COUNCIL will roll out a new heritage plan aimed at providing more protection to significant sites.
The Ipswich Heritage Plan 2025-2029 is a five-year strategy and is only the second of its type to be developed by a council in Queensland.
The plan sets out to protect the more than 7,000 protected places as the population doubles by 2046.
“Council takes seriously its role as a custodian of Ipswich heritage, whether it be as the trustee of heritage-listed buildings or through initiatives such as our Picture Ipswich website and our recent refurbishment of the 115-year-old Hotel Commonwealth in the Nicholas Street Precinct,” Mayor Teresa Harding said.
“Councillor Marnie Doyle initiated this plan; she has tirelessly advocated for our city’s heritage and worked closely with the council to form a management plan that honours and protects our heritage.”
Infrastructure, Planning and Assets Committee Chairman Andrew Antoniolli said a long-term proposal was in the pipeline for a permanent centre like a museum, incorporating an Indigenous cultural centre.
“Increasing awareness of the extent, value and significance of our heritage assets, particularly to younger Ipswich residents and our newest citizens, can only help efforts to protect them,” Councillor Antoniolli said.
“We want to avoid demolition by neglect, which is why the Heritage Plan outlines ways to assist community members in caring for heritage assets.
“That means looking at opportunities to upskill members of the community in heritage management, as well as providing them with expert advice and supporting volunteers and community groups who want to help protect Ipswich’s heritage.”
