games,” the mayor said.

“Ipswich is already home to the best AFL venue in Queensland right now.

“With Brighton Homes Arena, Springfield Central, Ipswich already the home ground of the Brisbane Lions’ AFLW team, upgrading the purpose-built AFL stadium to accommodate the men’s team would be around half the cost of retrofitting the heritage RNA site.

“Hosting the Brisbane Lions needs more than just a field, it takes warm up and recovery facilities, state-of-the-art broadcast technology and a high quality, even playing surface. These are already available at Brighton Homes Arena.”

Photo Credit: Brighton Homes Arena/Facebook

Ms Harding also highlighted the importance of spreading the benefits of the 2032 Games beyond Brisbane and promoting investment in communities outside the city.

“Brisbane has 18 of the 37 venues on the 2032 Games masterplan, as well as the International Broadcast Centre, Media Press Centre and the Olympic and Paralympic Athletes Village. Ipswich has just one.

“This is a perfect opportunity to start spreading the 2032 Games’ benefits more broadly, and leaving a legacy that can be enjoyed by communities outside of Brisbane.”

In response to the ongoing discussions, have stated that they are in dialogue with the state government and other stakeholders regarding the Gabba redevelopment and the temporary displacement period. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has assured fans that updates will be provided when a decision is made.

Published 1-Aug-2023

Springfield Gears Up for Six-Month E-Scooter Trial

Did you know that a six-month e-scooter trial will be conducted in Springfield Central, Spring Mountain, and Springfield Lakes through leading e-scooter hire company Beam, in collaboration with Ipswich City Council?

Starting 8 July 2023, residents and locals in those areas will have access to Beam’s latest fleet of top-of-the-range, safety-focused e-scooters, riding them around as a convenient and safe transportation alternative, reducing reliance on private cars and public transport and providing data that would be useful in deciding on a longer term use case for them.

Read: Bottle Alley Reopens To Pedestrians With Striking Tribute To Ipswich History

To ensure safe usage, e-scooters and personal mobility devices will be permitted on footpaths, shared paths, separated paths, bike paths, and local streets with a speed limit of 50 km/h or less and no dividing line.

E-Scooter Trial — Photo credit: Beam AU/Facebook

The introduction of e-scooters aligns with Ipswich City Council’s iGO Intelligent Transport Systems Strategy, which was adopted in 2019. This strategy outlines a roadmap for integrating new technologies, such as e-scooters, into the city’s transport networks.

Speed limits for e-scooters are set at 12km/h on footpaths, shared paths, and crossings, and 25km/h on permitted local roads, bike paths, and bike lanes, unless otherwise indicated by signage.

Beam was selected for the trial due to its strong safety record and commitment to prioritising pedestrian safety. The company employs geo-locking technology to restrict e-scooters from entering high pedestrian zones and enforces maximum speed limits.

Deputy Chairperson of the Growth, Infrastructure and Waste Committee and Division 2 Councillor Paul Tully emphasised the importance of the e-scooter trial, stating that it will allow residents to try out shared e-scooters and provide their thoughts and input on how council might integrate e-scooters into the city’s transport network for the long term.

The six-month trial period, running until December 2023, will provide ample time for residents to experience the benefits of shared e-scooters and offer valuable feedback to the council.

Read: First Traffic Switch For Springfield Greenbank Arterial Widening Project

Beam, in preparation for the launch, will also host the Beam Safe Academy event, aimed at educating the community about e-scooter safety and gathering their input. This event will take place at the Robelle Domain car park next to the Orion Lagoon on Saturday, 8 July 2023 starting at 9 a.m, providing curious residents with the opportunity to test ride the scooters.

Published 6-July-2023

Springfield’s Mater Hospital to Feature Cutting-Edge Robotic Pharmacy System

Springfield residents will soon benefit from the latest advancements in medical technology as the Mater Foundation, a charitable organization supporting Mater hospitals across Queensland, invests $450,000 in a state-of-the-art robotic pharmacy system for the new Mater Private Hospital in Springfield.

This innovative system is set to revolutionize prescription delivery, aiming to provide around 100,000 prescriptions annually to patients and medical staff within minutes. The investment made by the Mater Foundation demonstrates the importance of community fundraising in supporting the vital work of Mater, Queensland’s largest not-for-profit health provider.

Mater Private Hospital Springfield’s General Manager, Suzanne Hawksley, expressed gratitude for the generosity of Mater’s donors and highlighted the significant impact the investment will have on the hospital’s pharmacy team and patients.

With the completion of the Stage 2 expansion, Mater Pharmacy anticipates dispensing approximately 100,000 prescriptions per year. The cutting-edge technology of the BD ROWA Vmax-160 pharmacy robotic and inventory dispensing system will ensure accurate and efficient medication delivery, significantly reducing waiting times for patients. The system automates the process of picking and dispensing medicines, directing them to each pharmacist’s workstation via chutes and conveyor belts. This eliminates the need for pharmacists to manually locate and collect medications from shelves, streamlining operations and enhancing patient care.

In addition to improving efficiency, the robotic pharmacy system will optimize stock control, leading to more effective inventory management within the pharmacy. This will ultimately reduce the amount of storage space required and enhance overall pharmacy operations.

Mater Foundation’s Chief Executive, Andrew Thomas, emphasized that the acquisition of the pharmacy robot exemplifies how community fundraising efforts directly contribute to enhanced patient care at Mater. He encouraged Springfield residents to participate in Mater Giving Day, which falls on 28 June 2023. On this day, all donations to the Mater Foundation will be tripled by matching donors, amplifying the impact of each contribution.

To contribute to Mater Giving Day and support the Mater Foundation’s initiatives, donations can be made online.

Mater Giving Day serves as an opportunity for the community to support the provision of life-saving medical equipment, research, education, and healthcare throughout Queensland. Mr. Thomas expressed his gratitude to Mater’s staff, patients, loved ones, and supporters, emphasizing the profound difference their collective contributions can make in the lives of Mater’s patients.

Meanwhile, the ongoing Stage 2 expansion of Mater Private Hospital Springfield, located on Health Care Drive, is a crucial development aimed at meeting the community’s healthcare needs for years to come. The expansion will provide 174 public beds and offer both private and public services, including an emergency department, an intensive care unit, and Mater’s renowned maternity services. This comprehensive approach ensures that local women have the opportunity to give birth within their own community, fostering a sense of comfort and convenience during the crucial time of childbirth.

Construction work on the Stage 2 expansion began in early 2023, and it is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. The new Mater Private Hospital Springfield represents a significant advancement in healthcare infrastructure and demonstrates Mater’s commitment to delivering exceptional care to the Springfield community.

Published 18-June-2023

Springfield-Based Medcan Leads the Way in Medicinal Hemp Farming with Advanced Technology

Photo Credit: MedCan/Facebook

Use of medical hemp in Australia has witnessed a steady increase since its legalisation, and one company in Queensland is at the forefront of revolutionizing the industry. Medcan, with its headquarters in Springfield, has pioneered a cutting-edge tech setup that is considered one of the most advanced in the southern hemisphere.

Under the leadership of CEO Craig Cochran, Medcan is dedicated to producing the highest quality hemp available in the market. Cochran emphasised the importance of creating an environment that can be accurately controlled and consistently replicated to achieve this goal.

Thanks to its advanced technology setup, Medcan has the capacity to produce up to 6,000 kilograms of dried cannabis flower per year. This production volume places the company at the forefront of medicinal cannabis cultivation in Australia.

Medcan operates a 3,000-square-meter vertical cannabis farm equipped with the PRIVA software system and a state-of-the-art HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system. The combination of these technologies allows for precise environmental control and optimal cultivation conditions.

Nate Jones, Head of Cultivation at Medcan, highlighted the challenge of managing the dehumidification load required for indoor plant growth. However, Medcan designed an innovative HVAC system that effectively maintains the temperature at an ideal 25 degrees Celsius, with an optimal humidity level of 55 per cent.

The PRIVA system employed by Medcan is a comprehensive software solution that utilizes algorithmic logic to calculate and manage the plant’s environment. It collects data from hundreds of probes and various measuring equipment throughout the facility, ensuring optimal conditions for growth.

In addition to cultivation, Medcan operates as a full-service company, covering the entire value chain of medicinal cannabis. They engage in manufacturing, importation, exportation, wholesale distribution, and local supply of medical cannabis across Australia.

The innovative approach and dedication to quality exhibited by Medcan are propelling Queensland to the forefront of the medicinal cannabis industry in Australia. With the company’s advanced technology and comprehensive services, it is poised to meet the growing demand for medicinal cannabis and contribute significantly to the healthcare sector.

Published 16-June-2023

Opening Soon in Springfield: Innovative Mater Health Hub for the Whole Family

Mater has announced its plans to open an innovative Mater Health Hub in Springfield, designed to cater to the health and wellness needs of the whole family.

Scheduled for a July 2023 inauguration, Mater Health Hub, Springfield offers services like GP clinics, consulting rooms, a new Mater Pathology department, a chemist, a childcare centre, a cafe and a gym.

The facility will run allied health services, including women’s healthcare, pediatric and child development care, group therapies, diet and nutrition programs, and corporate wellness services. Some services currently delivered at Brookwater Health Clinic will be incorporated into the health hub when it opens.

Dr Fiona Hinchliffe, Mater Executive Director of Residential Care and Community Services, said that this facility is a deviation from traditional hospitals but it will still provide families access to health care services that are otherwise out of reach or require them to travel to Ipswich, Brisbane or Gold Coast.

The new building will also serve as the centre for Mater Education for the Diploma of Nursing program, as well as provide practical training for students gaining experience at the nearby Mater Private Hospital Springfield and Mater Hospital Springfield. Thus, providing more options for the young people of Springfield who are looking for the right career path.

In line with this, Mater has also enlisted HealthCo Healthcare & Wellness as the anchor tenant of the Mater Health Hub for 10 years. More healthcare service initiatives will be developed as a result of this strategic partnership.

Brisbane Lions Now Occupying New Home in Springfield

Photo Credit: Brisbane Lions

After 30 years in the Gabba, the Brisbane Lions has moved into the Brighton Homes Arena, their new $80-million state-of-the-art facility in Springfield.

The team’s new home, located some 28 kilometres southwest of their former turf, is an eight-hectare sports centre that will be shared with the Brisbane Bears and the Fitzroy Football Club.

The Brisbane Lions expect to play around 20 to 25 major events in their Springfield home every year, thrilling 10,000 spectators during the matches.

The Brighton Homes Arena grandstand can comfortably seat 600 spectators in the permanent shade and has access to disabled seating. Broadcasting night matches will be a breeze as the facility has ample lighting.

Brisbane Lions Brighton Sports Arena — Photo Credit: YouTube screengrab

Visitors to the arena will also be able to use the facilities, such as the pool, the gymnasium and the outdoor lawn, for their community events all year round, including non-sports-related activities. The venue will also be ready for the Modern Pentathlon at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.

Despite the delays and the economic impact brought on by the pandemic, the construction’s completion was delivered on schedule and within the budget. The multi-million investment should also benefit and uplift the club financially.

The Springfield move is the culmination of a plan to create an elite sport and community centre that was first established in 2013 with the Australian Football League, the Ipswich City Council and the Springfield Land Corporation.

Springfield to Gain 174 New Hospital Beds in Planned Expansion

In response to a pressing need in Springfield’s public hospitals, a promise of 174 new hospital beds will be delivered to the growing Greater Ipswich region within the next three and a half years.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced that the State Government has partnered with Mater Health Services to bring in new hospital beds for its Emergency Department, Maternity Units, Intensive Care Unit and procedural departments.

Currently, Mater Private Hospital Springfield has 95 beds and the plan is to build the 174-bed hospital beside this existing facility as soon as possible. The State Government said that it will deliver an initial $177 million for this project.

Photo Credit: Mike Robertson/Google Maps

“Greater Ipswich is one of Australia’s fastest growing regions, with an ever-increasing demand for public health services,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“This means we need to invest now to create the beds we know we need in the future.

“This partnership will mean more than $1 billion investment by the Queensland Government over the next decade. Importantly, this project is shovel ready with Mater expected to be able to deliver it by the end of 2024.”

Health Minister Yvette D’Ath previously said that public hospitals struggle with unsustainable demands and this expansion will “significantly boost capacity in the local health network.”

As a strong advocate for public health services, Member for Jordan Charis Mullen sees this development as a win for the community.

“This new public hospital for Springfield will deliver a major economic boost for the booming region and that means being able to continue our economic recovery by creating jobs,” Ms Mullen said.

“This project alone will create more than 700 jobs during construction and more than 1,000 new frontline health jobs once operational.”