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FRIDAY, 9 JANUARY, 2026

ECONOMY SLOWS MAJOR PUB PROJECT - PAGE 5

Beef tariffs hit hard GRAZIERS who import beef to China have been hit with a series of trade restrictions that include 55 per cent tariffs that could cost the domestic beef sector $1 billion a year. The restrictions came after China launched a year long investigation into imported beef and its impact on the Chinese domestic beef industry. STORY PAGE 3

Power surge LIBRA Energy has submitted a development application to the Ipswich City Council for the controversial Bremer Battery Project, a large-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at Lower Mt Walker.

The project, planned on 62 hectares near the Rosewood Warrill View Road, has faced strong opposition from local communities. The application describes the project as a “low impact land use” for a material change of use

across three rural properties.

pacity up to 850 MW/3400 MWh.

The proposal includes a 10.6ha BESS pad for 544 containerized battery units, a Powerlink switchyard, and substations. It will utilize Lithium Ferrous Phosphate batteries with a planned storage ca-

The construction phase is estimated to take two years, creating up to 200 jobs. The application is currently under review by the council. STORY PAGE 2

NEWS

Bremer BESS proposal now in council hands By WENDY CREIGHTON

The proposed layout of the Bremer Battery Energy Storage System across three parcels of land at Lower Mt Walker shows the battery site and substations at top right (green shading) and the Powerlink switchyard (pink shaded area)

water detention and bio-retention basins and firewater ponds with a total capacity of 432kL. A 40 metre wide planting of native vegetation is planned on the western and northern boundaries and a 10 metre wide planting on the eastern and southern boundaries are proposed as visual barriers and to supplement the acoustic barriers. Almost one kilometre of internal road is also planned in addition to an upgrade to the access from the Rosewood Warrill View Road. In an overview of the proposal, the town planning agents

noted that the BESS would … “enhance grid stability by storing energy from various generation sources, including renewables, and supplying it back to the network during peak periods”. “Located approximately 21km from Ipswich and 6km south of Rosewood, the project is strategically positioned directly adjacent [to] the Greenbank to Middle Ridge 275kV Powerlink transmission line, allowing for efficient energy distribution without requiring significant new infrastructure. “[The BESS would] utilise a series of Lithium Ferrous Phos-

phate batteries with a planned storage capacity up to 850 MW/3400 MWh … designed to store excess electricity during off-peak intervals and discharge as required during peak periods, strengthening system reliability and supporting Queensland’s energy network.” It was also noted that if approved, the construction phase could take two years to complete and would involve up to 200 jobs. There would also be some ongoing roles in maintenance, security and optimising systems. The application is now under review by council’s planners.

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LIBRA Energy has submitted the development application for its controversial Bremer Battery Project at Lower Mt Walker. The project involves the construction of a large scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) on 62ha of land beside the Rosewood Warrill View Road. The proposal has drawn strong local opposition from the Lower Mount Walker and broader communities through the columns of this newspaper, online and at protest meetings. While Libra Energy representatives have held a number of community consultations over the last 12 months, it was not until the weeks leading up to Christmas that a development application was lodged with the Ipswich City Council. In the application for a material change of use over the three privately owned properties which make up the proposed site, town planning agents for the Brisbanebased developer described the project as a “low impact land use“. Addressed as 702 Rosewood Warrill View Road, the properties are located in the Rural A and Rural B zones, where the development of a BESS is code assessable. The proposal includes site preparation and construction of a 10.6ha BESS pad for 544 containerised battery units, a Powerlink owned switchyard on 12.2 ha and project owned 275/33kV substations and four 275/33kV transformers. Other proposed infrastructure includes a control room, workshop and offices as well as storm-

Friday, 9 January, 2026 | Moreton Border News

NEWS

Chinese beef tariffs set to hit farmers hard By Lara Hart GRAZIERS who import beef to China have been hit with a series of trade restrictions that include 55 per cent tariffs that could cost the domestic beef sector $1 billion a year. The restrictions came after China launched a year long investigation into imported beef and its impact on the Chinese domestic beef industry. Minister for Agriculture Julie Collins said Australia had been working with China for around a year in relation to how safeguards would be applied. “We have been engaging together with industry, with Chinese officials, government and Chinese industry now for around a year,” she said. “This is a global safeguard measure because it’s not just Australia that’s been impacted here, but it will impact our industry. “A lot of the restrictions that were on our exports to China had

China has applied restrictions to imported Aussie beef. (Lyle Radford: 526835)

started to be lifted. What has occurred is the way it’s been averaged over three years. In the last 12 months, of course, our exports to China in terms of premium beef were increasing substantially so that will impact [graziers]” She said importers had their

numbers averaged and anything over that would have a tariff applied. “Our argument against that in terms of Australia is we are not a threat to their domestic industry,” she said. “We have a really high quality product that the Chinese

market does want, and we want to continue to be able to export that. We also, of course, have been working with industry to make sure that we do have other markets. And now our trade in terms of agriculture is the most diversified it has ever been. “

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More people consuming kangaroo meat By LARA HART IF you balk at the thought of Skippy with a side of mash, you’re likely in the minority because kangaroo meat eaters are on the rise the world over. The native animals can be found everywhere in the open and inside forested sections of Rosewood, Thagoona and Walloon. Moreton Border News photographer Lyle Radford has taken hundreds of photographs roos in the area and said he’d noticed a rise in numbers. But what does that mean in the context of an import market and value to Australian harvesters. Roo meat exporters have access to approximately 60 overseas markets and deliver high quality fresh meat cuts to restaurants and dinner tables across the globe. Australia’s commercial kangaroo industry began in 1959 and is now considered one of the world’s best wild harvest operations. Kangaroo meat is lauded by nutritionist Dr Rosemary Stanton for being ‘extremely low in fat and having virtually no saturated fat’. She said kangaroo meat had levels of protein and zinc similar to other meats, but with more iron and twice as much vitamin B12. Consumers can buy different cuts of roo meat at the major supermarket chains. Kangaroo meat wholesaler Macro Group Australia reports higher numbers of kangaroos than cattle, with populations around the 50 million mark. The meat is sustainably and humanely sourced but unlike cattle, sheep or goat, roos are wild harvested and not kept in pens. The government permits just four species of kangaroo and two species of wallaby to be commercially harvested for export. Red kangaroo, eastern grey, western grey, common wallaroo, Tammar wallaby and Bennetts wallaby on are the list. They’ve been chosen because

Kangaroo mobs like this one in Rosewood are widespread in South East Queensland. (Lyle Radford: 526825)

their species is widespread and abundant. Moreton Border News asked Glen Alchin of Pest Animal Management Queensland if harvesting roos was an easy way to make money and he said no. He said there weren’t enough kangaroos in Ipswich and the Scenic Rim to sustain a wild harvest industry. “Most people that do it go out to places like Westmar and places where you’ve got 20,000 acre blocks,” he said. “There is not a lot of money in it anymore and the fuel costs are pretty high. “Years ago lots of people [wild harvested kangaroos] but it’s become quite a costly exercise for the return.” He said there are different aspects to wild harvesting and the hide and pet food markets had fewer restrictions. “When it’s human consumption you’ve got to be accredited by Safe Food Queensland,” he said. “You also need to complete a course and be available for auditing at any time for your

Nutritionists say kangaroo meat is the healthier option when it comes protein in a diet. (526825)

book work. “I’ve done the course but I don’t know of anyone locally anymore that shoots roos for the chiller…for human consumption.” If kangaroo meat is an abundant resource and a healthy one too, why is no one wild harvesting in South East Queensland? “The gap between the person

who shoots [the kangaroo] and when it hits the plate is massive,” he said. “You’re only getting maybe 20 percent of the cost from when it hits the plate and you’re the one doing all the actual work. “All this time and effort goes in, they get very little return compared to the people who sell their products.”

Friday, 9 January, 2026 | Moreton Border News

NEWS

Under a new proposal by the owners of the Walloon Hotel, the former verandah on the existing building would be opened up again.

A computer render of the proposed new dining terrace at the Walloon Hotel.

Economy slows major hotel development

Moreton Border News | Friday, 9 January, 2026

proposed to be retained while another service area is proposed to be constructed on the eastern side of the building.

was noted in the ‘change application’.

According to the applicant, the variations to Stage 2 don’t mean the initial plans for reconstruction have been abandoned.

“There is still a desire to ultimately construct what was approved by council when the market conditions, both in terms of economics and catchment area, are appropriate.”

“What was approved as Stage 2 will now become Stage 3,” it

Council planners are currently reviewing the application.

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THE first stage of the reconstruction of the Walloon Hotel is complete but the planned second stage may undergo significant changes if the Ipswich council planners support a new proposal. Three years ago, Gibson Hotels Pty Ltd, successfully sought a development permit to amalgamate the three allotments into two, the construction of a drive-through bottle shop and a carpark. That was stage 1, which was completed 12 months ago. Stage 2 was also approved by council. It involved the demolition of the existing hotel and the construction of a new, larger building. Over the time since the initial council go ahead, minor changes to the development permit were approved. And in May 2025, the developer was successful in gaining approval to reduce the size and raise the level of the floor area of the new building. But just before Christmas, the developer lodged a ‘change application’ with council with the aim of restructuring the second phase of the project. “The construction of approved Stage 2 of the development, as approved, is unviable in the current economic climate,” town planning agents for Gibson Hotels Pty Ltd stated.

“In addition, and considering the extent of the existing hotel and the current population of Walloon, the applicant is of the view that the construction of a hotel at the current Stage 2 scale is not warranted for at least another 10 to 15 years (maybe longer). “This is on the basis of how the existing hotel trades in the context of the existing population growth that has occurred in Walloon over the past five or so years.” However, significant changes to the building are still proposed as, according to the applicant … “there is a need to redevelop the existing hotel to a degree to ensure that it can appropriately service the locality (given the growth in population) as well as achieving relevant building code requirements”. The changes proposed in the new application include an interim redevelopment involving the retaining of the majority of the existing hotel. The portion of the building that is proposed to be removed would be replaced by a dining terrace, an enlarged, modern kitchen, additional bar area and enlarged gaming area. Also, the beer garden would be relocated to an area adjacent to the carpark and the verandah of the existing hotel would be opened up. The existing service area on the western side of the hotel is

12827132-JO48-25

By WENDY CREIGHTON

RAMBLINGS

Nothing new about me I’m afraid By Lara Hart THE problem with new year resolutions is that a year is 12 months long. If I made a promise to myself on January first and had to keep it for three weeks then boom ... done. A year is 52 weeks and that’s way too long to sustain any kind of commitment. I haven’t made any ‘new year, new me’ mantras for 10 years after stabbing myself in the heart with my barbed tongue and unkind thoughts. My daughter was a year old and I needed to drop baby weight. Apparently the ‘baby weight’ excuse doesn’t hold water when the child becomes a toddler. I’d been slack for the first 12 months of her life and this was it, I needed to eat less and move more. I set myself a year to get sorted and because I believed in myself, I wrote a note to ‘future Lara’ and put it inside the box the Christmas tree is stored in. I figured I’d find it in a year’s time and be proud of how fit I had become. Oh silly, silly girl ... by March I’d forgotten about the note and was well and truly off the wagon. Ice-cream and pies, soda and chips ... comfort food was my guilty pleasure. I learned that if you consume a lot of calories and then exercise, the weight doesn’t budge without a calorie deficit. I trudged through weekend promises of Monday start dates, then disappointments and more

empty promises. When you reach middle age, the months go by faster than when you are in your 30s and 20s. There has to be a scientific reason for that because I swear the years are flying by now. In the December of that new year I took the tree out of its box and out tumbled the note. I was confused because I’d forgotten all about it. Then came a wave of disappointment when I realised none of the things the old Lara said

she’d do, had happened. I crumpled it up and stuffed it into my pocket. My daughter is 11 now and it took two years for me to regain my fitness. I used what happened to try something new called keto. I lost the weight but I’ve not made a new year’s resolution since. I’ve decided if it’s that important then it is something that should happen immediately and not when a new year arrives.

MONDAY - PUB CLASSICS $20 – 200g Rump, Chicken Schnitty or Grilled Barra, all served with chips and salad (Dinner only) TUESDAY - TWO FOR ONE – Purchase two mains off our selected menu and receive the lesser value meal for free (Dinner only) WEDNESDAY - PARMY PARTY $20 – Your choice of 6 different Parmy’s served with chips and salad. (Dinner only) THURSDAY – BLACK ANGUS $20 – 250g Black Angus rump served with chips, salad and sauce. (Dinner only) FRIDAY/SATURDAY/SUNDAY – ALL DAY DINING LUNCHES FROM $15 MONDAY-FRIDAY 12833919-CV01-26

Friday, 9 January, 2026 | Moreton Border News

NEWS

Council earns praise for fire ant battle SCENIC Rim Regional Council’s proactive approach to tackling one of South East Queensland’s most destructive pests has been recognised at the latest Fire Ant Suppression Taskforce (FAST) meeting in Brisbane. Mayor Tom Sharp said Council’s biosecurity team received strong praise for its extensive and ongoing efforts to control the spread of fire ants across the region. “Our officers are doing exceptional work on the frontline of fire ant suppression, and it’s great to see that acknowledged by both FAST and the National Fire Ant Eradication Program,” Mayor Sharp said. “The Scenic Rim is among the top contenders when it comes to proactive, broadscale treatment, from innovative use of equipment to strong partnerships that amplify the impact of our local efforts.” At the meeting, which brought together state and local government representatives, industry bodies, primary producers and utility providers, Council’s treatment of more than 2360 kilometres of road corridor since July 2024 was highlighted as an example of best practice. “For the second year running, we’ve also secured the Department of Transport and Main Roads’ contract to treat over 1,000 kilometres of state roads within the Scenic Rim,” Mayor Sharp said. “Council will continue to treat all suitable local roads across our region, using data collection and performance monitoring to ensure we’re protecting our community, our economy, and our

1–3 Queen Street, Walloon, Queensland 4306

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The fireant outbreak began and remains centred in south east Queensland. (347610)

agricultural industries.” The combined data presented by all partners at the meeting demonstrated that collaboration is delivering measurable results, with significant coverage now achieved across the fire ant suppression treatment area. “By staying proactive and united, and working in partnership with the Queensland Government and private landholders, we’re making real progress toward eradicating fire ants from our landscapes,” Mayor Sharp said. Fire ants are dark red, aggressive, adaptive and capable of inflicting painful stings to people, pets, wildlife and livestock. Left unmanaged, they can render areas unusable for farming, recre-

ation and everyday living. Under the Biosecurity Act 2014, everyone is responsible for reporting and managing fire ant nests on their properties and

members of the community are urged to report any suspected sightings within 24 hours to the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries on 132 ANT (13 22 68).

MONDAY - PUB CLASSICS $20 – 200g Rump, Chicken Schnitty or Grilled Barra, all served with chips and salad (Dinner only) TUESDAY - TWO FOR ONE – Purchase two mains oﬀ our selected menu and receive the lesser value meal for free (Dinner only) WEDNESDAY - PARMY PARTY $20 – Your choice of 6 diﬀerent Parmy’s served with chips and salad. (Dinner only) THURSDAY – BLACK ANGUS $20 – 250g Black Angus rump served with chips, salad and sauce. (Dinner only) FRIDAY/SATURDAY/SUNDAY – ALL DAY DINING LUNCHES FROM $15 MONDAY-FRIDAY

Moreton Border News | Friday, 9 January, 2026

NEWS

Peter proud to receive honorary doctorate By Angela Norval “THERE is very little that any of us achieve by ourselves, almost everything is about the team.” Whether in his personal or professional life, this is the focus of Professor Peter Coaldrake AO. Professor Coaldrake ended 2025 on a particularly high note, receiving the University of Queensland’s highest honour, an honorary doctorate. Receiving this was not only a lovely honour for him, but showed just how achieving the future you want never needs to be held back if you live in a regional area, considering he came from Aramac and went to boarding school in Charters Towers. Peter said it was fair to say that the early portents for an academic career were not obvious, because he got accepted to university with the minimum score required for entry and had a pedestrian undergraduate record. “It was while working fulltime at the meatworks in Townsville, while also ostensibly studying fulltime at James Cook University that things changed,” he said. “While I had meandered a bit as a young man, I still had a need to have a job and this was the perfect option. “One day my foreman at the meatworks offered me a better job on the wire machine, one that was simpler yet paid better, on the basis he understood that I could read and write and help my fellow workers. “That for me, was when the penny dropped, I suddenly realised that education could open doors and my outlook changed overnight. “Over my time in education, I have had many connections and friends with UQ vice chancellors and senior colleagues over the years, finding that QUT, Griffith University and UQ may have been competitors for local students, but in so many ways we worked really well together, particularly when lobbying federal and state ministers. Since then, Peter has realised

Romaine Carpenter, CEO and Founder, Chief of Staff Institute (former Director, Office of the Vice-Chancellor, QUT), Dr Lee Coaldrake, Professor Peter Coaldrake AO, Kathie Thomson, Principal, Events, Faculty of Business, Economics and Law, UQ. (Supplied)

the power of education and the doors it can open, receiving two prestigious Fulbright Awards that allowed him to study further overseas. Peter has also been the vicechancellor of QUT from 20032017, where he and the team around him led the transformation of QUT into a more confident and impactful institution. In 2022, Professor Coaldrake released Let the Sunshine In, the landmark Review of Culture and Accountability in the Queensland Public Sector, also known as the ‘Coaldrake Review’. He was also appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2011 for distinguished service to higher education and was named as a Queensland Great in 2017. During his career, Peter has found during his time at universities that it is about team work, treating people well and building alliances, while also supporting those around you. Although he said that as a young senior manager in government for Wayne Goss, he also learnt very quickly about what real teamwork involved. “In this role, I learnt a lot of openness and transparency as Wayne Goss lead a very disciplined government, but I still learnt the key benefits of a university degree and the importance of having that base of knowledge. “I tried to apply those lessons when I returned to the univer-

sity sector where I was fortunate enough later to lead QUT. “Those lessons were about seeking to build on the foundation left by a great predecessor, developing ambitious plans and working to build an open team environment. “The experience in government certainly taught me to accept that mistakes are made along the way, and the important thing is to learn from them. “More generally, to be relaxed about criticism. “At QUT we did everything we could to build a sense of team at all levels and dissolve the artificial boundary lines between the academic and professional staff particularly in the way we provided support for students and their learning. “Hopefully all these things have helped in other roles I have undertaken over the years. “It also has been a real privilege to work outside higher education over recent years, for example, chairing the Board of the Queensland Performing Arts Centre for eight years. “Again, everything was about teamwork and partnerships, including the excitement of being part of developing a major new theatre, the Glasshouse Theatre, which will be opened next year, and the opportunity to work with and gain the confidence of inspirational philanthropists, most notably Tim Fairfax.

“Others can judge this, but hopefully my legacy will be around building the performance of organisations by motivating people and encouraging openness of culture. “We seem presently to live in a period in which encouraging openness is on the wane in too many places. “Yet that is the very thing the community wants from our governments and, indeed, our universities.” As he received his doctorate, Peter was reminded of the transformational impact a university degree can have on a person’s life, because he has seen it first hand. “We are lucky in our modern world to have these places of knowledge providing an opportunity and seeking to help provide for their students future. “We are seeing knowledge shared that allows students to discriminate between factually based information and the somewhat chaos of some of the information in the outside world. “We are definitely already seeing a great need in our workforce in the area of education and health and thankfully we are also appreciating that both education and training is valuable and the variety of educational institutions including TAFE can provide a complimentary role to each other.”

Friday, 9 January, 2026 | Moreton Border News

NEWS

Signal cabin lives on at rail workshops A piece of Queensland’s rail history has been given a new lease on life, with a 130-year-old signal cabin craned into its new home at the Queensland Museums Ipswich Rail Workshops. Built in 1895 near Ipswich station, the three-storey signal cabin was once the nerve centre of its section of the rail network, where early signal operators used the equipment to safely guide trains by setting routes and ensuring clear tracks. Queensland Rail Head of Corporate Affairs Nev Conway said the preservation of the cabin reflects Queensland Rail’s strong commitment to safeguarding the State’s rich rail heritage. “Queensland Rail has 160 years of rail history behind us, and it’s fitting to see this historic signalling cabin take its place at the birthplace of rail in Ipswich,” Mr Conway said. “Restoration will continue in its new home, allowing Queensland Museum curators to bring it to life and give the public a real insight into how trains were controlled throughout our history.” The building was carefully dismantled in 2013 and has been painstakingly reassembled at the North Ipswich Rail Yard before being craned into the Workshops next door, late last month. As one of Queensland’s earliest surviving railway signal cabins, it symbolised the expansion of the State’s first main line and the adoption of modern signalling practices that cemented Ipswich’s role as a key railway hub. Queensland Museum Chief Executive Officer Renai Grace said the Ipswich signal cabin is a wonderful addition to QMRW, bringing an important piece of Queensland’s rail story home. “This careful restoration ensures future generations can experience and appreciate the craftsmanship, technology and stories behind this remarkable building, and we sincerely thank Queensland Rail for their commitment to preserving it for the community,” Ms Grace said. “Being temporarily closed has

The 130-year-old signal cabin was built near Ipswich station in 1895.

An inside look of the three-storey signal cabin, once the nerve centre of its section of the rail network.

given us a unique opportunity to welcome this heritage icon sooner, and we’re thrilled to see it take pride of place at Ipswich.” Following significant damage accrued from a severe hailstorm in October 2025 that forced the temporary closure of the workshops, the relocation was fasttracked, creating a rare window of opportunity to make good use of the free and clear access to site. Mr Conway said he is proud of the partnership with QMRW. “We look forward to seeing this pivotal piece of railway infrastructure sitting in pride of place for all to enjoy,” he said.

Moreton Border News | Friday, 9 January, 2026

The signal cabin has been craned into its new home at the Queensland Museums Ipswich Rail Workshops.

WHAT’S ON

Ipswich City Council has partnered with not-for-profit community environment group Watergum Community to bring to bring the Cane Toad Challenge to Ipswich this season. (Lyle Radford: 526652)

Get out and about around Moreton Border By Lara Hart THERE’S plenty on to keep kids (and their parents) entertained this month. If you’re fighting boredom rebellion, here are some ideas to get you out of the house. FUN AND GAMES A Trivia Tribute to Disney • Friday, 16 January, 6.30pm 8.30pm • Orion Hotel, Springfield Central An evening of amazing food, great drinks, games, and trivia. The questions are fun - not hard and will take you back through all the best bits. Don’t worry, there’ll be some head scratchers in there to separate the winners from the rest. Dancing with the Queens presents Mad Bingo • Monday, 26 January, 11.30am - 3pm • Pine Street and Canning Street, North Ipswich Sashay on down to Dancing

with the Queens for mad bingo. It is hosted by mother and daughter duo, Liz Anya and Elle Would. The lunchtime spectacular promises laughs, chaos, and nonstop entertainment. The Simpsons trivia • Wednesday, 21 January, 6.30pm - 8.30pm • Hotel Commonwealth, 5 Union Place Fun themed trivia event. Join in for an evening of amazing food, drinks and games. The organisers have rewritten and reformatted the trivia decks for a bigger, better experience. NIGHT OWLS The Very Best of AC/DC Whole Lotta Hits • Saturday, 10 January, 9.30pm midnight • Brothers Leagues Club, Raceview Get ready to rock as the legendary sounds of AC/DC come to life at the highly anticipated

tribute show, Whole Lotta Hits: AC/DC Definitive Collection. Featuring a lineup of talented musicians, this show pays homage to the iconic rock legends and delivers an authentic AC/DC experience. Best Years of our Lives • Sunday, 25 January, 8pm • 215 Brisbane Road, Booval Celebrate 80s pub rock and go back to an era where cultural divides were put aside and people gathered to hear bands play. It’s a lyrical blast from the past and you’re sure to know all of the songs. Rock on. Goodna Cemetery haunted history tour • Saturday, 17 January, 7.30pm • 113 Stuart Street, Goodna The tour lasts approximately two hours and tickets can be booked online. COMMUNITY MINDED Australia Day Carpark Party • Sunday, 25 January, 12pm -

6pm • Hotel Commonwealth, 5 Union Place The carpark will be buzzing with live music from Rock N Roll Outlaws, plenty of food and drinks, and a family friendly atmosphere everyone can enjoy. It is a free event, fully licensed and the perfect way to kick off the long weekend. Ipswich Cane Toad Challenge, Community Toad Bust • Friday, 30 January, 6.15pm 8.15pm • 62 High Street, Brassall • Join our Community Toad Bust and Cane Toad Info Session Ipswich City Council has partnered with not-for-profit community environment group Watergum Community to bring to bring the Cane Toad Challenge to Ipswich this season. It’s a chance to work together to humanely and effectively control this pest species and create safe havens for biodiversity.

Friday, 9 January, 2026 | Moreton Border News

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Friday, 9 January, 2026 | Moreton Border News

NEWS

Rosewood aquatic centre lease renewed THE Rosewood Aquatic Centre will continue to serve the local community for years to come, with Ipswich City Council renewing its lease for the popular sports and recreation business until 2035. Currently leased to Australian Crawl (Goodna) Pty Ltd, Finance and Governance Committee Chairperson and Division Two Councillor Paul Tully said he was pleased that council has approved a recommendation for a lease renewal. “The Rosewood Aquatic Centre operates primarily during the summer season and is managed by ACG, which also oversees other leisure and fitness centres in the region,” Cr Tully said. “ACG facilitates swimming lessons and aquatic fitness classes from the premises, which includes two heated pools, a children’s splash zone, and an outdoor gym area.” Located at 1 Mill Street, Rosewood, the newly signed lease will

The Rosewood Aquatic Centre will serve the local community for at least another 10 years. (526170)

The pool first opened 15 October, 1966.

expire in December 2035.

will ensure that Rosewood families can continue to embrace an active and healthy lifestyle in the water, with modern facilities and programs that cater to swimmers of all ages,” Cr Martin said.

As per Council requirement, the lessee is responsible for maintaining the premises in good repair throughout the term of the lease, except for fair wear and

tear and replacement owing to end-of-life deterioration. Division Four Councillor David Martin said the community will welcome the news. “This ten-year lease renewal

202601001-KF01-26

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Moreton Border News | Friday, 9 January, 2026

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REAL ESTATE

Views in every direction and high end finishes WHILE Marburg is at the smaller end of the housing supply market, the 18 homes sold in the last 12 months indicated around a 13 percent increase in the median price compared to the previous year. And a home sold in Seminary Road in mid-November is likely to further support the upward trend. The five bedroom home set on a 2ha block with views in every direction, features resort style outdoor living and large interior rooms. The home has an open plan kitchen, dining and living area with easy access to the family zones. Added extras include plantation shutters, Jatoba timber flooring, bespoke kitchen cabinetry and a freestanding fireplace as well as six reverse-cycle air conditioners. The master suite comes with a spa, dual vanities and large walkin robe. There is a large multipurpose room with external access provides options for a fifth bedroom, dual-living potential or continuation as a home business space as there is also a separate office. Outdoors is also set to impress as there is a 100,000 litre in-ground pool with a spa bench, swim up bar and Bali hut overlooking landscaped gardens.

Real Estate Seminary Road Marburg 1

The fully insulated shed has epoxy flooring and extra-high roller doors is complemented by a double carport and large bitumen hardstand. Other infrastructure includes 5kW solar power, CCTV security and fenced paddocks. The property also has dual access. The home sold for $2.1 million in mid-November.

Friday, 9 January, 2026 | Moreton Border News

SPORT

Gout Gout was all smiles after an impressive campaign in Tokyo ended in the 200m semis. (Petr David Josek/ AP/ AAP)

Reflecting upon a champion year for Gout By CLANCY NUGENT IT seems like every year Ipswich star Gout Gout does something new to impress the world but 2025 was on a new level. He was the main attraction at the Stawell Gift earlier in the year before he started to make waves at international competitions. In September, Gout ran a 20.36 second time in the 200m semi-final of the World Championship, competing as a 17 year old against Olympic stars. He finished fourth in his semi and was among some of the ex-

tremely quick times in the heats. In his semi he finished behind some high quality competitors in Jamaican Bryan Levell (19.78), Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo (19.95) and American Courtney Lindsey (20.30). The young gun was brilliant in his post race interview with Channel Nine, acknowledging the support he felt from Aussies back home and regularly congratulating his fellow competitors as they walked past his interview. Gout said competing at the World Championships was a great opportunity that he was

Moreton Border News | Friday, 9 January, 2026

grateful to accomplish. “It’s been a great experience,” Gout told Channel Nine. “Just to come out here at the young age of 17 is an experience not many people can experience. So I’m happy to be here. “Tokyo is one of the things I’ve wanted to visit for a long time, and to visit it and get that world championship is to my dreams come true. So definitely happy to be here. “Being able to come out here in the semi-final and do my thing, it’s pretty, pretty incredible.” After that, he returned to Ip-

swich to compete for Ipswich Grammar at the GPS Track and Field Championships. He selflessly let teammates compete in the 100m and 200m events after dominated them for so many years. Gout did, however, run in the 400m and set yet another record at the strongest school competition in Queensland, skippering his beloved Ipswich Grammar to victory. He is the current Australian 200m record holder and there are some incredible things to come in 2026.

SPORT

Marburg will be the home of a brand new Elite Harness Training and Racing Centre.

Marburg harnessing a new racing future A new Elite Harness Training and Racing Centre will be built at Marburg Showgrounds following the sweeping reforms laid out within the State Government’s ’The Next Lap: A plan for the future of Queensland racing’, . The venue’s strategic location between Brisbane and Toowoomba places it near key standardbred populations and a dedicated Harness Racing training centre will aim to unlock further opportunities for new participants. These upgrades will address infrastructure gaps, reduce reliance on metropolitan sites and create a high-quality western racing corridor between Brisbane and Toowoomba. Member for Lockyer Jim McDonald MP said the new Elite Harness Training and Racing Centre at Marburg would provide

significant benefits for the region. “The Lockyer community loves horses and loves racing,” Mr McDonald said. “Establishing an Elite Harness Training and Racing Centre at the Marburg Showgrounds will bring more Racing industry people to the region, and offer the chance for local participants to develop their skills. “The Lockyer Valley is a major producer of feed supporting the horse racing industry. “There’s no question it will also provide a boost to the region’s economy, which is a great outcome for local families.” Marburg Pacing Association President Shaun Gillespie welcomed the development of an Elite Harness Training and Racing Centre at the

Marburg Showgrounds. “This will further strengthen Harness Racing west of Brisbane, giving better access to top class facilities for participants,” Mr Gillespie said. “Having an Elite Harness Training and Racing Centre on the local doorstep, and developing a western corridor for Harness Racing, will encourage more locals to want to get involved in the industry.” Additionally, the sport will maintain a presence in Brisbane at Albion Park, which will become Queensland’s Racing HQ and the new home to Racing Queensland (RQ) and the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC). Harness Racing will also return to the Toowoomba Turf Club infield.

Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander said it was imperative the Harness Racing industry maintained a metropolitan presence, while attracting a new generation of participants. “The creation of a new Racing HQ at the spiritual home of Harness Racing, Albion Park, also places Harness front and centre and brings the administrative and integrity arms of the industry together under one roof,“ Minister Mander said. “The addition of a training centre at Marburg will provide opportunities for new participants to join the sport, while re-introducing harness racing at Toowoomba aims to increase regional participation.”

Friday, 9 January, 2026 | Moreton Border News