in t

his

editi

on

• Mayor’sMessage

• MessagefromtheChair

• StrategicPlanningNews

• HeritageAwardforCouncil

• DevelopmentNews

• FastTrackApplications

• HonouringOurHeroes

• JosephBradyParkReopens

• RiverHeartParklandsStage2

• SizzlerRestauranttoExpand

• NewChildCareCentreforGoodna

• Re-useofCharacterHome

• NewAutobarnforBellbirdPark

• StaffProfile-NicoleYiannou

• StaffProfile-DannielleOwen

• PregnancyClubUpdate

• HeritageCommitteeMembersAppointed

• Studio188-oldBaptistChurch

• Ipswich’sHeritage

• ALookIntoOurPast

• MainContacts

Ipswich City Council has commenced a project to upgrade its flood and rainfall monitoring system across the city. Council plans to install a number of rainfall only alert stations as well as stream and rainfall alert stations.

City Infrastructure Committee Chair, Councillor Cheryl Bromage, said that the new locations included Ripley, Six Mile Creek, Goodna Creek,

Grandchester, Rosewood, Redbank Plains, Thagoona and Washpool.

“Installing these stream / rainfall alert stations will enhance Council’s flood warning systems and provide Council with more information to draw upon during flooding situations,” she said.

Tenders have been called for the project.

“Ipswich City Council owns and operates a network of stream and rainfall alert stations throughout the Ipswich region. Council’s regional alert station network links into the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) flood telemetry system, which the BoM use to provide flood and weather warnings to the general public and other Councils.”

Cr Bromage said the new stations would ensure additional flood warning systems were in place throughout the City.

“This is another example of Council improving its flood prepardedness in light of the extreme weather events of recent years.”

Cr Bromage said information obtained from these alert stations could also provide data for incorporation in future revised Australian rainfall and run off publications.

“The data produced will also help us to better plan for the future by providing average rainfall figures and stream heights over a wider area. Historical knowledge and observations from previous large rainfall / flooding events in the region and future development areas will provide a better basis for long term planning.”

Cr Bromage said as part of the ongoing partnership, Council would engage the Ipswich Rivers Improvement Trust (IRIT) to project manage the installation of the new stream and rainfall alert stations.

“Through these new stations Council will be well placed to assist in the provision of data for future flood warnings throughout the City.”

Upgrade to Flood Monitoring System

NewFloodandRainfallGauges

PlanningandDevelopmentUpdate

IpswichCityCouncil Edition12~Oct2012

www.ipswich.qld.gov.au 1

In the company of our City Planner and staff from the Strategic Planning Branch, I was proud to recently receive an award from the National Trust of Queensland for our adaptive reuse guidelines for character places (see article Page 3). These guidelines have been kindly described by former Queensland National Trust President John Jackson as ‘the next standard bearer for local government heritage conservation in Queensland’.

The latest edition of Planning and Development Update includes lots of interesting information on:-

• a new fast track process for well made, low risk development applications (Page 5);

• honouring our Defence Force Heroes, through the naming of ‘Heroes Way’ at the main entrance to RAAF Base Amberley (Page 5);

• profiling a broad range of development activity througout the City (Pages 4 - 8);

• the re-establishment of the Ipswich Heritage Consultative Committee and Monuments and Memorials Committee (Page 10); and

• historical information about our City’s past (Pages 12 - 16).

On a lighter note, the pregnancy ‘epidemic’ continues in the Planning and Development Department with further new announcements on Page 9.

Councillor Paul TullyChairperson - Planning andDevelopment Committee

This edition of our Planning and Development Update Newsletter showcases the opening of a number of very important community facilities.

Joseph Brady Park at Karalee has reopened following the devastation of the 2011 flood and in a number of ways it is even better than it was before the flood (see article Page 6). Work is also forging ahead on the reconstruction of the Colleges Crossing Parklands - one of the most affected places from the January 2011 inundation.

A brand new park has opened in the Ipswich City Centre with the extension of the River Heart parklands along King Edward Parade to Bob Gamble Park (see article Page 7). The new water features within the park have

proven to be extremely popular with the arrival of our warm weather.

The new ‘Studio 188’ in the former Baptist Church (see article Page 11) offers an amazing cutting edge performing arts complex, particularly targetted at youth engagement in the Top of Town Precinct in the Ipswich CBD.

Each of these sites offer not only highly sort after community facilities but also strongly complement other Council initiatives towards flood restoration, community building and economic revitalisation.

Mayor Paul PisasaleCity of Ipswich

Mayor’sMessage

MessagefromtheChair

Wintergarden Theatre 1979 Source: Picture Ipswich

Interior of Wintergarden Theatre 1940Source: Picture Ipswich

Foyer of Wintergarden Theatre 1930sSource: Picture Ipswich

2

The Strategic Planning Branch has recently finalised the provisional listing of the drowning site of the ‘Babies of Walloon’ as a Character Place in Schedule 2 of the planning scheme.

The waterhole is located on land adjacent to the Haislea- Amberley Road, with the listing reflecting the waterhole’s cultural heritage significance established by Henry Lawson having written a poem in 1891 about the drowning of two sisters at the site.

Further InformationFor further information, please contact the Strategic Planning Branch on 3810 6251.

StrategicPlanningNews

HeritageAwardforCouncil

Council’s heritage efforts have received another official recongition by the National Trust of Queensland.

Implementation Guideline No 26 - Adaptive Reuse of Character Places, Identified Places of Interest and Pre-1946 Buildings Located in Character Zones was awarded the Silver Governor’s Heritage Award for Local Heritage Projects.

The new guideline was recognised as being ground breaking and a major positive for heritage and character places in Ipswich. The

guideline supports the restoration and conservation of Ipswich’s historic places by offering infrastructure contribution relief (based on the extent of community access and site visibility) and innovative car park solutions. The guideline also provides clarification on the range of suitable reuse options for character places based on the applicable zones.

Over 2 decades ago, Ipswich City Council introduced a landmark standard for Queensland with its much lauded heritage program with over 7,000 local properties now protected through its planning scheme.

Implementation Guideline 26 Recognised by National Trust

Copies of the guideline can be accessed by selecting PD Online on Council’s web site www.ipswich.qld.gov.au

www.ipswich.qld.gov.au 3

Commercial / Industrial Uses

A number of significant development applications have been processed since the last Newsletter.

Further information regarding these applications can be accessed via Council’s web site and following the links to PD Online. When prompted, insert the application reference number which appears below (eg DA 1234/10).

• Extension to Service Trades Use (Warehouse) at 103 Riverview Road, Riverview (DA 7187/111)

• Extension to Business Use (Restaurant) at 70 Brisbane Street, East Ipswich (DA 2908/12)

• Orion (Stage 2) at 1 Main Street, Springfield Central (DA 1218/12)

• Combined Application - Home Based Activity (Harness Racing Equipment Supplies) and Advertising Device at 126 Queen Street, Marburg (DA 938/12)

• Indoor Recreation (Proposed Training Facility) at 2/11 Ellenborough Street, Woodend (DA 961/12)

• Indoor Recreation (Martial Arts Training Facility) at 53 Briggs Road, Raceview (DA 1520/12)

• Office and Ancillary Tutoring Activities at 1 Court Street, Ipswich (DA 3353/12)

• Extension to Shopping Centre at 117 Brisbane Street, Ipswich

(DA 4158/12)

DevelopmentNews

Residential Uses• 80 lots at 21 Francis Street, Tivoli

(DA 7980/09)

• 32 lots at Heritage Drive, Brassall (DA 5453/11)

• The Springs Stages 2B and 3: 42 lots at Santa Monica Drive, Augustine Heights (DA 6462/11)

• St Peters Child Care Centre (Stage 2A) at 66B Sinnathamby Boulevard, Springfield Central

(DA 2640/12)

• Accounting Practice at 23 Church Street, Goodna (DA 1295/12)

• Shop at 346-348 Redbank Plains Road, Bellbird Park (DA 2033/12)

• Office Extensions and Motor Vehicle Workshop at

193-195 Cobalt Street, Carole Park (DA 3311/12)

• Permissible Change at 2 Clay Street, West Ipswich

(DA 8295/10)

• Extend Period of Approval at 16 Henry Street, Brassall

(DA 609/07)

• Outdoor Sporting Facility at 242 South Station Road, Raceview (DA 2466/10)

• Shade Structure at 82 Chermside Road, Ipswich (DA 562/12)

• Brookwater Stage 11D: 31 lots at Crest Ridge Parade, Brookwater (DA 1050/12)

• 20 Townhouses at 2 Lakes Entrance Drive, Springfield Lakes (DA 1449/12)

• 68 Units at 40 Old Logan Road, Gailes (DA 8282/10)

• 195 lots at Bellbird Drive, Bellbird Park (DA 1785/11)

• Brentwood Stages 4 and 5: Bellbird Drive, Bellbird Park

(DA 3939/09)

• 3 lots at 114 Woodend Road, Woodend (DA 3819/11)

• Permissible Change at 1380 Warrego Highway, Brassall

(DA 7342/08)

• 110 lots at Deebing Creek Connection Road, Deebing Heights (DA 5699/11)

4

FastTrackApplications

A fast tracked residential development application process providing for 5 day approval timeframes will be introduced by Council on 1 October 2012.

Planning and Development Committee Chair, Councillor Paul Tully said that these local development assessment reforms meant planning scheme applications for minor forms of residential development such as boundary realignments and dual occupancies would be turned around in 5 days.

“This is a great initiative as it increases the speed and efficiency of the approval process while

still ensuring appropriate levels of assessment, consultation and oversight,” Cr Tully said.

“It’s all about Council partnering with private enterprise to ensure speedy resolution of low risk and less complex matters.”

Decision ready applications for minor forms of code assessable development encompassing single residential uses, dual occupancies, boundary realignments, access easements, multi residential development up to 10 units, residential subdivisions involving up to 10 lots, advertising devices and building works not associated with a material change of use, that are not subject to statutory government referral process and are not significantly constrained, will fall under the new assessment timeframes.

Cr Tully said the changes were in line with those introduced by other local governments in collaboration with the Council of Mayors South East Queensland (COMSEQ).

“It’s all part of ensuring Ipswich maintains competitive development assessment processes that are consistent with the aims of the City.”

HonouringOurHeroes

Development Applications Hit the Fast Track

Honouring our Service Men and WomenAs a mark of respect for our Defence Force men and women, Council has named a road at Amberley ‘Heroes Way’.

The section of Southern Amberley Road that extends from Ipswich-Rosewood Road to the main entrance of RAAF Base Amberley, has been named ‘Heroes Way’.

Planning and Development Committee Chair, Councillor Paul Tully said Council considered it important to honour the role undertaken by members of the Australian Defence Force in overseas missions and the fact that they risked their lives to protect our way of life, often in very difficult conditions.

“We have a wonderful relationship with the Defence Force and wanted to officially acknowledge and thank them for their efforts.”

The RAAF Base Amberley is the largest defence base in the southern hemisphere with almost 4,000 personnel.

Mayor Paul Pisasale said that members of the Australian Defence Force made important contributions that went far beyond their official duties.

“We are indebted to them and their families. On a day to day level, they are participants in our P&Cs, our sports organisations and our community groups.”

“Through designating this section of road to be known as Heroes Way, we want to tell the world that they are our heroes, the ones who make this country strong,” he said.

www.ipswich.qld.gov.au 5

JosephBradyParkReopensResidents can once again enjoy picnicking, canoeing and playing alongside the Brisbane and Bremer Rivers’ junction, with the official reopening of Joseph Brady Park.

Mayor Paul Pisasale said thanks to joint local, state and federal government funding, Joseph Brady Park was looking better than ever after it was left devastated by the January 2011 Flood.

“Joseph Brady Park, which sits on the junction of the Brisbane and Bremer Rivers, was inundated by a 19.5 metre wall of water and the scale of devastation required a complete rebuild of the park,” Cr Pisasale said.

“With funding from the State and Federal Governments and a further contribution by Council, the $1.4 million rebuild is now complete and families can once again enjoy this recreational area and some great new facilities.”

Cr Pisasale said the park’s reconstruction was a great example of three levels of government working together to rebuild a community.

“We all know parks make an important contribution to the social fabric of our communities - they are where we congregate, where we spend our down time and where we gather to celebrate important milestones,” he said.

The park reconstruction includes a new children’s playground and climbing wall with shade sales to 50% of its area, upper and lower car parks, barbeque facilities, shelters, picnic tables and landscaping.

Joseph Brady Park following January 2011 Flood

Joseph Brady Park after reconstruction works were completed

6

Diners who like a good steak and salad are set to enjoy an enhanced dining experience after Council granted approval for extensions to the Sizzler Restaurant at East Ipswich.

Planning and Development Committee Chair, Councillor Paul Tully said the Brisbane Road premises were poised to expand to include additional dining and kitchen areas.

SizzlerRestauranttoExpandExtra toilet facilities as well as a new portico entrance on the north-eastern corner of the existing building were also included in the plan.

“This Sizzler Restaurant is a very popular establishment as it offers buffet-style meals in a relaxed atmosphere, and these plans allow more people to enjoy it,” Cr Tully said.

The extensions will provide for just over 100m² of additional space.

Additional parking spaces have previously been approved for the site.

A new Child Care Centre has been approved by Council which will offer improved facilities at St Francis Xavier School in Goodna.

Planning and Development Committee Chair, Councillor Paul Tully welcomed the approval and said it would enable the school to begin construction of a new single storey building.

“Child care places are highly sought after. This approval will allow the school to add another important facility to the campus by providing places for up to 24 children,” Cr Tully said.

“The new centre will be constructed within the grounds of the existing

parish school and church. Other improvements include external play areas secured from the remainder of the site by transparent non-climbable fencing, a new outdoor play area with sand pit, shade sails, turf and landscaping.”

“The approval also requires the school to extend the existing car park by an extra 9 bays. A separate gated pedestrian access is also proposed for the Church Street entrance,” he said.

St Francis Xavier School is located in the heart of Goodna in Church Street and has a proud history of serving the community since 1910. This followed the establishment of the parish in 1892.

“The construction of the new kindergarten in Goodna is part of a broader plan by Catholic Education to open a number of kindergartens in 2013,” Cr Tully said.

RiverHeartParklandsStage2A spectacular fireworks display, fun family activities and a free sausage sizzle marked the public opening of Stage 2 of the River Heart Parklands.

Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale said the Stage 2 works included a zero depth water park and extensive play equipment including a spider web style climbing frame and a 25 metre flying fox.

“We also think the littlies will enjoy the football field sized ‘Discovery Forest’ which incorporates features including forts, a bridge across a dry creek bed, carved wooden totems and balance beams,” Cr Pisasale said.

“It’s all been designed to ensure Ipswich residents can gain maximum

enjoyment from the time they spend with their families in the great outdoors. Without a doubt, the parkland’s reputation as one of Ipswich’s showcase parks will be enhanced by these new additions.”

River Heart Parklands Stage 2 works extended Stage 1 of the parklands further east along King Edward Parade which has been linked through a walk and cycleway to Bob Gamble Park.

The total cost of Stage 2 is $7 million with $3.4 million committed by the Federal Government and the remainder coming from Council.

“Stage 2 looks fantastic and we’re really looking forward to seeing

everyone out and about, enjoying everything this space has to offer.”

The new boardwalk will be a boon to walkers, joggers, cyclists and others on the move.

Stage 1 of the River Heart Parklands was opened in 2006 and has been strongly embraced by the community.

NewChildCareCentreforGoodna

www.ipswich.qld.gov.au 7

A character home in Goodna is poised to take on a new lease of life after Ipswich City Council granted approval to the residence’s new owners to transform it into professional offices.

Planning and Development Chair, Councillor Paul Tully said the pre-1946 dwelling at 23 Church Street (opposite the Goodna Police Station) will be renovated in accordance with Ipswich Planning Scheme Character Provisions to accommodate an accountancy practice.

“It’s great to see old buildings like this undergo sensitive transformations which will enable them to embark on the next stage of their lives,” Cr Tully said.

Two ground level office spaces, a client reception area and internal staircase are planned additions to the building. All works will be recessed from the outer edge of the wraparound verandah to preserve the street appeal of the former residence.

Further planning requirements are that the building’s exterior be painted in colours that blend aesthetically with other buildings in the street, with roofing and timber elements also being repaired in sympathy with their surrounds.

Cr Tully said the Church Street project was a perfect illustration of Ipswich City Council’s approach to conservation practice.

“We’ve operated a free Heritage Adviser Service for the past 20 years and this, along with other initiatives, have served to protect the City’s unique character while enhancing the value of property owners’ assets,” Cr Tully said.

“The role of the Heritage Adviser Service is crucial given the strong

Re-useofCharacterHome

Car lovers can look forward to a new Autobarn store opening in Bellbird Park, following planning approvals by Ipswich City Council.

Planning and Development Chair, Councillor Paul Tully said the new store would be located at 346-348 Redbank Plains Road between the gym and McDonalds.

“This is the second Autobarn for the Ipswich region and will be a welcome sight for residents once completed,” Cr Tully said.

“The new Automarn will have a floor space of 800m² and stock everything from spare parts and car audios to communication and navigation systems and car accessories. There will also be an installation service available to customers.”

Cr Tully said the new store would have around 15 staff members once opened, as well as seven day trading.

“Construction has commenced and the developers are keen to get this new store up and running,” he said.

NewAutobarnforBellbirdPark

focus our Heritage Program has towards education and encouragement, rather than strict regulation.”

A recent survey of residents who used the service in the previous 12 months found that all who responded rated the service as excellent.

Council also provides property owners with a wide range of historical information in the form of heritage trails, sketch books and education kits.

8

Nicole Yiannou has operated in the role of Finance Supervisor for almost 2 years with the Ipswich City Council.

Nicole’s role is to manage the budget, fees and charges and general financial functions of the Planning and Development Department.

Nicole studied at the Queensland University of Technology and graduated with a Bachelor of Business (Accountancy) in 2009.

Prior to working in the Planning and Development Department, Nicole worked in the Procurement Branch and Finance Management Branch for a combined period of 3 years.

Nicole’s interests include cooking which stems from her Greek heritage, swimming, music, shopping, shopping, shopping (and did I mention her love of shopping?).

StaffProfile-NicoleYiannou

Dannielle Owen commenced with Ipswich City Council in October 2000 as a Strategic Planning Officer. For the last 3 ½ years Dannielle has held the position of Team Co-ordinator (Strategic Planning).

In her role, Dannielle enjoys managing the Strategic Planning Team in the Strategic Planning Branch which undertakes statutory planning scheme reviews and amendments and prepares planning policy. The team also undertakes reviews of Federal and State government planning policy and guidance documents.

Prior to working with Ipswich City Council, Dannielle was employed at Brisbane and Logan City Councils and in private consultancy.

Dannielle has a passion for Ipswich having spent her high school years at Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School and currently resides in the Ipswich community with her family.

Dannielle believes the ‘glass is always half full’ and enjoys spending time at the beach and with her friends and family.

StaffProfile-DannielleOwen

Congratulations to all the following staff:

• Karen Roberts on the arrival of son Oliver Albert (8lb);

• Sean Dickson welcomed another addition to the family with the arrival of a boy Remy Philippe (9lb);

• Troy Bayliss on the arrival of a boy Matthew Troy (8lb); and

• Luke Conroy welcomed the safe arrival of his daughter Matilda Maree (7lb).

Pregnancy announcements continue with the news that Tamara Brown is expecting her first child in January 2013.

This brings the total number of pregnancies in the Department to 20 over the past 15 months.

There really must be something special in the water.

PregnancyClubUpdate

www.ipswich.qld.gov.au 9

HeritageCommitteeMembersAppointedPlaces of cultural heritage significance in Ipswich will continue to be nurtured and protected for present and future generations following the appointment of 14 community representatives to two key Council committees.

Planning and Development Committee Chair, Councillor Paul Tully, said the Ipswich Heritage Program, established in 1990, had amply successed in its goal to promote community awareness of the City’s cultural heritage.

“The depth and diversity of nominees indicates that the Ipswich Heritage Program remains an interest to a broad spectrum of the community,” Cr Tully said.

Nominations were received from 14 members of the community, representing both peak community groups and individual members.

“We’re looking forward to consulting with these people on heritage issues, and to ensuring Council remains a leader in the conservation of cultural heritage assets,” Cr Tully said.

Council has appointed the following people as members of the Ipswich Heritage Consultative Committee:

• Melanie Rush (National Trust of Queensland Ipswich and West Moreton Group);

• Graeme Adsett (National Trust of Queensland Ipswich and West Moreton Group);

• Joy Boughen (Rosewood Scrub Historical Society);

• Irma Deas (Ipswich Genealogical Society);

• Graham Carter;

• Jacqui Pearce;

• John Jackson;

• Joyce Phillips;

• Bill Oliver.

Ipswich Heritage Consultative Committee Chair, Councillor Bruce Casos said the Ipswich Heritage Program was set to enter an exciting

new era as it built on the strengths of the past.

“We’ve got an incredibly capable and dedicated team in place and it will be great to work with them and tap the knowledge they have about cultural heritage and Ipswich’s past,” he said.

Council has also appointed the following persons and organisations for membership of the Ipswich Heritage Monuments and Memorials Committee:

• Ray Watherston (Ipswich Railway RSL Sub Branch);

• Jim Madden (St Edmonds Old Boys Association);

• Kevin Keys;

• Peter Felton;

• Mike Atkin.

Ipswich Heritage Monuments and Memorials Committee Chair, Councillor Andrew Antoniolli said the city led the way when it came to preserving the tangible marks of the past.

“For example, it’s expected that within the next year or so, family history researchers and the loved ones of people buried in Ipswich will be able to search for comprehensive death care information, including grave locations, online,” Cr Antoniolli said.

“Preservation of our historic monuments is also something very high on Council’s list of prorities. Top of mind is the work to be undertaken to restore the damaged war memorial at Woodend by next Anzac Day.”

Launched in 2008 by Council, the Picture Ipswich website is a collection of more than 4,500 records including historical images, films, documents and oral histories of people and places in Ipswich.

Council is currently uploading all Ipswich General Cemetery records to the Picture Ipswich website so they will be readily available to the general public.

St Pauls Anglican Church

Goodna War MemorialSource: Picture Ipswich

10

Studio188-oldBaptistChurchRedevelopment of the old Baptist Church into a contemporary arts space culminated in the official launch under a new ‘Studio 188’ moniker in September 2012.

Arts, Community and Cultural Services Committee Chair, Councillor Charlie Pisasale said the development of Studio 188 ensured community members could continue to enjoy the beauty of the building while engaging in activites that brought new life into the space.

“With state-of-the-art performance equipment and a recording booth, the space is available for use by the broader community, with a focus on youth engagement,” Cr Pisasale said.

“There’s been strong interest in the venue already.”

Cr Pisasale said $15,000 has been allocated to Council’s budget to develop performances and activities for new and emerging artists.

This funding comes after Council secured $1.5 million from the Federal Government to refurbish the church in preparation for its future as a facility suitable for a diverse range of community cultural activites.

Cr Pisasale said Studio 188 was selected as the new name of the venue because it captures the creative nature of the 188 Brisbane Street space in combination with its street number.

It was developed in consultation with community stakeholders, including members of Council’s Youth Advisory Council.

“Rendering and an Art Deco façade was applied to the church in 1938 and this design has been captured in the logo to recognise and connect with the appearance of the building,” he said.

Studio 188 was launched on 26 September in an event featuring young people’s performances and a showcase of the venue’s lighting, sound and other technical capabilities.

Planning and Development Committee Chair, Councillor Paul Tully said this was a shining example of how Council can work with members of the development industry to deliver positive outcomes for the community.

The venue was transferred to Council as part of the development approval for the McDonald’s restaurant on the remainder of the site.

“Council has worked very hard with the developers and the community to ensure the creation of this great facility. Everyone involved in the development of Studio 188 should be congratulated,” Cr Tully said.

www.ipswich.qld.gov.au 11

Ipswich’sHeritage

Frederick Augustus Forbes purchased land from the New South Wales Government on 1 November 1855. The subject land transferred to Eliza Roberts, wife of James Roberts on 27 March 1871 and was transferred to William Henry Bemi on 25 May 1886.

Research undertaken by the owners, indicates that the house was constructed c1888 for William Bemi. William was the son of English migrants Henry and Ann Bemi who migrated from Shoreditch, London, in 1862 and originally settled in Maryborough, Queensland.

In 1865, Henry and Ann Bemi and their family of 4 children travelled to Ipswich where they settled. Prior to 1888, the Bemi family lived in a cottage located at 51 Waghorn Street, Denmark Hill, which they named Brighton Cottage after Brighton in England.

In 1924, Doreen Mary Kerwick became the owner of Brighton House in Whitehill Road. During the 1930s, the Kerwick family subdivided the land upon which Brighton House was erected and split the large home into three individual houses.

The front portion of the original house (14 Whitehill Road) was retained by Doreen Kerwick until 1946. Residence 2 is now located at 1 George Lane and residence 3 is located at 16 Whitehill Road.

Heritage HomesIpswich is fortunate to have a variety of historic homes still in existence.

In this Edition, we continue our series highlighting the history of some of these stately homes.

Aberfeldy (3 Syntax Street, Sadliers Crossing)Aberfeldy was designed by architect Henry Wyman for William Kippen and his wife Mary Broughton shortly after their marriage in 1878. William Kippen was born in Aberfeldy in Scotland and he came to Australia with his parents in 1855.

Aberfeldy is a low set timber house and is distinctive because of its complex gable roof line and the emphasis granted to its decorative features. Its façade has twin projecting gables, finished with cast iron ballustrading, a timber fretwork pediment and a cast iron fringe to its roof.

Aligned with the frontispiece is a gablet, set centrally on the roof ridge which spans between the gable projections. The gablet and the frontispiece have finials which match those on the main gables. Set into each of the main gable walls is a small, louvered ventilator panel.

Window hoods at the side of the house have timber fretwork and brackets. The house also retains an arched picket fence, spanning between support posts which have a bevelled head, beneath which is a moulded surround.

The dwelling at 2 Syntax Street was built by Kippen for his daughter and at No 4, Kippen grew 250 different species of roses.

Brighton House(14 Whitehill Road, Newtown)

Garowie(59 Whitehill Road, Eastern Heights)Garowie was built by Messrs Robert Wilson and Co for James Clarke Cribb, the son of Benjamin Cribb who founded the Cribb and Foote business and his wife Alice nee Browne.

The house was designed by Ipswich builder and architect, Samuel Shenton, and was completed in 1888. It is said to have been modelled on the Denmark Hill home of Benjamin Cribb, Gooloowan.

James Cribb served the family company until 1904 when he was elected to the Bundamba Shire Council. He was the member for Rosewood and the Member for Bundamba (which later became the seat of Bremer), serving a total of 19 years as a state parliamentarian. Cribb was also a member of the Ipswich Hospital Board, a director of the Ipswich Gas and Coke Company and the Queensland Woollen Mills, a trustee of the Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School, chairman of the Girls’ Central School Council and superintendent of the Congregational Sunday School.

After James died, his brother Harry purchased the house. Harry Cribb was one of the founders of the Queensland Hunt Club, played cricket and polo at interstate level and was a champion tennis player. He died in July 1944 and the house was sold to D Robson and was converted to flats.

In more recent years, it has been restored to its former glory.

The house has a chimney with a terracotta pot. It has verandahs on three sides, shaded by separate straight roofing. Its front verandah features cast iron balustrades and fringing. Between the support posts, which have moulded capitals, are infill lattice panels.

12

Towards the eastern boundary of the City, the Goodna area owes its origins primarily to pastoralism and agriculture. As early as 1841 there was a sheep run called Woogaroo Station, which was owned by the Grenier family of South Brisbane. This name, which referred to a waterhole in the creek was superseded from 1865 onwards by Goodna, another Aboriginal name.

By the early 1840s Dr Stephen Simpson, the lands commissioner and magistrate for the Moreton Bay district, was living in a slab hut and farming on the riverbank near the mouth of Woogaroo Creek. As the main road intersected with the track from Coopers Plains and the river, this was then a strategic location for Simpson. In 1851-1852 he purchased 2,000 acres of land, including 640 acres on Wolston Creek. The homestead which he built on that property was called Wolston House, which is now a heritage listed building held by the National Trust of Queensland.

Goodna

ALookIntoOurPastOther well known pioneers settled or purchased land in the Goodna area. They included: James Holmes who arrived in 1851 and established himself as a grazier; Charles Pitt who settled in 1855 and grew cotton and maize; Harriet Holmes bought 33 acres upstream from Wolston House in 1860; and Joshua Jeays, later Mayor of Brisbane, bought 40 acres in 1861

Further settlement took place after Woogaroo was proclaimed a village in 1856. In the following year Joseph Broad built a store on the site, which is now occupied by the Hotel Cecil, and the cemetery opened in 1859. By 1863 there was a small run to Holmes Inn, where Harriet Holmes was postmistress. The ‘Woogaroo Lunatic Asylum’ was under way nearby, and the Congregational Church which was opened in 1863. There was one acting police sergeant and a constable by 1868. W Law established himself as a blacksmith in 1870, the year in which the State School opened.

Daniel Jones built the first sawmill in 1884, which was located below the Catholic Church / School grounds in a paddock that reached from Mill Street to Alice Street (known by locals as ‘the mill paddock’). In the smaller paddock immediately behind the Presbyterian Church and Manse stood

the wooden ‘Honey Shed’ used by Daniel’s brother Harry in conjunction with his apiary at Redbank Plains. By the Second World War, this use had been discontinued and the site was used by a group of CWA ladies who made camouflage nets for the war effort. The site was also used at one time by the Goodna Scout Group.

In this Edition of the Planning and Development Update Newsletter, we continue our series looking into the history of Ipswich suburbs.

Ipswich Road, Goodna (pre 1940)Source: Picture Ipswich

By 1888 the population of Goodna was 500, and there were three friendly societies, the Oddfellows, Loyal Rose of Denmark and Good Templars. The foundation stone of St Francis Xavier Catholic Church (formerly St Patrick’s) had been laid in 1880 by Bishop James Quinn and opened in the following year. The Catholic school was opened in 1910 and the Sisters of Mercy Convent in 1911. A major employer was the Wolston Park complex, since shift workers were easily able to walk to the complex across a bridge which existed at the end of Layard Street.

Like other towns east of Ipswich, Goodna was affected by coalmining. Robert Towns’ Goodna mine operated strongly from 1865 to 1877.

Being near the Brisbane River, Goodna was also affected by flooding, especially in 1893 when residents took refuge at the school. Building casualties included: a chemical factory on the river flats; which was destroyed; the Primitive Methodist Church, which was carried downstream but rebuilt in Smith Street (and later demolished in 1984); and the railway station, which was picked up and completely turned around, but survived, only to be burnt down later. Despite these ravages of time and more recent major shopping centre developments, Goodna still retains significant elements of its heritage.

St Francis Xavier Church, Goodna 2003

www.ipswich.qld.gov.au 13

ALookIntoOurPastContinued

was used for military camps and as a training area. Firing ranges also existed to the south of Redbank Plains towards White Rock. Three gunpits were constructed with low walls of small sandstone blocks, built in semi-circles around dug out depressions in the ground. Remnants of the gunpits still exist today along the ridgeline south west of White Rock.

During World War II, a large army camp was established at Redbank. The first contingent of 400 men marched into the camp on 21 October 1939, with the initial quota of 2,500 men being reached

RedbankThe naming of Redbank was inspired by the red soils found in the riverbank. The first families settled on the river flats north of the current railway station in the late 1850s. The instigator was a Scotsman, James Campbell, who founded a major Queensland hardware and building materials company.

Owing to the pastoral origins and riverside location of Redbank, the first secondary industry was a boiling down works and fell-mongery established in the late 1850s by Messrs (John) Campbell and Towns. William Kellett later opened a meat preservation works which continued until 1931 when the business was transferred to the Brisbane Abattoirs. Buildings from the meatworks were sold to John Morris who refurbished them as the Morris Woollen Mills. Kellett also established the Redbank Freezing Works near the railway station in 1896.

A new Presbyterian Church was built in 1927, preceded by the Methodist Church in 1904. St Lukes Church of England was erected in 1910 but moved to Law Street in 1970.

Under the Defence Act of 1903, the Commonwealth developed rifle ranges to assist in creating a Reserve Defence Force. The Redbank site opened in 1912 and closed about 1980. During World War II, the site

Playing tennis at Oakleigh, Redbank Plains 1914 - 1918 Source: Picture Ipswich

soon afterwards. The camp gradually developed into a small township with huts, hospitals, a post office, a bank and reticulated water supply and sewerage lines. At the height of the war up to 6,000 Australian and American troops were based at Redbank.

In 1942 and 1943, approximately 80,000 soldiers from the US 32nd Division were based at Camp Cable, Jimboomba. These soldiers trained around White Rock and Spring Mountain, particularly the area where the Redbank Plains Library and Recreational Reserve are today. In 1966, soldiers from 6RAR (6th Royal Australian Regiment) trained at Spring Mountain. These soldiers fought in the Battle of Long Tan in the Vietnam War in 1967.

Redbank Army Camp 1940

14

ALookIntoOurPastContinued

Redbank PlainsRedbank Plains was originally a farming and grazing area, producing maize, sugar and cotton. This area was also used for bee keeping.

Coal was discovered in the 1850s and numerous mines developed between Redbank Plains and Blackstone.

When hostilities cut the supply of cotton to England during the American Civil War in the 1860s, cotton growing was carried out from Redbank Plains to Goodna.

The first teacher at the Redbank Plains ‘non vested’ school which opened in 1868 was John Carroll. When a state school opened in 1874, Carroll became the first head master of this school. He was assisted for many years by his wife Mary who taught reading and sewing.

In the late 1920s, George and Lucy Hallet’s house was built at Redbank Plains. They operated a dairy farm and sent the milk to the Booval Butter Factory. About 1950, the Hallets took over the post office and telephone exchange which they continued to operate until about 1973.

Charles and Jane Yarrow came to Moreton Bay in 1853. He became a Timber Getter before buying ‘Spring Meadows’ farm and settling at Redbank Plains. The Yarrows grew maize, cotton, sugar cane and lucerne. In 1868, Charles donated land for a Wesleyan Church to be built. This site

is located adjacent to the Redbank Plains State School. It became the Westminster Presbyterian Church in 1876. The building has more recently been used by the school as a heritage resource centre known as the Yarrow Centre.

Bellbird ParkThe first members of the Jones family to arrive in the area were Lewis and Martha who came from Wales in 1864. Lewis started growing cotton but later turned to cattle grazing and horse breeding. His son Dan married Bess Josey and they built Oakleigh in 1887. The house was purchased by Henry Lewis Jones (Harry), Dan’s brother in 1898. Harry developed Mel Bonum apiary and won international

SpringfieldJames Josey arrived in Australia in 1840 as a convict and was sent to Redbank Plains. He was a supervisor of a small number of convicts kept behind to care for the government flocks (most convicts were returned to Sydney in 1839). After servicing his time, he worked as a sawyer, obtained land and built a sawmill in the area. In partnership with William Vowle, he built the first timber house in central Ipswich.

Parade of soldiers at Redbank c1915 Source: Picture Ipswich

acclaim for his queen bee breeding. A bee keeping goods factory was established by H L Jones and Sons where the Weeroona Hotel now stands at Goodna.

Harry also operated a timber mill in Mill Street, Goodna. He was elected the first Chairman of Moreton Shire Council. A notable visitor was Sir Arthur Conan Doyle of Sherlock Homes books. Oakleigh is also recognised in the naming of the ‘Oakleigh Room’ in the Ipswich City Council Administration Building.

Bee keeping at Oakleigh, Redbank Plains c1950s Source: Picture Ipswich

www.ipswich.qld.gov.au 15

mai

n co

ntac

tsDevelopmentEnquiriesPhone:0738106888

BuildingEnquiriesPhone:0738106120

PlumbingEnquiriesPhone:0738106130

StrategicPlanningEnquiriesPhone:0738106888

CulturalHeritageEnquiriesPhone:0738106888

GeneralCouncilEnquiriesPhone:0738106666

Council also operates one of the most sophisticated electronic databases in Australia for development applications and planning and development information.

This information (including details of processing of development applications, zoning and development constraint information) is available 24/7 by accessing PD Online on Council’s web site www.ipswich.qld.gov.au.

For previous editions of the Planning and Development Update Newsletter, visit Council’s website www.ipswich.qld.gov.auor simply scan the following QR Code:-

Previous Editions of Newsletter

ALookIntoOurPastContinuedalso have been buried in the cemetery (near Collingwood Drive, Collingwood Park). The earliest burial is thought to have been a child in 1880 and there could be up to 14 graves on the site.

The first recorded coal mine in Queensland was started by John Williams in 1843 to supply the Hunter River Steam Navigation Company with coal for its paddle steamers. The site was on the riverbank at Redbank, near the junction of Six Mile Creek. Evidence of the former mining industry can still be seen in the area.

Westfalen Parklands Nursery, 27 Bailey Street, Collingwood Park (formerly Westfalen Colliery No 3)

In 1965 leases were taken out by the Kathage Brothers and mining commenced a few years later. Mining was in the Main Seam, believed to be a combination of the Bluff and Four Feet Seams. It continued to operate until 1987 when it was closed and much of the equipment dismantled and removed.

Goupong Park Strike Monument, Collingwood Park

The first strike in Queensland took place at the Redbank Mine owned by Campbell and Towns. On 7 June 1861, a deputation of miners confronted Robert Campbell with demands including a pay rise of one shilling a ton. Campbell rejected the claims, the miners went on strike and were later arrested and tried for illegally conspiring to injure Campbell’s interests. The jury found them not guilty.

Queensland’s First Labour Strike Memorial, Collingwood Park Source: Picture Ipswich

In 1859, James Josey settled on 7,000 acres of land four miles south of Goodna at Opossum Creek. In 1866, he married Harriet Harris and the couple built ‘Eden Station’.

On 4 April 1876, the Queensland Times described the dwelling as “a beautiful two-storied building, sixty feet by thirty feet and divided into apartments, with verandahs and balconies all round. Mr Josey has added greatly to nature by the formation of an excellent garden and orchard, both of which are well stocked with the best selection of the various trees and shrubs which make up a well-arranged garden and orchard”.

On 10 April 1945, a military aircraft based at Lowood crashed at the Gailes Gunnery Range which is known as the Greenbank Military Training Area. This site is now part of the Springfield Wildlife Corridor in Springfield Lakes.

The crew of four were killed and the aircraft completely destroyed by impact and fire. The crew members were Flgt Sgt Neville James Barron, LAC Raymond P McGuidan, Sgt John G Harvey and Eric David Stephenson.

Collingwood ParkGeorge and Sarah Verrall settled in the Ipswich district in 1850, initially renting a farm from Joseph Fleming. The Verrall’s were the first to introduce wheat growing in the West Moreton District. George Verrall worked at Joseph Fleming’s Bremer Mills for four years, before purchasing a freehold farm of 67 hectares in Redbank Plains.

The Verralls purchased another 616 hectares in 1868 – 1869 for cattle grazing, making them one of the largest land owners in the district. They also had an extensive orange grove which was the first of any note in this part of Queensland. They had 14 children and built a family church near their homestead which was serviced by a Church of England vicar who travelled from Ipswich. A family cemetery was established, although it is thought that other neighbours may

16