Ipswich council to rip up popular riverwalk after multiple flood fails

Council has voted at its monthly meeting on Thursday to remove the boardwalk at a popular Ipswich park after repeated damage in floods since it opened 17 years ago.

Aftermath of flooding, showing the level of floodwaters at the boardwalk at River Heart Parklands. Picture: Ipswich City Council

Ipswich City Council will remove an iconic riverwalk, more than 30 years earlier than its estimated lifetime, after damage in numerous floods.

Councillors voted at Thursday’s monthly meeting to remove the overwater structures in River Heart Parklands after recommendation in a report by the Infrastructure, Planning and Assets Committee.

The Bremer River public park has been hit by multiple floods since its opening 17 years ago, causing the boardwalk to go under water.

As a result of the 2022 and 2024 floods, the park has been partially closed and the overwater boardwalk has yet to be reopened.

River Heart Parklands was flooded in 2022. Picture: David Martin

The report, tabled at the June 20 meeting, said council faced ongoing financial costs to restore the structures as it was damaged in every flood event.

Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said fixing the structures, which woul inevitably flood again, was a waste of raterpayers’ money.

“It is important to note that this is the first step for River Heart Parklands,” she said.

“We’ll be coming to the community for a better understanding of how we use the Parklands and engage their thoughts in the future.

“We look forward to doing the community consultation on what other wonderful things we can do along the river there.”

River Heart Parklands was flooded in 2009.

Infrastructure, Planning and Assets Committee chairman Andrew Antoniolli said the floods had affected the longevity of some structures despite an expected 50-year life.

“When the River Heart Parklands was constructed in 2007, the focus was not only on flood resilience but also giving the community an opportunity to get to know, appreciate and respect their river,” he said.

“Indeed, hundreds use the walkways everyday in River Heart Parklands through both stage one and two.

“Prior to construction, there had not been any significant flood events for nearly 30 years.

“However, since its installation, there have been numerous ones.

“Therefore, the removal will allow us to concentrate on the remainder of the parkland, preserve its beauty and allow Ipswich residents to enjoy the river again.”

Boardwalk at River Heart Parklands. Picture: Ipswich City Council

Division 3 councillor Marnie Doyle said city cameras showed low usage on overwater pontoons and barbecue facilities, despite them being popular many years ago.

“What we do see is lots of people walking along the river each day using the concrete paths,” she said.

“That will have to remain as a key feature in my mind when we talk about what the future of the Riverheart Parklands look like.

“It must incorporate walking paths very close to the water’s edge to continue that connection with the river for our residents.”

The motion to remove the walkway was passed by all councillors.