29 November 2011
28 November 2011
25 November 2011
23 November 2011
22 November 2011
Weather Forecast: 90% chance of 3 inches of rain tomorow
| Wed 23 Nov | Possible thunderstorm | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Chance of rain: 90% (40-80mm) |  | ||
| Humidity: 9am: 69% 3pm: 59% | |||
Wind 9am:  NNW 16km/h | |||
Wind 3pm:  ENE 15km/h | |||
19 November 2011
18 November 2011
14 November 2011
13 November 2011
12 November 2011
Our sale of the century
Artist impression of the $93 million office tower to be built at the corner of Brisbane and Bell Sts.
A NINE-STOREY office tower tipped to kick-start Ipswich's CBD renewal has netted $93 million.
Yet to be built, the planned office building on the corner of Bell St and Brisbane St was sold to property fund manager Cromwell.
Developer Leighton Properties described the sale as the Queensland's biggest transaction for office space outside Brisbane.
Cr Pisasale said it was a vote of confidence in Ipswich City Council's decision to purchase the Ipswich City Square precinct for $45 million three years ago.
"Our vision for the city is not to look like Brisbane - we will not be a city of high rises," Cr Pisasale said. "We will embrace the Bremer River and Riverlink and the mall will be part of the one CBD."
When complete, the building is to be occupied by about 1200 state public servants, with underground car parking and retail businesses on ground level.
Ipswich City Properties chairman Paul Tully said such an early sale was not unusual for this type of development.
"It's a pretty good," he said.
"This is a confidence-boost for us actually," Cr Tully said.
"There's a degree of certainty about our plans for the CBD, but who would have ever thought this could happen in Ipswich?
"We are ecstatic about it."
Cr Tully said the city was on target to break even on its initial investment by 2016.
After that, any profits made from the CBD renewal will go back into the city.
When asked about unoccupied office space elsewhere in the CBD, he said he believed the interest stirred up through the sale of the Bell St tower would encourage other businesses to come to Ipswich.
"Success breeds success," he said.
"At this point I would rather have an oversupply of office space than an undersupply."
Providing about 18,000sq m of office space, the building is the first of three office towers planned for a revitalised Ipswich.
As part of the $1 billion renewal project, council is also planning to further develop the Riverheart Parklands.
Leighton Properties commercial head Andrew Borger said the history-making sale showed the quality of the project
"The long-term lease of the entire commercial component of the office tower from the State Government has also sent a resounding message that Ipswich is a growth city of the future," Mr Borger said.
Construction will begin next month.
More Ipswich News: www.QT.com.au
09 November 2011
Arsonists torch school bus at Goodna
Vehicle fire, Ipswich
by Queensland Police Service on Wednesday, 09 November 2011
Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a vehicle fire at an educational facility in Goodna overnight.
Police were conducting a patrol in the area when they noticed smoke and flames coming from within the Stuart Street premises just before 4am.
The pair attempted to put out the blaze using a fire extinguisher until emergency services arrived, however the fire caused extensive damage to the vehicle.
Police are treating the fire as suspicious and are seeking any further information anyone may have in regards to this incident.
Anyone with information which could assist police with their investigations should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously via 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au 24hrs a day.
Crime Stoppers is a charitable community volunteer organisation working in partnership with the Queensland Police Service.
08 November 2011
That's a deep hole in Lower James Street Goodna
As part of the Ipswich Motorway upgrade, a major drainage connection is being built from James St, behind the Goodna State School, under the Ipswich Motorway and railway line and then underground direct to the Brisbane River on Brisbane Terrace.
The project which is due for completion in mid-2012 will divert stormwater from the existing open drain which runs from Lower Stuart St, back across Lower James St, Lower Albert St, Lower William St and through the Evan Marginson Park to Woogaroo Creek.
The construction is a joint Federal, State and Ipswich City Council project.
Division 2 Councillor said the new pipe would divert the majority of water direct to the Brisbane River during major rain events which have caused localised flooding in the past.
"It will not reduce riverine flooding but will have a major impact on Q100 rain events in the western part of Goodna," Cr Tully said.
The new 2.4 metre diameter pipe runs underground for the full length of Lower James St from the railway line to the Brisbane River.
07 November 2011
Traffic lights will be out at Gailes until tomorrow and Goodna on Wednesday.
The traffic lights at the corner of Alice & Newman Streets Gailes will
not be operational for the next two days while RPQ are undertaking
roadworks (9am to 4pm).
not be operational for the next two days while RPQ are undertaking
roadworks (9am to 4pm).
Police will be on site to direct traffic.
Wednesday the traffic lights corner Bertha & Alice Streets Goodna will
not be operational between 9.00am and 4pm whilst undertaking
roadworks.
RPQ are carrying out repairs to the local roads.
.
06 November 2011
Norma Kumar elected Goodna Rugby League Club Life Member
Norma has been a tower of strength for the Goodna Rugby League Juniors.
As Juniors' President, Norma steered her teams to 7 out of 9 Grand Finals in 2011.
After the AGM, local Councillor Paul Tully congratulated Norma on her appointment as a Life Member.
"Norma's appointment is thoroughly well-deserved," Cr Tully said.
05 November 2011
Ipswich City Council Chat Time today at The Coffee Club Goodna - Meet the Mayor and Councillors
Come along for a free coffee and chat with Mayor Paul Pisasale and Councillors Paul Tully, David Morrison, Victor Attwood and Sheila Ireland about any local issues.
03 November 2011
New bikeway to link Redbank to Gailes via new bridge over Woogaroo Creek on Brisbane Tce at Goodna
A new bikeway is being built from Redbank to Gailes.
It will link from Brisbane Rd Redbank past the Pan Pacific Peace Gardens and over the railway line near the Shell Service Station on the Ipswich Motorway at Goodna.
It then travels down Woogaroo St, George St then Brisbane Tce and across Woogaroo Creek towards Wilruna St.
A similar bikeway is being built on the southern side of the Ipswich Motorway via Stuart St, Stanley St, Albert St, Barram St, William St and Brisbane Rd.
Local Councillor Paul Tully described the new bikeways as a great facility for the people of Redbank, Goodna, Gailes and surrounding areas.
"They will promote a healthy lifestyle and will encourage individuals and families to get out and about," Cr Tully said.
Goodna robbery a blow to fundraising efforts
Goodna RSL sub branch president Vivienne Stanbury and Veterans’ Support president Phil Allen in the shed where a generator was stolen.
TWO Goodna veterans' groups are seething at the theft of a vital piece of community fundraising equipment.
With all their equipment piled into a modest shed after the January floods, the Goodna RSL sub branch and the Veterans Support and Advocacy Service have been targeted by thieves several times this year - the most recent being last weekend.
Offenders entered a storage shed and unbolted a large generator from the groups' mobile barbecue kitchen trailer.
RSL sub branch president Vivienne Stanbury said several community and church groups used the trailer, usually free of charge, for fundraisers.
"The first time they robbed us they took money - now it's a generator which we simply can't afford to replace," she said.
"What we do is all voluntary and the expense of all this thieving is just not on.
"On another occasion they even tried to steal the hot water cylinder out of the laundry."
The crime has been reported to police but the veterans' groups hold little hope of the offenders being caught.
Security at the storage shed is virtually non-existent and the area - opposite the RSL Services Club in Goodna - is usually deserted at night.
Veteran Support president Phil Allen said attempts would be made to beef up security.
"Unfortunately you've got a group of veterans here who are annoyed to the point where they are considering setting up booby traps," Mr Allen said.
Both groups are still looking for a permanent home, but Mrs Stanbury said they would require a government grant of land and a building for this to happen.
"The generator was used to power the lights and freezer on the trailer, so now we've got church groups missing out," she said. "This was something that served the entire community, yet someone saw fit to steal it for their own selfish purposes."
Anyone with information about the theft should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
01 November 2011
New legislation for neighbourhood disputes in effect today
Attorney-General, Minister for Local Government and Special Minister of State
The Honourable Paul Lucas
01/11/2011
New legislation for neighbourhood disputes in effect today
New legislation to help resolve disputes about overhanging trees and dividing fences is in effect today.
Attorney General Paul Lucas said the Neighbourhood Disputes Resolution Act replaced the Dividing Fences Act which had been in effect since 1953.
He said the Act clarified who was responsible for building and maintaining dividing fences and who was responsible for ensuring trees and branches did not impose on someone else's property.
"Prior to these changes there was no legislation covering backyard trees," he said.
"These modern laws clearly spell out neighbours' obligations in relation to fences and trees to better reflect a 'fair go' all round.
"Whilst most people might find it easy to trim a overhanging branches for many people including the elderly or people with disabilities, this is impossible.
"From today, if someone believes a tree poses a danger or it's adversely affecting their land they can write to the owner, requesting for it to be trimmed or removed.
"They can also recover up to $300 for professional services to trim a tree under 2.5 metres if parties can't agree on a resolution.
"First and foremost, we want to see neighbours communicating with each other about these matters and trying to reach a resolution.
"These laws set the ground rules and also either party to refer the matter to the QCAT agreement can't be reached."
Mr Lucas said the new legislation also includes a clear definition of a sufficient dividing fence and how cost should be apportioned.
"The legislation provides a clear picture of when a fence needs to be replaced and what is a reasonable contribution to its installation and maintenance," he said.
Mr Lucas said it was important the legislation was in place before summer.
"We've already seen the storm season kick off in Queensland this year and we're expecting more to come," Mr Lucas said.
"Though it's not expected to be anywhere near as bad as last year, people should be taking steps now to prepare.
"That's why it's important gardens and fences are in good order to ensure dangerous objects aren't flying around in the middle of a storm and that's where this legislation can help."
For more details visit www.justice.qld.gov.au
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Pacific Islanders will be out in numbers at Goodna's Evan Marginson Park for the Pasifika festival.
CELEBRATE Pasifika, a festival of everything about the Pacific Islands and the region's people, is on at Goodna on today - Saturday.
Head along to Evan Marginson Park, Woogaroo St, between 9am and 3pm to enjoy workshops in drumming, dance and lei making along with a ukulele jam session. Those who own a ukulele are welcome to bring it along and join the fun.
The event is for the entire community and will feature cultural dances, arts and crafts, Pacific Island food stalls, dancing and ceremonies highlighting the diversity of the area's Pacific Island residents.
Entertainment will also include recent X Factor contestant Marina Davis.
INFO: www.ipswich.qld.gov.au
www.CourierMail.com.au