Native plants with the power to soak up urban stormwater pollutants will feature in a project proposed for an Ipswich park.
Environment and Sustainability Committee Chairperson Councillor Jim Madden said the project at Heit Family Park in Willowbank, currently in design phase, was part of Ipswich City Council’s Off-site Stormwater Quality Improvement Program.
“The Off-site Stormwater Quality Improvement Program has a proven track record of delivering projects that use modern engineering and hundreds – if not thousands – of native plants,” Cr Madden said.
“These plants are selected for their ability to remove nutrients and pollutants that are harmful to our waterways.
“Other projects delivered under the program include the award-winning Small Creek naturalisation in Raceview, bioretention basins such as Bob Titcombe Park in Bundamba and constructed wetlands such as Jim Donald Park in Eastern Heights.”
Division 1 Councillor Pye Augustine said the project team would hold a community information pop-up stand on Friday, 13 February from 3pm to 5pm to share information about a concept for the project at Heit Family Park.
“At Heit Family Park in Willowbank, we are looking at options to transform an underground stormwater pipe into a lush natural area that filters nitrogen, phosphorous, sediment and other pollutants from the urban area before it enters Warrill Creek,” Cr Augustine said.
Division 1 Councillor Jacob Madsen said the Off-site Stormwater Quality Improvements Program was funded by voluntary payments from developers participating in the council program.
“Heit Family Park in Willowbank is an important and strategic location for delivering both stormwater quality improvements and other community and environmental benefits,” Councillor Madsen said.
For more information on the projects and community pop-ups, visit Ipswich.qld.gov.au/OSQIP
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