Ipswich City Council

Conservation

Enviroplan

The Ipswich Enviroplan is an initiative of Ipswich City Council. The Program aims to 'promote important environmental issues and provide innovative and effective programs for the safe keeping and management of this City's natural resources'.

Enviroplan Photographic Competition

Call for entries! Capture the opportunity to creatively promote the green spaces of Ipswich. Competition closes Friday 3 September 2008. Read more...

Ipswich's Natural Environment

Ipswich contains one of the most diverse ranges of natural vegetation types in south-east Queensland, including rainforest, dry vine forest, soft wood forest, open forests, woodlands, heathlands, wetlands and grasslands. These communities in turn support an equally diverse range of wildlife.

On average, about one third of the pre-European bushland remains in south-east Queensland, with the other two thirds cleared for agriculture, pasture and urban development.

There are presently 34 rare, endangered or vulnerable and 315 otherwise significant plant and animal species in Ipswich.

The Ipswich Enviroplan will ensure that Ipswich residents and visitors will continue to enjoy a Greener Quality Lifestyle for many years to come.

Enviroplan Components

The Ipswich Enviroplan is delivered through four major programs containing numerous individual components. These components are all interwoven which enables Council to deliver best practice natural resource management on both public and private land.

Voluntary Acquisition

A voluntary acquisition program has been established which allows Council to purchase critical areas of land that have:

Conservation landscape values,
presence of rare and threatened species,
water quality and catchment values,
aesthetic and ecological values, and
recreation values.

Voluntary Conservation Agreements (VCA's)

This is a formal agreement between a landowner and Council that ensures the protection and management of high conservation areas on private property. Three types of agreement exist to suit the requirements of individual landholders and their properties.

Nature Conservation Agreement (NCA)
Partnering Agreement (PA)
Vegetation Retention Agreement (VRA)

Through these agreements Council provides direct financial grants, material provisions and technical input for all approved agreements. The level and type of support is negotiated on a case by case basis. For more information about VCAs click here. (link)

Management

The sustainable management of public and private land is critical to the future of the natural resources within Ipswich City.

Private Land Support Programs

In recognition of this need for a partnership approach to private land management the Ipswich Enviroplan offers direct support through a range of initiatives including the Environmental Weed Control Rebate and Free Plant Program. For more information about Private Landholder support click here. (link)

Public Land Management

The Enviroplan ensures that the significant natural resources of the public estate are sustainably managed and secured for the future.

Planning

Flora and Fauna Surveys
Natural Resource Mapping
Ecosystem Assessment

Development

The Enviroplan provides for the development and enhancement of recently purchased and existing conservation areas, ensuring public access and facilities for nature based recreation.

Revegetation
Picnic Facilities
Signage
Walking trails
Board walks

Education and Awareness

One of the key issues in the conservation of Ipswich's natural areas, is the promotion of the significance of these natural areas and how best to manage them and the diversity they support.

Seminars, Workshops and Expos

An annual program of free seminars and expos funded through Enviroplan provides education and information regarding major urban and rural land management issues.

Publications

A range of brochures, booklets, fact sheets and posters have been produced promoting Enviroplan initiatives, activities and nature based recreation facilities. These publications are distributed free of charge.

Enviroplan Funding

The Ipswich Enviroplan is part of the Urban and Rural Greening Program within the Ipswich City Council Operational Plan. The Enviroplan complements other Council activities. All Enviroplan activities and initiatives are funded by the Enviroplan Levy.

Last Updated 16 Jun 2008 |

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