Ipswich City Council is investing in environmental improvement from the rivers to the mountain ranges with initiatives in the 2024-2025 Budget.
Environment and Sustainability Committee Chairperson Councillor Jim Madden said as the city grew, so did the need to protect and enhance our natural environment.
“A proposed, small $5 annual increase to the Enviroplan Levy will boost council’s ability to acquire priority conservation areas and manage habitat for rare and threatened species,” Cr Madden said.
“This is both through investing in our 6500 hectare-strong Enviroplan conservation network and through supporting hundreds of landholders in strategic areas with on-ground environmental improvements.
“The health of our waterways will also be in focus with multiple projects ready to roll out across crucial corridors including the Bremer River, Woogaroo Creek and Six Mile Creek.
“The restoration and revegetation of these waterways will increase resilience to future floods and create habitat conditions for iconic species such as platypus.”
Highlights in the 2024-2025 Annual Plan include:
- Continuation of council’s important Enviroplan conservation network program.
- Ephemeral wetlands installed at Bremervale Park in Bundamba over two years.
- A major upgrade of the Ipswich Nature Centre’s biosecurity area.
- Work to design sediment management works and improve maintenance at Robelle Domain Lagoon.
- Preliminary work on a new boardwalk at White Rock Conservation Estate.
- Continued implementation of the Ipswich Integrated Catchment Plan.
- Negotiation of a renewable energy Power Purchase Agreement.
More information about the Ipswich City Council 2024-2025 Annual Plan and Budget is available on council’s website.
