Ipswich City Council to administer extended voluntary home buyback program

A Queensland council revealed its extended flood recovery projects as part of its 2024-25 budget after much of its region was inundated.

Heavy machinery and specialist crews begin demolishing houses in Enid St, Goodna on January 24, 2023, that were among the first bought through the joint Commonwealth and State government $741 million Resilient Homes Fund. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen

Ipswich City Council will announce their extended work on flood recovery in its upcoming 2024-25 budget this Thursday.

The 2022 floods caused devastating impacts on almost 600 homes and 300 businesses across Ipswich in February.

Another wave of flooding affected the community again in May.

Two years later, Infrastructure, Planning and Assets Committee Chairman Andrew Antoniolli said 161 properties were purchased under the flood buyback program, with most already returned to green space.

“Community consultation will soon commence for the potential future use of these sites,” he said.

The program will be extended to 2026.

Heavy machinery and specialist crews begin demolishing houses in Enid St, Goodna on January 24, 2023, that were among the first bought through the joint Commonwealth and State government $741 million Resilient Homes Fund. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen

Cr Antoniolli said 400 recovery and resilience projects were completed, costing the council more than $100 million.

“Around $20 million has been spent on the reconstruction of roads, drainage and street lighting and a further $12 million on parks, community and sports facilities,” he said.

“Council moved quickly to contain the damage and is nearing the completion of this major flood resilience improvement and recovery program.

“The final 200 flood recovery projects are planned for this financial year.”

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

Works on Colleges Crossing Recreation Reserve, Goodna Cultural and Community Arts Centre and Blue Gum Reserve are expected to be completed in late 2024.

Council will also finish repairing damaged sealed roads by the end of the year.

After passing the bill to remove overwater structures in River Heart Parklands last Thursday, the council will carry out community consultation.
Council will also remove more than 5000 sqm of silt in Robelle Domain lagoon, Springfield Central.

Originally published as Ipswich City Council to administer extended voluntary home buyback program