Images of natural landmarks in the Picture Ipswich archives have been placed alongside current photos, as the city celebrates 25 years of the Enviroplan Program.
The comparisons show the interesting history of Ipswich’s natural areas, as well as tracking significant changes over the past 100+ years and, more recently, since the launch of Enviroplan in 1996.
White Rock now
A century of selfies
Fashion has changed since the 1920s, but a posed photo at White Rock – Spring Mountain Conservation Estate has never gone out of style.
These days thousands of people visit the Enviroplan estate each month, and it’s one of the city’s most photographed features.
The Traditional Owners request that visitors respect their cultural beliefs and resist the temptation to climb to the summit of White Rock.
Spring Mountain now
Group adventures in the great outdoors
The famous Jones family of Redbank Plains also liked to scale the rocky terrain and take photos at what is today White Rock – Spring Mountain Conservation Estate.
Nowadays the Enviroplan estate is much more accessible, with established trails and facilities. Guided tours with Experience Nature also provide an insight to this conservation area.
The best view in town
Denmark Hill’s history has included mining and fossil-finding, but today the Denmark Hill Conservation Reserve is an Enviroplan wildlife sanctuary in the heart of Ipswich CBD.
One thing hasn’t changed – Denmark Hill is still one of the most spectacular spots for a panoramic view of Ipswich. Landmarks such as St Mary’s Church have stood the test of time over the past 100 years.
From eyesore to natural beauty
The former Haig Street Quarry is unrecognisable from its days as a gravel reserve. The area, disused since the 1950s, was handed over to Ipswich City Council for conservation in 1989.
Through Enviroplan, council took a dusty and empty old quarry site and transformed it into a scenic eucalypt forest with tranquil pond. Now it’s the popular Haig Street Quarry Conservation Reserve.
Clearing lantana now
Restoring the natural order
As Ipswich and surrounding townships grew during the 1800s and 1900s, significant amounts of natural vegetation were cleared to make way for farming.
Enviroplan funding has allowed council to worked hard to restore vegetation in high-value conservation areas. Properties in key strategic areas have been purchased and re-planted, creating vital wildlife areas such as the Flinders – Goolman Conservation Estate.
Clearing does continue in these conservation areas – but today it’s to control invasive and introduced weeds such as Lantana.
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Council will celebrate 25 years of Enviroplan on 28 August, opening the new Hardings Hub and convening EnviroForum 2021 at the Flinders-Goolman Conservation Estate.
Earlybird tickets are available now for EnviroForum 2021, celebrating 25 years of Ipswich’s conservation achievements through Enviroplan.
Join expert speakers at Hardings Paddock within the stunning Flinders-Goolman Conservation Estate on Saturday 28 August.
For tickets and details see Ipswich.qld.gov.au/enviroforum.
*This is a COVID safe event. Tickets will be refunded if event cancelled due to COVID lockdown.
