Ipswich’s flood-damaged Colleges Crossing Recreation Reserve demolished for flood resistant design

A popular park in Chuwar has been demolished after being wrecked in the 2022 flood, with plans to transform into a more flood-friendly design expected to be completed late this year or in 2025.

Ipswich mayor Teresa Harding, Division 4 councillor Jim Madden and David Cullen at Colleges Crossing Recreation Reserve site. Picture: Ipswich CIty Council

Demolition of flood-wrecked Colleges Crossing Recreation Reserve in Ipswich has been completed, with plans to reopen a more resilient park by the end of 2024 or early next year.

Ipswich City Council started the restoration work in February, one year after the popular park was wiped out.

Mayor Teresa Harding said the contractor had now completed demolition and had begun work on a “flood-friendly’’ new layout.

“The community told us loud and clear last year that returning Colleges Crossing to its original design was not sensible or reasonable because of the inevitability of future floods,” she said.

“I’m delighted that we are now seeing progress on the new community-led design for Colleges Crossing.

“We will be able to reopen this beloved riverside park with a more sustainable and nature-based design.

Flood-damaged Colleges Crossing Recreation Reserve has been demolished. Picture: Ipswich City Council

“Demolition of the existing structures on site is now complete, with the removal of all the remaining play and gym infrastructure, tables, benches, shade shelters and the demolition of concrete pathways, where required.

“Council’s contractors have removed the surviving Indigenous artwork on metal debris poles. “This artwork has been retained and we will be seeking to return these to the artist.”

Ipswich mayor Teresa Harding at the Colleges Crossing Recreation Reserve site. Picture: Ipswich City Council

Division 4 councillor Jim Madden said the new park would have fewer permanent structures but more trees and green space.

Flood-damaged Colleges Crossing Recreation Reserve has been demolished. Picture: Ipswich City Council

“The new design ensures that all new infrastructure will be at a higher level for additional flood resilience and allow for disability access compliance site-wide,” Mr Madden said.

Cr David Cullen, who also represented Div 4, said work to install services including power, solar lighting and irrigation would begin after earthworks were done.

“We now anticipate this popular park will be reopened to the community in late 2024 or early 2025,” Mr Cullen said.