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Ipswich
plus Gatton, Esk and District
This page is intended to cover gardening news and resources specific to this area. For more general information about gardening in Qld, check the menu at left or try the Site Search
News
Overgrown Ipswich
Ipswich City Council has responded to widespread concern about unmown grass by undertaking to review staff and contractor numbers and their seasonal schedules. Workers have struggled to keep up after recent rains and the Council has been "swamped" with requests for urgent mowing of footpaths and parks, including a 900-signature petition from Redbank Plains. Many residents are worried about snakes and other dangerous wildlife. Source: Council listens to residents’ concerns about overgrown parks and reserves (February 2021)
Community LINKS
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Suburbs and regions included: Goodna, Gailes, Collingwood Park, Camira, Bellbird Park, Redbank Plains, New Chum, Ebbw Vale, Bundamba, Blackstone, Silkstone, Booval, East Ipswich, Newtown, Eastern Heights, Raceview, Flinders View, Basin Pocket, North Ipswich, Woodend, Sadliers Crossing, Coalfalls, Brassall, Wulkuraka, West Ipswich, Leichhardt, Churchill, Yamanto, Amberley, Karrabin, Chuwar, Kholo, Pine Mountain, Blacksoil, Woodend, Walloon, Fernvale, Marburg, Haigslea, Rosewood, Boralton, Wanora, Loamside, Ripley, Ebenezer, Calvert, Laidley, Minden, Hatton Vale, Plainland, Glenore Grove, Brightview, Lowood, Coominya, Gatton, Esk, Laidley, Helidon, Withcott, Harrisville, Peak Crossing.
Older News
Some older news is retained here as it still may be of interest to residents of the Ipswich area, even though the links probably don't work any moreIpswich preserves an original resident
Ipswich City Council has preserved a huge Eucalyptus tereticornis (Queensland Blue Gum or Forest Red Gum) by during an upgrade to Riverside Drive at Pine Mountain. A low pressure sucker vac was used to locate the root plate of the 35 metre high tree, allowing a concrete floodway to be modified to avoid damage. Council has undertaken to maintain the specimen, an original tree of the area which managed to escape the timber industry. Source: Health of 'pioneer' Blue Gum a priority during roadworks (December 2017)
Beautiful Ipswich
Launched by Ipswich City Council in December 2016, the Beautiful Ipswich initiative aims to develop local pride and community participation for a "greener and cleaner" city. Collingwood Park and Riverview were selected as pilot suburbs. Council reports "incredible community support", with tree planting and a major project at Jamboree Park underway. Residents interested in becoming involved can learn more at Beautiful Ipswich on the Ipswich City Council website. If you live in Collingwood Park or Riverview, you may wish to contribute your suggestions for the direction of future work via the online survey. There's also a survey (via the projects page) on the future of Rod and Denice Strong Park. (September, 2017)
Ipswich backs beautification
The Beautiful Ipswich program launched by Ipswich City Council is intended to develop local pride and community participation for a "greener and cleaner" city. It will begin with park and street landscaping and suburb entry statements in Collingwood Park and Riverview. Pathways and waterways will be a priority. Residents will also be encouraged to request street trees for outside their properties. Source: Beautiful Ipswich initiative will spruce up suburbs (December 2016)
Bougainvillea landmark to go
An much-loved bougainvillea on Redbank Plains Road, Ipswich is to be removed as part of a road upgrade. However, Ipswich City Council will be taking cuttings. Plants will be made available to the public at future mobile nursery events, allowing the local landmark to establish a new generation in neighborhood gardens. Source: Plant a piece of Ipswich's iconic bougainvillea (October 2016)
Park trees poisoned
Rapid deterioration of six Ficus microcarpa var hillii in Queens Park, Ipswich indicate deliberate poisoning. Efforts to save the century-old trees have failed, leaving no choice but to remove them for safety reasons. Two other trees in the park were lost a year ago under similar circumstance. Anyone with information regarding these crimes are urged to come forward. (August 2016)
Rosewood bottle tree on the move
A Queensland Bottle Tree (Brachychiton rupestris) which has outgrown its current Rosewood address has been donated to the nearby Cobb and Co Heritage Park. The approximately 60-year old tree is expected to live hundreds of years more in its new location. This iconic species will enhance the heritage theme of the park while providing visitors with shade and beauty. Source: Rosewood tree to be given new lease of life (April 2015)
Skills grow in Ipswich prison
An agreement Ipswich City Council and Arthur Gorrie Correctional Centre will see plants for the council's free plant program being produced by prisoners. This is part of horticultural training, overseen by a TAFE teacher, designed to give inmates meaningful activity and new vocational skills. Source: Prisoners grow plants for Ipswich (February 2015)
Ipswich tough on mossie breeders
A local business owner has been taken to court by Ipswich City Council for failure to comply with directions to clean up mosquito breeding sites. Source: $550 fine is a warning to others (March 2014)
Ipswich garden comp winner announced
Find out who won Ipswich's Best Garden Competition 2012 at the Trevallan Lifestyle Centre blog: trevallan.blogspot.com.au/2012/06/trevallans-search-is-over.html.
Fireants infest Summerholm by air
Genetic analysis fire ants detected at Summerholm suggests the infestation was started by a queen flying from Rosewood, some 10km away: Vigilant landowner identifies new fire ant nest in the Valley (August 2012)
Somerset supports Land for WildlifeSomerset Regional Council will be joining the Land for Wildlife program for 2011-2015 period, funding activities such as property assessments and community field days and helping landowners learn how to protect flora and fauna on their properties. More at the council's website: Land for wildlife program back in the Somerset region (October 2011)
Kholo Gardens restoration has many benefits
Badly damaged in the January floods, Kholo Gardens are to be restored through a partnership of Ipswich City Council, Powerlink Greenworks Program and Boys Town. Besides the general ecological and community benefits that removal of debris, re-establishment of walking tracks and erosion stabilisation will provide, the project will mean eight paid jobs and accredited training for young people. Source: Partnership to restore Kholo Gardens (September 2011)
Fire ants in Lockyer Valley
The first detection of a fire ant nest in the Lockyer Valley has occurred in Mulgowie (Prompt response to fire ant find to protect Lockyer Valley food bowl) Residents of the region are urged to be vigilent and report any suspect ants. More information at www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au
Plenty to do in new Ipswich parkland
Robelle Domain, a part of Springfield Central Parklands, has officially opened in Ipswich. The new facility includes a eucalypt tree-top walk, ampitheatre and a zero-depth wet play area for the children plus kilometres of walkways and boardwalks. Source: New $30 mil parklands officially open (May 2011)
Green waste bins for Ipswich
A green waste wheelie bin program will begin in Ipswich in September. The bins will be designed with air vents especially for the storage of organic matter. There will be a cost for the fortnightly collection. More information at Ipswich City Council website: Green light given for green waste bins (March 2011)
Gums should recover from caterpillar outbreak
Agri-Science Queensland has assured residents of the Boonah, Beaudesert, Lockyer Valley and Brisbane/Esk Valley regions that local gum trees attacked by a recent outbreak of caterpillars will recover. The gum leaf skeletoniser (Uraba lugens) can leave trees with a "bronzed" or "scorched" appearence. The large numbers have probably resulted from the weather conditions this winter and spring. Hotter temperatures should see numbers decrease. In the meantime, residents should avoid contact with the caterpillars, which can cause skin irritation. More from the DEEDI here: Caterpillar culprit of gum tree 'bronzing' (December, 2010)
Lockyer Valley Garden Winners
Winners of the 2010 Lockyer Valley Garden Competition can be viewed at the Lockyer Valley Regional Council website here: Lockyer Valley Garden Comp winners announced
Greenery a part of Bell Street improvements
Bell Street precinct, Ipswich, is to to receive an upgrade. Apart from increased bus exchange capacity and other improvements for commuters, there will be new street trees and additional landscaping. Source: $2.6 million kiss of life for Bell Street (October 2010)
Springfield Central Parklands - first stage open
Stage one of "the most significant parkland in south east Queensland for a generation" has been officially opened. Completed portion includes cycling and pedestrian paths, landscaped gardens. It forms part of Robelle Domain, a recreational hub that will contain an piazza, education centre, cultural displays, restaurants, picnic areas and playgrounds, complemented by lakes and water features. More from Ipswich City Council here: Springfield Central Parklands takes shape (December 2009)
Japanese Tea House officially opened
The mayors of Ipswich and sister city Nerima, Japan, participated in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony to mark the official opening of this new addition to Ipswich's Nerima Gardens. More at the Ipwich City Council website: Tea House opens in Nerima Gardens (November 2009).
Qld's first traditional Japanese Tea House nears completion
The Tea House in Nerima Gardens, Ipswich has been constructed using traditional designs, although with some concessions to the Australian environment. Ironbark timbers were used for protection against termites, and it will have a timber and glass exterior instead of rice paper. It's due to be officially opened on 12th of November, with a traditional tea ceremony. More information from Ipswich City Council: Nerima Tea House starts to take shape (October 2009)
Ipswich Tree relocation
To improve services and safety, an established fig in Bell Street will be relocated to provide additional space for buses. River Heart Parklands will be the tree's new home. More information: Bell Street fig to make way for more bus parking (May 2009)
New addition to Cameron's Scrub Reserve
Ipswich City council has increased the size of Cameron's Scrub Reserve with 13 hectares of land purchased with money from the Enviroplan Levy. This will increase recreational opportunities for residents as well help preserve significant animal and plant species. Source: Council increases Conservation Area at Pine Mountain (May 2009)
Ipswich native on critically endangered list
Notelaea ipsviciensis, also known as Cooneana Olive, has been officially recognised as critically endangered by the Threatened Species Scientific Committee. The plant occurs in the Ipswich suburbs of Dinmore and Ebbw Vale and only about 16 plants are known in the wild. It's a small, slow growing shrub that produces a purple fleshy fruit. More at Ipswich City Council website: Cooneana Olive on critically endangered list. (March 2009)
Ipswich looking for tree murder suspects
Three significant fig trees on Queen Victoria Parade, Ipswich have died, believed poisoned. A reward for information leading to successful conviction of the culprit is on offer. The Council is also asking the public for assistance in sourcing mature trees as replacements. More information at Ipswich City Council website: 90 year old figs poisoned - Council offers reward
Progress on Springfield Central Parkland
Ipswich City Council has announced that a project control group will be established to manage development of new "world class" parklands at Springfield Central. One of the group's tasks will be to come up with a final design, after consultation with the community. In addition to serving local residents, it's hoped that the parklands will attract tourists to the region. At 24 hectares, Springfield Central Parkland will be bigger than Roma Street Parklands. More information from Ipswich City Council: New group to progress Springfield Central parklands (March 2008)
Rosewood heritage tree gets extra care
A heritage-listed hoop pine (Araucaria cunninghamii) is receiving extra care from Ipswich City council to ensure that it is not further stressed by the drought. It's hoped that the tree, believed to be about 120 years old, will continue to enhance the main street of Rosewood for many more years to come. Hoop pines were once common it the area, but the council would be interested to hear from anyone who has information about the history of this particular tree. Read more from the Ipswich City Council here: Council works hard to preserve Rosewood hoop pine. (November 2007)
Stage 2 of Nerima Gardens Opened
Their 10th anniversary as sister cities was celebrated by Ipswich and Nerima, Japan, with the opening of Stage Two of Nerima Gardens. With assistance from Nerima, the Gardens have been designed to portray the landscape of the Ipswich region, but in the manner of a traditional Japanese garden.
Gardens on the way for Harrisville town centre
The garden beds constructed in Harrisville's Queen Street will be planted out with a cottage garden theme to compliment the town's hertiage buildings and enhance the appeal to visitors. "The current works are only the first stage in an ongoing plan to spruce up Harrisville and give it a new lease of life," said councillor David Pahlke. (August, 2004)
Historical significance of Ipswich Hoop Pine recognised
In 1899, Salvation Army founder General William Booth planted a Hoop Pine on the Canaan and Anchorage farm, Riverview. Now 105 years old, the tree has recently been designated as a Historical Marker as part of Ipswich City Council's Heritage Marker Program. Information from Ipswich City Council (January, 2004)
