Ipswich Nature Centre visitors can enjoy a smoother stroll while seeing its beloved animals, with the northern boardwalk upgraded as part of an ongoing major refurbishment of South East Queensland’s only free zoo.
Division 3 Councillor Marnie Doyle said the completion of the northern boardwalk upgrade is a milestone in the delivery of the wider $3.6 million Ipswich Nature Centre refurbishment project, with several popular animal enclosures now reopened.
“The ongoing rejuvenation of the Ipswich Nature Centre is a huge boost for the city, improving the experience of the 160,000 yearly visitors to the cherished landmark,” Cr Doyle said.
“About 130 metres of the timber boardwalk on the centre’s northern side has been demolished after reaching the end of its life.
“This part of the trail has been rebuilt three metres wide with composite material which is durable, non-slip and easier to clean, ensuring the journey through Ipswich Nature Centre is safe and comfortable for people of all ages and abilities.
“The completion of this part of the refurbishment means visitors can once again view enclosures which were temporarily inaccessible.
“This includes the barnyard and aviary, as well as enclosures for dingoes, cockatoos and wallabies. Enclosures for emus, kangaroos, wedge-tailed eagle, bilbies and more remain open.
“The main entry has also reopened, while there is a new concrete pathway for the aviary, plus minor upgrades to some enclosures.”
Division 3 Councillor Andrew Antoniolli said the next stage of the Ipswich Nature Centre refurbishment was the ongoing construction of the new animal care facility.
“The old facilities have been demolished to make way for a state-of-the-art animal welfare centre with improved zoological and biosecurity capabilities, with the design allowing for visitors to catch a glimpse of this important behind-the-scenes work,” Cr Antoniolli said.
“The expected completion date is in early 2027. While this work is ongoing, there will continue to be a closure of a small part of the trail loop, however enclosures are accessible. I thank visitors for their patience during any disruptions.
“Opening in 1936 in the historic Queens Park, Ipswich Nature Centre has long been one of our most popular attractions as a place nurturing our love of the natural environment for generations.
“These works will ensure Ipswich Nature Centre remains a hub of environmental conservation and education for many years to come.”
The Ipswich Nature Centre boardwalk upgrade was partially funded following a penalty of more than $600,000 being handed down in 2024 to a waste operator, which included a $190,000 public benefit order to contribute to the upgrades, as a result of the State prosecuting the company for a number of offences, including in relation to unlawfully causing an odour nuisance. The public benefit order ensured Ipswich residents would directly benefit following the offences.
The company pleaded guilty to seven offences of contravening a condition of an Environmental Authority relating to a significant odour nuisance impacting multiple suburbs following floods in 2022. The charges were brought by the state’s environmental regulator, the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) after an investigation.
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