While Ipswich is more flood resilient than it has ever been, council’s 2024-2025 Budget will continue to address flood repair work from the major 2022 flood events.
Infrastructure, Planning and Assets Committee Chairperson Councillor Andrew Antoniolli said council has completed more than 400 recovery and resilience projects identified after the 2022 floods.
“The February 2022 floods inundated almost 600 homes and 300 businesses across Ipswich before another wave of flooding inundated our community again in May 2022,” Cr Antoniolli said.
“Council moved quickly to contain the damage and is nearing the completion of this major flood resilience improvement and recovery program.
“Work on flood recovery and resilience projects across Ipswich has exceeded the $100 million mark. Around $20 million has been spent on the reconstruction of roads, drainage and street lighting and a further $12 million on parks, community and sports facilities.
“The final 200 flood recovery projects are planned for this financial year.”
Cr Antoniolli said the Voluntary Home Buy-Back Program will continue through to 2026.
“We have seen 161 properties purchased with most already returned to green space and community consultation will soon commence for the potential future use these sites,” Cr Antoniolli said.
“Repair work on sealed roads damaged in 2022 will reach completion in late 2024.
“Meanwhile our major restoration of Colleges Crossing Recreation Reserve should be completed this year, and council is progressing plans for River Heart Parklands.”
Resilience highlights in 2024-2025 Budget
- Flood program works from 2022 flood events, including repair of sealed roads, to finish in 2024
- Voluntary Home Buy-Back Program to continue through to 2026 with engagement commencing soon on the future potential use of the land
- Colleges Crossing Recreation Reserve, works on schedule, set to reopen late 2024
- River Heart Parkland rehabilitation and community consultation
- Goodna Cultural and Community Arts Centre – works are underway to restore the facility for community use, set for completion in late 2024
- Blue Gum Reserve, inundated in 2022 floods, resilience work continues, new facilities to be completed in late 2024
More information about the Ipswich City Council 2024-2025 Annual Plan and Budget is available on council’s website.
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