The reconstruction of Colleges Crossing Recreation Reserve and 26 other projects will progress to the next stage of assessment under the jointly funded State and Federal government Disaster Relief Funding Arrangements (DRFA) as council continues to work through flood recovery.
Local Disaster Management Group Chair Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said funding from the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) will go a long way in helping to repair important community assets.
“The February flood left a trail of destruction across the city, displaced hundreds of residents and forced many more parks and reserves to close,” Mayor Harding said.
“Council applied for assistance through the QRA to help repair some of the damage and we are pleased to hear 27 projects will be progressing to the next stage of assessment.
“There are various benchmarks that have to be met, but when we get to the final stage, we hope to secure $25 million in funding with the biggest project being just under $15 million for repairs to Colleges Crossing Recreation Reserve.
“The reserve bore the brunt of the swollen Brisbane River during flooding and remains closed.”
Aerial view of Colleges Crossing Recreation Reserve after the flood, taken 13 March 2022 by Erwin Kern.
Council works to save a tree at Colleges Crossing after its roots were left exposed after the flood.
Café Colleges Colleges By The River was flipped onto its side by floodwaters.
Local Disaster Management Group Deputy Chairperson Councillor Kate Kunzelmann said six months on from the February flood, council and the community continue to recover.
“We expect it will take 18 months to two years to have parks and reserves fully back up and running and this funding is critical to making that happen,” Cr Kunzelmann said.
“Moving forward our focus is on restoration, rebuilding, reshaping and sustainability while ensuring the region is better prepared for any future disasters.”
Local Disaster Management Group Deputy Chairperson Councillor Russell Milligan said council’s flood recovery efforts remain in full swing.
“Council has allocated $30 million this financial year for flood recovery and already more than $7 million has been spent across the city filling potholes and repairing bridges and roads,” Cr Milligan said.
“We are part way through a flood review, implemented a one-time concession on rates for flood impacted residents and are working our way through the Severe Weather February 2022 Recovery Plan.
“If we can secure this funding, it will help council to get our city back into top condition, including many of our parks and sporting fields.”
Sites submitted for funding under the QRA Community and Recreational Asset Recovery Program:
- Blue Gum Reserve, Karalee
- Bob Gamble Park, Ipswich
- Colleges Crossing Recreation Reserve, Chuwar
- Cribb Park Boat Ramp Area, North Ipswich
- Evan Marginson Park (Woogaroo Rugby Club), Goodna
- Evan Marginson Park (Open Space)
- Kholo Gardens, Muirlea
- Evan Marginson Park (Goodna Netball Association), Goodna
- Goodna Bowls Clubhouse, Goodna
- Goodna Gym, Goodna
- Ipswich Bowls Club, Ipswich
- Worley Park, Raceview
- Ivor Marsden Memorial Sports Centre, Amberley
- Jim Finimore Club house and Oval, Leichhardt
- Joseph Brady Park, Barellan Point
- Kippen Park, Goodna
- Leslie Park (A), Goodna
- Leichhardt Park, One Mile
- River Heart parkland (including walkway up to Bob Gamble), Ipswich
- Robelle Domain, Springfield Central
- Riverside Park, Karalee
- Rotary Park Eric Evans Soccer field, Bundamba
- Pan Pacific Peace Gardens, Redbank
- Ipswich Animal Management/Pound, West Ipswich
- Ipswich fire trails & hiking track repairs, various suburbs
- Cribb Park Sporting Fields, North Ipswich
- David W Coultas Park, Raceview
