Springfield Residents Surveyed on Walkability

University of Southern Queensland researchers launch study to assess if planned 'active living' communities are delivering on promises.

Mar. 26, 2026 at 11:30am

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Researchers from the University of Southern Queensland have launched a survey to gather feedback from Springfield residents on the walkability and active living opportunities in their neighborhoods. The project aims to combine resident input with mapping and planning data to evaluate whether Springfield's planned 'active living' communities are living up to their design goals.

Why it matters

The study will help provide insights into how well Springfield's urban planning and development is supporting physical activity and healthy lifestyles for residents. The findings could inform future neighborhood design and infrastructure priorities to create more walkable, activity-friendly communities.

The details

The 'Active Springfield Neighbourhoods Project' survey asks residents about their physical activity habits and what factors in their daily lives support or limit active living. Researchers will analyze the resident feedback alongside mapping and planning data to assess if Springfield's neighborhoods designed for active living are being experienced as intended. The project is a collaboration between the University of Southern Queensland, Queensland Health, Ipswich City Council, the Office of the Queensland Government Architect, and the Heart Foundation.

  • The online survey is open until April 10, 2026.
  • Findings from the project will be translated into a case study to support shared learning and inform future planning.

The players

Melinda Covey-Hansen

Lead researcher on the Active Springfield Neighbourhoods Project from the University of Southern Queensland.

Teresa Harding

Mayor of Ipswich, the city where Springfield is located.

Ipswich City Council

A project partner providing city design and planning data to support the research.

Queensland Health

The government agency hosting the PhD internship that is conducting the Active Springfield Neighbourhoods Project.

Heart Foundation

A project partner supporting the research on creating more walkable, activity-friendly communities.

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What they’re saying

“Research shows the environments in which we live, learn, work and play shape opportunities for physical activity. 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.”

— Melinda Covey-Hansen, Lead researcher

“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. 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.”

— Teresa Harding, Mayor of Ipswich

What’s next

Findings from the Active Springfield Neighbourhoods 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.

The takeaway

This study aims to provide valuable insights into how well Springfield's urban planning is supporting active, healthy lifestyles for residents. The results could help guide future neighborhood design and infrastructure decisions to create more walkable communities that make it easier for people to incorporate physical activity into their daily lives.