Springfield residents are being asked a simple question – does your neighbourhood actually make it easy to walk, ride, and get around without a car?
Researchers from the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) have launched a new survey to test whether Springfield's planned active living communities are delivering in real life.
As part of the Active Springfield Neighbourhoods Project, residents are invited to complete a short online survey exploring their physical activity habits, and what supports or limits active living in their day-to-day lives.
"Research shows the environments in which we live, learn, work and play shape opportunities for physical activity," lead researcher Melinda Covey-Hansen said.
"Neighbourhoods with local access to walk and cycle paths, parks, schools, shops, public transport, shade and lighting make it easier for people to incorporate physical activity into their everyday lives.
"This project will combine residents' feedback with mapping and planning information to build a clear picture of whether Springfield neighbourhoods designed for active living are being delivered and experienced as intended."
The project is being delivered by UniSQ as part of a PhD internship, hosted by Queensland Health through its Healthy Places, Healthy People initiative. Project partners include Ipswich City Council, the Office of the Queensland Government Architect and the Heart Foundation.
Findings from the project will be translated into a Healthy Places, Healthy People case study to support shared learning and inform future planning, design and advocacy for more walkable, activity-supportive environments across Queensland.
Resident feedback, including ideas for improvement, will also be shared with Ipswich City Council to help guide future development and infrastructure priorities.
"Our new planning scheme, Ipswich City Plan 2025, sets a clear direction for how our city grows, focusing on well-planned neighbourhoods that are connected, liveable and supported by transport, services and local centres," Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said.
"Council is pleased to support this university-led research, and our city design and planning teams will be watching the findings with interest as real-world experiences can help inform how we continue delivering quality neighbourhoods for a growing population."
The online survey is open until 10 April, with Springfield Lakes and Spring Mountain residents aged 18 and over invited to participate.
Participants can also opt in to a prize draw to win a $200 Healthy and Active pack, including a Fitbit and UniSQ merchandise.
