Celebrating culture and heritage in the Ipswich CBD redevelopment

Members of Ipswich’s Indigenous community will be able to have their say on how developers can incorporate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural elements into the new Nicholas Street development in the Ipswich CBD.

A new Indigenous Community Cultural Consultation office opens today (from 24 Sept- 4 Oct) in the former Ipswich City Plaza for a two-week period, giving all members of local Indigenous communities the chance to put forward ideas and suggestions on how cultural elements could best be reflected in the new CBD.

Several inner-city centres around Australia have successfully incorporated Indigenous culture in their new developments and major refurbishments, from the inclusion of significant artworks, to the design of paving or embracing traditional Indigenous place names, the shape of shade structures and more.

Yagan Square in Perth’s new city heart has been cited as a good example of incorporating and including Indigenous cultural elements as an important part of its overall design.

Yagan Square, named for the Noongar leader, features a digital tower which symbolises the reeds once found on the site and the 14 Noongar language groups, as well as an undulating canopy design which reflects the original rivers of the land, native landscaping and tracks which acknowledge the area’s history as a place of hunting and gathering.

Council’s Native Title and Cultural Heritage Officer Tina Longford said that it was important that culturally appropriate elements were included in the final design, to create a sense of place and identity for all Ipswich residents.

“Thoughtful and respectful cultural inclusion will provide an accurate reflection of the city’s changing identity, and help to create a sense of inclusion and equality for every member of the community,” she said.

“Cities around the world have often ignored the importance of representing the culture and history of its First Nation peoples, a practice which can lead to a sense of isolation or exclusion within Indigenous communities.

“By including carefully curated traditional arts and cultural elements to Nicholas Street, council has an unprecedented opportunity to provide a safe and inclusive space which is both representative and respected by all members of the city’s diverse community.”

An experienced Indigenous consultant will be onsite during the pop-up to meet with members of the community and to uncover the preferred cultural elements that council could include in the design and vision of the CBD project.

Council has engaged the services of Nancy Bamaga, founder and CEO of Black Drum Productions, to undertake the Indigenous consultation process.

Road works are anticipated to finish ahead of schedule, and Ipswich Central’s expansive new civic space and library slated to open before mid-next year.

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