IPSWICH is Queensland’s fastest growing city, with a population that is forecast to more than double in the coming decades.
Ipswich households generate on average about one tonne of waste and recyclables each year.
By 2031 it is expected that Ipswich households will generate more than 175,000 tonnes of the same material.
With such growth it is crucial for Council to responsibly manage waste and resource recovery services and infrastructure.
In 2021, Council received funding under the SEQ Community Stimulus Program for the upgrade of its two refuse and recycling centres at Rosewood and Riverview.
As part of these upgrades, Council is looking at opportunities to enhance the facilities to meet ongoing population growth and community demands for improved waste management and recycling.
One option being considered is a new resource recovery and recycling facility for the benefit of the western part of the Ipswich region.
The facility would serve as a collection point for a variety of recyclable material and green waste, with the ability for residents to drop off household waste.
Any material collected on site will then be transferred offsite for processing. No material will be disposed of at the new site.
The current location at Rosewood presents numerous challenges including a limited site size, lack of amenities and the high cost of redeveloping the facility to suit modern standards that will continue providing an excellent customer experience.
Various sites are under consideration and further assessments are underway to determine feasibility of the sites for a potential development of a new resource recovery facility.
Council has made no decision to proceed with a particular site at this stage.
As part of the feasibility study, koala habitat, ecological and cultural values, waterways and wetlands, land use and zoning will all be taken into consideration, as well as impacts on traffic and neighbouring properties.
Most importantly, Council will conduct thorough community consultation on suitable options prior to any decision on a site and/or upgrade to ensure residents have the opportunity to provide feedback.
Council will explore all potential options to deliver the best outcome for the community, and ensure we are adequately catering for our growing population.
It is important to note that Council has made no decision on the future use of the property at Calvert or potential upgrades to a Rosewood facility, as it awaits the outcome of its current investigations.
Council understands there is speculation about the purchase or lease of an adjacent block.
However, Council is not involved in the purchase or lease of this site.
— Mayor Teresa Harding, Ipswich.
