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.

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 quarter of the pre-European bushland remains in south-east Queensland, with the other three quarters cleared for agriculture, pasture and urban development.

There are over 2,000 recorded species of native plants and animals in Ipswich, including numerous rare and threatened species.

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
Nature based 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, educational material and technical support for conservation management within each agreement area. The level and type of support is negotiated on a case by case basis.

Management

The sustainable management of public and private land is critical to the future of the natural resources within Ipswich City. This program funds management and maintenance of Council's Conservation Estates and Bushland Reserves.

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.

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

All Enviroplan activities and initiatives are funded by the Enviroplan Levy.

For more information on any of the above please contact Council on (07) 3810 6666.

Last Updated 12 Dec 2011 |

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