Mayor’s column | Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce monthly newsletter
March 2023
It has been one year since the February 2022 flood with parts of Ipswich recording more than twice the average summer rainfall, as the Bremer and Brisbane rivers broke its banks and water swept through the city. The Greater Springfield area was also affected and our flood recovery efforts are ongoing. We have started the process to install flood monitoring cameras and flood gauges in the Lakeside Avenue and Springfield Lakes Boulevard dams so engineers will be able to monitor those water levels. This will cost an estimated $140,000. Repair works on the bio retention basin in Bertilia Street, Augustine Heights are also progressing at an estimated cost of $76,000. Finally, council is working with engineers on a solution to repair the Treetop Boardwalk in the Robelle Domain Parklands. Erosion and washout caused about $300,000 in damage and we’re assessing the best way forward. Our focus has been on building back better and ensuring we are improving our resilience so that we can minimise our recovery in future floods.
Fairy lights trial
I’m sure many chamber members have seen the beautiful fairy lights on Augusta Parkway. Council hopes the lights bring a sense of vibrancy, character and identity to the area. The lights are a two-year trial, and if successful, we’ll look at expanding the program to other parts of the city. There are now 13 trees that are promoting a sense of community pride while increasing property values and attracting business investment and tourism. The trial has been funded via developer contributions, not through rates. The bulk of the $330,000 budget went to labour costs for traffic management and earthworks for underground power requirements. The most expensive component was the under road boring to get power to the median strip. An arborist was also employed to ensure no damage was done to the trees. Finally, the lights are commercial grade and their longevity is something we’ll be observing during the trial period.
Kicking goals for education and empowerment
People are the most important part of any organisation, be it a small business, a city or a country. Last month, I felt blessed to be a part of Multicultural Australia’s official opening of its new multicultural community space at the Brighton Homes Arena in Springfield Central. Council invested over $20 million in the arena as a community asset to be owned and enjoyed by the people of Ipswich and this is a great example of that. The organisation will use the arena’s facilities for residents from refugee and migrant backgrounds to access services and support that will help them feel more connected and cared for. The stronger our people are, the stronger our local community and economy will be, too.
Greater Springfield grant writing workshop
Community groups and clubs are such an important part of the social fabric of our community – I’m sure many members of the chamber are involved in a community group in the Springfield area. They provide wonderful opportunities for social connection, friendship and fun. In many ways, running a not-for-profit is like running a business and one could always do with a little more support. With this in mind, council will hold a free grant writing workshop in Springfield Central on Thursday, 23 March 2023, from 9am to 3pm at the Springfield Central Community Centre at 134A Parkland Drive, Springfield Lakes. The facilitator for this workshop is Gigi Lacey, who has extensive experience and expertise with grant writing processes over the past 20 years. You have to register early, so check https://www.ipswich.qld.gov.au/explore/whats-on/grant-writing-workshops for more details.