Contractor selected for Colleges Crossing restoration project
11 December 2023
A major step forward has been made for the popular Colleges Crossing Recreation Reserve in Chuwar, with Ipswich City Council approving a $5.5 million contract for the reserve’s rehabilitation.
Growth, Infrastructure and Waste Committee Chair Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the much-loved recreation reserve would undergo extensive rehabilitation for the benefit of the public.
“Colleges Crossing was particularly hard-hit by the 2022 floods, and since then council has worked to temporarily reopen parts of the reserve while making plans for a more flood-resilient future,” Mayor Harding said.
“Accepting a contractor to begin the major work of rehabilitation is an exciting step forward and I’m sure all residents who regularly used this reserve to fish, walk, picnic and spend time with family and friends will welcome this.
“The scope of works for this $5.5 million contract includes the demolition and removal of the existing damaged infrastructure including equipment, pathways and other structures; major work to stabilise the riverbank and prevent future erosion, and install new amenities including picnic areas, toilet facilities, shelters, irrigation and new playground facilities.”
Growth, Infrastructure and Waste Committee Deputy Chairperson Councillor Paul Tully said council had moved carefully to properly redesign Colleges Crossing for a more flood resilient future.
“Earlier this year council undertook extensive community consultation that resulted in strong community support for a more back-to-nature design for Colleges Crossing,” Cr Tully said.
“Council went out to market in September to seek tenders for this major work, and was pleased to receive six tenders.
“Tenders were assessed by an evaluation scoring panel and it was determined that the successful tenderer had the capacity and capability to successfully rehabilitate Colleges Crossing to council’s expectations.
“The tenderer has a strong track record of this type of work and will also support local businesses in the Ipswich area.
“Subject to successful contract negotiations, the successful tenderer will be publicly named in the near future.”
Deputy Mayor and Division 4 Councillor Russell Milligan said the rehabilitation of Colleges Crossing was an important step forward in Ipswich’s management of future flood events.
“After the devastation of the 2022 floods, it was clear that we could not responsibly rebuild Colleges to the same level of infrastructure, due to its cost and the high risk of future flood events having the same impacts again,” Deputy Mayor Milligan said.
“The work done since then to develop a new and simplified Colleges Crossing plan, and the acceptance of this new tender, is a significant shift toward a more resilient and flood-ready Ipswich.
“It was originally anticipated construction would begin on the reserve in late 2023, however additional time spent during the design and tender process to ensure the best outcome and most flood resilient design is achieved for the community means work is now anticipated to commence in early 2024.
“We know the community is very keen to see the much-loved public recreation reserve restored and fully reopened and council will continue to move toward this goal as quickly as possible.”
Division 4 Councillor Kate Kunzelmann said while there was still a long way to go, securing the contractor to begin restoration work was a significant step.
“I’m pleased that the thousands of Ipswich residents who have loved Colleges Crossing for so many years will now see major work progressing to demolish damaged infrastructure, and start constructing new and more resilient amenities,” Cr Kunzelmann said.
“Colleges Crossing is one of Ipswich’s most popular recreation reserves and it’s wonderful to see it will be brought back to full access with a more resilient design in the future.”
Residents can follow progress on the Colleges Crossing Project via Shape Your Ipswich.
Background
The scope of works for the contract consists of:
- Demolition and removal of existing damaged infrastructure, including equipment, pathways, and other structures.
- Disposal of debris and waste materials in compliance with environmental regulations.
- Earthworks cut and fill operations to achieve the design contours, slopes, and drainage patterns.
- Implementation of effective stabilisation along the riverbank to prevent erosion and enhance overall resilience.
- Establishing a landscaping scheme that harmonises with the surrounding environment and offers a diverse range of recreational spaces and ground stability.
- Supply and install of amenities including picnic areas, shelters, shade sails, irrigation, playground and toilet facilities.
Link to concept images.