New planter boxes brighten Rosewood’s main street
04 November 2022
The handiwork of high school students has been expanded from the Ipswich CBD to Rosewood.
Five planter boxes have been installed at various locations along John Street, Rosewood, as part of council’s commitment to conserve, protect, enhance and restore the region’s natural environment through urban greening.
Environment and Sustainability Committee Chairperson Councillor Russell Milligan said the planter boxes are designed to improve local amenity and play a practical role in the overall urban greening program aimed at reducing the urban heat effect.
“The planter boxes used in the urban greening program are designed and built by the Year 12 Trade Centre students at Ipswich State High School, using treated pine timber. Each planter box is custom built to site specifications for the chosen location,” Cr Milligan said.
Woodwork and horticulture students created similar planter boxes for Ipswich Central this year and grabbed the opportunity to expand the initiative to the Rosewood project.
“It is wonderful to be part of such an outstanding initiative with this partnership that has been developed between Ipswich City Council and the Ipswich State High School Trade Program,” Cr Milligan said.
“The partnership has enabled horticulture and construction students to gain practical experience utilising their skills in projects that also benefit the residents of Ipswich.”
Division 4 Councillor Kate Kunzelmann said the size and location of the five planter boxes in John Street has been carefully considered, to ensure they don’t impede pedestrian access.
“Council will care for, and maintain, the planter boxes on a regular maintenance schedule. A self-watering ‘wick’ system at the base of the planter boxes will draw water into the soil,” Cr Kunzelmann said.
The project started with a meeting at the school which sparked a conversation about how council could form a partnership that provides outcomes for both the students and the community.
“Seeing the students of the Ipswich State High School Trade Program being involved in projects to revitalise different parts of Ipswich and working together with council is a fantastic achievement,” Cr Kunzelmann said.
‘’Council worked collaboratively with the community, and business and property owners, to finalise the location of the planter boxes and the choice of tree and plant species.
“I think Rosewood residents will agree – the planter boxes look amazing and will be a drawcard for visitors to the region.”
Three planter boxes were placed in Bell Street in the CBD late last year and council is also investigating additional sites for installation in 2023.