More than a century after swamp lilies were first recorded growing along the banks of the Bremer River, a new planting project is helping return the native species to its historic home.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said Ipswich City Council is proud to support the planting of 1,800 Crinum pedunculatum, commonly known as swamp lily, along the Bremer River through council’s Ti Tree Bioenergy Funding program.
“This project, proposed by local resident Jesper Nielsen, will help restore a species once familiar along the Bremer River, while also improving the health and appearance of the riverbank,” Mayor Harding said.
“Swamp lily is a local native species well suited to the muddy tidal edges of the river, where it can help improve bank stability, support habitat and add seasonal beauty to the landscape.”
Council’s Ti Tree Bioenergy Funding Program supports individuals, community groups and businesses to deliver projects to improve their local community and environment.
Ipswich resident Jesper Nielsen said he proposed the project to both protect and beautify the banks of the Bremer River.
“The mass planting will help improve bank stability, reduce erosion, offer habitat for aquatic and terrestrial fauna, and compete with aquatic weed species,” Mr Neilsen said.
“As well as the environmental benefits, these hardy plants produce striking white flowers in spring that will bring colour and vibrancy to the riverbanks.”
Historical records suggest swamp lilies were once a familiar sight along the Bremer River, giving the planting project both environmental and cultural significance.
Excerpts from The Bremer River by Robyn Buchanan include reflections from early residents. An entry from Tom Barker recalled that “the most prominent trees in the Town Reach in the 1850s and 1860s were Eucalypts and Crow’s Ash… lillies grew along the water’s edge, and creepers trailed into the river.”
Mayor Harding said the project was a good example of council, industry and the community working together to care for the Bremer River.
“Council’s Ti Tree Bioenergy Funding Program continues to deliver important projects that benefit our natural environment,” Mayor Harding said.
“In the coming financial year, council has approved 20 new projects under the program, including $150,000 allocated to restoring degraded creek and parklands in Jamboree Park, in Collingwood Park, and another $150,000 to reconnect a green corridor on Six Mile Creek at Walden Street Reserve in Redbank Plains.
“A further $1 million has been allocated to Heit Family Park in Willowbank, to develop and implement a masterplan for the park.
“This five-year project will develop and implement the masterplan that may include toilets, pathways, recreational facilities and other improvements suggested by the community to date.
“I’m pleased to see funding from the Ti Tree Bioenergy Funding Program continuing to deliver a cleaner, greener Ipswich for all to enjoy.”
For more information about the Ti Tree Bioenergy Funding Program, including projects funded by the program, visit council’s website.
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