Colleges Crossing Recreation Reserve will be closed from 25 February as construction work begins to restore the flood-damaged reserve.
Ipswich City Council Chief Executive Officer Sonia Cooper said council’s contractor, Epoca, is now ready to finish the demolition work on the reserve’s damaged infrastructure.
Council has already undertaken significant clean-up and repair work, including general removal of flood debris, pressure cleaning, removal of public safety hazards, vegetation maintenance and the installation of Safe City cameras and temporary fencing.
“Council previously reopened one section of Colleges Crossing Recreation Reserve to the public, while we secured a contractor to restore the reserve to full functionality,” Ms Cooper said.
“Now, after very clear and consistent feedback from the community, Colleges Crossing will be restored to a new ‘back to basics’ concept with fewer permanent structures and more open space, designed to be more flood resilient for the future.
“For safety, from 25 February to early June, the entire reserve will be closed as Epoca begins work. This includes sections previously re-opened to the public.
“The overall program to reconstruct Colleges Crossing will progress throughout the year, and it’s anticipated the full reserve will be reopened in late 2024 or early 2025.
“Council will continue to update the community on the restoration project’s progress and any future changes to access.
“Council very much appreciates the community’s patience as we work to restore Colleges Crossing for all to enjoy.”
Further information on the restoration project for Colleges Crossing can be found at Shape Your Ipswich.
This project is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
Ipswich City Council is operating under caretaker provisions in accordance with Chapter 3, Part 5 of the Local Government Act 2009. Media communications by the Mayor and Councillors as ICC spokespeople during this time are limited to ensure compliance with legislation and, equity and transparency between existing Mayor, Councillors and candidates regarding access to Council resources.