Environment initiatives funded from iconic peaks to suburban creeks
30 June 2022
Across Ipswich a wide range of environmental initiatives will support a clean and green city as part of the Ipswich City Council 2022-2023 Budget.
Environment and Sustainability Committee Chairperson Councillor Russell Milligan said Ipswich had diverse environmental needs, reflected in the variety of projects funded by council.
“This council is committed to improving and protecting our natural areas and waterways, and preserving cultural heritage, as well as making our city green and environmentally friendly,” Cr Milligan said.
Councillor Milligan said significant investment will be made into recovering vital waterways with severe long-term erosion.
“Council is investing $220,000 for recovery works at Gladstone Road Reserve. This will contribute to addressing major erosion issues along the Bremer River,” Cr Milligan said.
“The Ironpot Creek bank stabilisation project has received an $850,000 injection to construct the next stage.
“This project will allow native vegetation to re-establish, and by slowing the stormwater run-off from nearby urban areas will make for a healthier creek system flowing into the Bremer River.
“An additional $150,000 will be invested in a similar stabilisation project at Woogaroo Creek, which is one of our local waterways known to have platypus.”
Councillor Milligan said the Ipswich Enviroplan Program and Levy will invest $1.8 million into boardwalk and lookout infrastructure at the popular White Rock – Spring Mountain Conservation Estate.
“White Rock is the focal point of the estate, and along with sites such as The Bluff and Little White Rock is culturally significant to the Traditional Owners of the area,” Cr Milligan said.
“This estate records thousands of visitors a day, so protection of these sacred sites through installation of boardwalks and interpretive signage will help protect them for future generations.”
Councillor Milligan said the Stormwater Quality Offsets Scheme would fund a range of projects to reduce pollution and sediment from stormwater run-off entering Ipswich waterways.
“One of the exciting projects is at Bremervale Park at Raceview, with $150,000 allocated for a detailed design to convert open space into an ephemeral wetland,” Cr Milligan said.
“This will become a natural area appealing for the community as well as native species.”
Councillor Milligan said Ipswich neighbourhoods would benefit from $680,000 allocated to urban greening projects.
“Urban greening is vital to a resilient and liveable city, providing multiple benefits including reducing urban heat island effect, absorbing air pollution and filtering stormwater, through to supporting positive mental and physical health,” Cr Milligan said.
“Ipswich’s conservation and natural areas are vital for biodiversity, but it is also important to continually enhance our urban environment and provide connection and corridors for wildlife in urban areas.
“These urban greening initiatives are great for the community, and our environment, and will contribute to making Ipswich a more liveable and greener city.”
For more information about Ipswich City Council’s 2022-2023 Budget, visit Ipswich.qld.gov.au/budget