Council’s grand plans for popular, flood-damaged recreational reserve in Ipswich revealed

A well-loved recreational reserve in Ipswich’s north is set to be revamped beyond its former glory, if new plans go ahead. SEE WHAT’S COMING

Ipswich City Council's proposed plan for Colleges Crossing Recreation Reserve

After a half-million dollar clean-up effort, a tragically flood-affected nature reserve is set to reopen, the Ipswich City Council has revealed.

Colleges Crossing, once a well-loved and frequented local recreational spot, was closed after being decimated by the floods of February and May 2022.

The extended closure has frustrated and upset residents prompting calls for council to reveal their plan for the reserve.

Colleges Crossing Recreation Reserve was closed after it sustained damage from fast rising and fast flowing flood waters. Picture: ICC

On Wednesday, Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding revealed the council’s intention to partially reopen the reserve, starting with a stretch in the northeastern section on April 30.

Additionally, the council has announced its grand plans for the entire reserve, which will open for community consultation from March 22.

Colleges Crossing at Karana Downs is closed due to flooding. Picture: Tara Croser

“The draft plan returns Colleges Crossing to a more natural and open state, with wide grassy lawns, trees, a gravel boat launch for canoes, a site for food trucks, and new public amenities,” Mayor Harding said.

“It’s clear that council cannot continue to rebuild Colleges Crossing to its previous state, as the risk of future flood damage and cost of recovery is unsustainable.

“That’s why community consultation on the draft plan will be open from Wednesday 22 March to Friday 21 April calling for feedback and ideas on how we can best activate and redevelop the reserve in a way that meets community need while prioritising resilience.”

A flood monitoring camera was among measures revealed by council to protect the crossing and surrounding areas from flooding in the future.

General weather photos from the Ipswich area. Colleges Crossing Recreation Reserve, Chuwar. Picture: David Clark

The section expected to reopen next month is located on the right-hand side of Bobby Auld, however the spot will only be able to be used for ‘light recreation’.

There will be no assigned water access point, public amenities or drinking water in section, as works continue throughout the remainder of the reserve.

Council also revealed the whopping estimated cost of clean-up so far to be around $500,000 and has been worn by ratepayers, as council was not eligible for state or federal disaster relief funding for the site.

Aspects of the clean-up have included removal of debris including initial flood debris as well as damaged playgrounds and picnic tables, pumping out the public toilets, removal of damaged footpaths and other infrastructure.

Council will hold community consultation pop-ups at Karalee, Nicholas St and Riverlink shopping precincts, and encouraged residents to have their say online.