Springfield plans own South Bank

SPRINGFIELD Central may soon be home to its own version of South Bank.

MP Shayne Neumann, Mayor Paul Pisasale, Springfield Land Corporation deputy managing director Raynuha Sinnathamby and Cr David Morrison at the site of the Robelle Domain extension.

SPRINGFIELD Central may soon be home to its own version of South Bank.

The second stage of the Robelle Parklands will bring an emphasis on further water features with the Ipswich council hoping to include a South Bank-styled beach.

What is now a dry gully stretching west behind the parklands' existing waterfall to Sinnathamby Blvd, will be converted into a small river. The banks will be landscaped in a similar fashion to the existing park.

The project has received $5 million from the Federal Government, announced yesterday by Minister for Regional Australian Simon Crean.

Ipswich City Council will provide a further $5 million and is seeking for an equal commitment from the State Government before the project can go ahead.

Springfield's Cr David Morrison said while the council was planning to build a South Bank-style beach, it would ultimately depend on the funding.

"A South Bank beach will be investigated. It's what we're hoping for, but it will depend on the costings of what we can achieve for $15m," he said.

Mr Crean said the development was a major piece of social infrastructure for Springfield.

"This is what governments have to invest in," he said.

"To develop a partnership, but in response to the community needs."

Mr Crean said the parklands were a vital part of creating a modern city in Springfield.

"It's incredible if you look at the growth (in Springfield) in the last 20 years. This is vital in terms of liveability."

Blair MP Shayne Neumann said the Robelle Parklands was expected to increase tourism into Springfield with the finished area to be four times the size of South Bank.

Mr Neumann said the parklands would also include areas for performances and community gatherings when completed.

Mayor Paul Pisasale said: "This is about more than just Ipswich. People from all over south-east Queensland use these facilities."

Originally published as Springfield plans own South Bank