Ti Tree Bioenergy Funding

About the Ti Tree Bioenergy Payments

As part of the Planning and Environment Court judgment, a development condition required Ti Tree Bioenergy to pay Ipswich City Council an annual fee based on the greater of:

  • a minimum annual fee; or
  • a per-tonne charge on waste disposed of (initially set at $1 per tonne),

with the per-tonne charge increasing each year in line with annual gate rate increases.

These funds were legally required to be used by council on projects that delivered community and environmental benefit to offset any impacts from the facility. The operators of the waste facility have maintained their enthusiasm in helping or contributing to the local community using these funds. At the time, this was a unique arrangement in Queensland for a waste management facility working with a council. 

Governance and Transparency

In 2020 there were significant changes to how Ti Tree Bioenergy payments were allocated and distributed. New Eligibility and Assessment Criteria were developed, focused on improved reporting processes and transparency. This included assessment criteria for proposed community project to provide a clear and rigorous process for approving projects and ensuring they provide the required community and environmental benefits. 

Read the Eligibility and Assessment Criteria(PDF, 1005KB)

Proposing a project

There are two 'streams' for projects to be funded through the Ti Tree Bioenergy Payments:

  • Ti Tree Bioenergy Funding - Community members can propose projects for council to deliver on council owned or managed land
  • Ti Tree Community Fund - Community members can apply for funding for individuals or groups to deliver projects themselves (first round opening March 2026). 

More information is on the Ti Tree Bioenergy Funding page on council's Shape Your Ipswich platform. 

See more on Shape Your Ipswich

Financial Information

The below data outlines the project revenue and project delivery costs associated with Ti Tree Bioenergy funding. The data is updated every six months, from the beginning and middle of each financial year.

Please note: Ti Tree contributions were accrued during the governance review and 2017-2018 financial year while Ipswich City Council was under administration.

The graphs are interactive, so hover your mouse or click on data to see more information. You can also click the arrows < > at the bottom of the dashboard to explore the data in depth, or click the arrow in the bottom right corner of the dashboard to see data in full-screen mode.

Explore Projects

These projects have been made possible through the Ti Tree Bioenergy funding. They are selected based on criteria that demonstrate community and environmental outcomes including:

  • improved flora and fauna habitat within the locality of the Ti Tree Bioenergy facility
  • improved catchment health or water quality through waterway improvement or stabilisation
  • offsets social impacts of the facility upon the local community of the facility or where it can be demonstrated by the wider community
  • offsets environmental and amenity impacts of the facility.

View project mapProjects Throughout Ipswich City

Click on the interactive map to view completed, current and newly approved projects across Ipswich.

Each project listed is made possible through the Ti Tree Bioenergy funding.

Be sure to click the Legend in the left corner of the map to view a complete list of projects or to explore a specific project.

Ongoing projects

Paynes Road, Ebenezer Koala Reserve (long term project)

Establishing a community and Koala Nature Reserve and a future industry buffer

 

Completed actions include:

  • Mapping walking tracks and proposed amenity locations
  • Installation of perimeter fencing
  • Masterplan
  • Ecological assessment.

Ongoing actions include

  • Weeding and assisted natural regeneration
  • Existing track maintenance and new track identification and construction 
  • Walking track installation
  • Concept design

NB Queensland Government and Local officers have recorded Koala sightings in the reserve.

Wetland and waterway restoration on Bremer River and Warrill Creek (long term project)

Waterway and wetlands rehabilitation in the Warrill/Bremer Catchments

 

 Weed works at:
  • Evans Road Reserve, Thagoona
  • Banyula Road Reserve, Thagoona
  • Pindari Drive Reserve, Thagoona

Planting within the Bremer River intertidal zone between David Trumpy Bridge and Bob Gamble Park, Ipswich (completed - in maintenance phase).

Future planting and weeding works at:

  • George Hatchment Bush Reserve, Willowbank
  • Mack Family Bush Reserve, Willowbank
  • McGeary’s Road Reserve, Rosewood
  • Armstrong Park, Rosewood
  • Five Mile Creek Park, Walloon

Fauna movement and signage

Install fixed wildlife signage in Willowbank and surrounds

Installation of signage and road markings (completed)

City-wide investigation of speed awareness monitors where roads intersect mapped wildlife corridors

Coopers Road Project

New footpath between Willowbank Drive and Cunningham Highway

Concept design and detailed design (completed)

Delivery of the project to be completed by late June 2027

Ti Tree Bioenergy Community Fund

Investigation into the development of the Ti Tree Bioenergy Community Fund

Eligible applicants can receive up to $15,000 for projects that mitigate the real and/or perceived social and/or environmental impacts of the Ti Tree Bioenergy Facility

Rounds open for applications in March and September each year. See Ipswich.qld.gld.gov.au/funding

Rosewood Football Club, Caledonian Park, Thagoona

 Sustainable amenities project

 

 Develop a design to replace outdated long-drop toilets at Rosewood Football Club with a modern and sustainable amenities block.

Project commenced 1 July 2026, for completion by 30 June 2027.

 Local Environmental Research Bursary 

 

 Through the funds consider offering a local, Ipswich-based, student a bursary or scholarship to research a local Environmental or waste matter, the finding or outcomes of which can help improve management practices or processes locally.

Remains under investigation.

Initial feasibility and investigation into the bursary are required to determine how it is to be managed and governed.

Stone Quarry Cemetery

Master planning and signage

Hedges to separate denominational areas

 

 Enhancing the cemetery with signage for denominational areas, historical context, and notable individuals, and explore options for a memorial walk and columbarium wall—either through a master plan or as standalone improvements.

Introduce hedges to define denominational sections, improve amenity, and attract wildlife, with community support and careful planning to ensure suitable local plant species and successful establishment.

Master planning commenced 1 July 2026. For completion by 30 June 2027.

Works to be commenced from 1 July 2027.

 Fire in Melaleuca irbyana (Ti-tree)

Research project

 A research project that aims to explore the effects of planned burning on land where critically endangered Melaleuca irbyana vegetation exists, addressing a major gap in fire management knowledge.

ICC aims improve conservation and fire strategies for this unique ecosystem that’s local to Willowbank and surrounds.

Remains under investigation.

 Restoration of koala habitat

 Targeted removal of invasive tree species at Eugene Street Reserve

The Eugene Street Reserve project aims to restore native biodiversity by removing invasive trees threatening Koala habitat and rainforest ecosystems, with long-term stewardship led by a local ecologist and Bushcare group.

Project commenced 1 July 2026. For completion by 30 June 2027.

 

Artificial wetland development

 Within the Ipswich Local Government Area

 Identification and development of artificial wetlands across the city with a focus of locations within 10km of Willowbank.

This includes the establishment of habitat to support key flora and fauna species. The project should also consider supporting of nature-based recreation opportunities. This is the long-term project.

Remains under investigation.

 

2026-2027 approved projects

Melaleuca irbyana planting

Warrill Park Lawn Cemetery

Propagate and plant Melaleuca irbyana, a critically endangered ecosystem, using locally collected seed. The project enhances biodiversity, habitat connectivity, and community involvement in conservation. Includes 3 years of establishment and maintenance.

Project deferred for commencement from 1 July 2027.

Pavement improvements & tree planting

Stone Quarry Road, Ebenezer

 

Install chip seal on road surface and landscape the entry road to Stone Quarry Cemetery to improve aesthetics and address degradation. Tree planting and surface upgrades enhance amenity and community perceptions.

Commenced 1 July 2026 to be completed before 30 June 2027.

Post, rail barrier and gate installation

Albert Theaker Park, Willowbank

Install approximately 400m of bollards and rails, 2 lockable gates and the installation of prohibited camping signs to eliminate unauthorised camping and increase park amenity at Albert Theaker Park.

Commenced 1 July 2026 to be completed before 30 June 2027.

Local bushland reserve security & access

Reserves in Willowbank, Rosewood, One Mile, Purga, Walloon & Thagoona.

Upgrade access, safety, and security across multiple local bushland reserves through tracks, bridges, fencing, signage, and gates. The works improve environmental management, community safety, and stewardship beyond existing service levels.

Project commencing from 1 July 2026 and ongoing.

Wild grass medley

Various locations

Restore depleted native seedbanks in Council bushland reserves by reintroducing locally sourced grasses and groundcovers following long-term lantana infestation. The project improves habitat quality, soil health, and long-term ecosystem resilience beyond standard weed removal.

Project commencing from 1 July 2026 and ongoing.

Mary River Cod fingerlings

Various locations

Reintroduce endangered Mary River cod to suitable Ipswich waterways to restore an apex predator and rebalance aquatic ecosystems. The project supports species recovery, controls invasive fish, and provides long-term biodiversity, cultural, and recreational benefits.

Project commencing from 1 July 2026 and ongoing.

Removal of non-organic waste from Ipswich waterways

Ongoing removal of plastics, tyres, metals, and other non-organic waste from waterways as an offset to Ti Tree impacts. This improves water quality, biodiversity, safety, flood capacity, and community amenity.

Project commencing from 1 July 2026 and ongoing.

Land acquisition for conservation

Purchase ecologically valuable land for permanent conservation, prioritising wildlife corridors and land adjoining existing reserves. The project delivers long-term biodiversity protection and reduces future development pressure. Approval was subject to governance arrangements for acquisition, maintenance, and ensuring any future land sale proceeds return to the Ti Tree fund.

Project to commence as opportunities arise.

Jamboree Park

Collingwood Park environmental project

 

Restore degraded creek and parkland areas to improve water flow, reduce invasive species, and enhance habitat, revitalising a key local green space. There is potential for the site to benefit from a masterplan in the future to develop the site.  Include 3 year maintenance on plantings.

Project deferred for commencement from 1 July 2027.

Waste tyre amnesty

Within the Ipswich Local Government Area

Provide a resident-focused tyre disposal amnesty (e.g. free disposal of a limited amount of tyres per year per resident) to reduce illegal dumping and support responsible recycling. Project is subject to further feasibility, resident‑only limits, industry consultation, and safeguards to prevent commercial misuse or unsafe stockpiling.

Project commencing from 1 July 2026 and ongoing.

Reconnecting a green corridor on Six Mile Creek

Walden St Reserve, Redbank Plains

Restore degraded creek corridor habitat through revegetation, weed control, signage, and improvement of biodiversity and community connection. Include 3 year maintenance.

Project deferred for commencement from 1 July 2027.

Cane toad reduction program

Ipswich local reserves with high cane toad populations

Suppress cane toad populations at selected council conservation sites using adult capture and tadpole trapping. The program supports native frog and wildlife recovery while providing education, monitoring, and community engagement benefits.

Project deferred for commencement from 1 July 2027

 'Fish of the Bremer'- aquarium display

Queens Park Environmental Education Centre

Install a native fish aquarium e showcasing species from the Bremer catchment. The display promotes waterway education, improves perceptions of river health, and supports long-term environmental learning.

Commenced 1 July 2026 to be completed before 30 June 2027.

Heit Family Park masterplan and implementation

Masterplan for the park to consider the recently submitted project proposals and beyond including toilets, pathways, recreational facilities and other embellishments. The masterplan will engage all relevant stakeholders to ensure it is considerate of the city plan and future maintenance requirements.

Masterplan commenced 1 July 2026 to be completed before 30 June 2027. Execution of masterplan to commence from 1 July 2027.

 Bush Kindy community project  Deliver inclusive nature-based early childhood programs in local parks to build environmental literacy and community connection. Increase positive activation and stewardship of green spaces.
Project deferred for commencement from 1 July 2027.

Willowbank Raceway/Theaker Park Entrance

Champions Way, Willowbank

Upgrade the shared entrance affected by heavy vehicle use to improve safety, access, and amenity in coordination with Champions Way works.

Project in investigation stage.

Cricket nets synthetic grass project

 Stallard Park, Yamanto

Upgrade existing cricket nets at Stallard Park by installing synthetic grass over concrete surfaces. The works improve safety, amenity, and community use while activating the park for local recreation.

Commenced 1 July 2026 to be completed before 30 June 2027.

Multi-sport goals

Stallard Park, Yamanto

Replace standard basketball hoops with dual-use basketball and small-sided soccer/futsal systems to increase court versatility. The upgrade supports greater participation, inclusive recreation, and improved facility functionality.

Clear demand analysis, asset‑owner endorsement, lifecycle maintenance impacts, and potential noise issues to be considered prior to project commencement.

Commenced 1 July 2026 to be completed before 30 June 2027.

Resurface half court and replace hoops

Marburg Community Oval

Resurface the existing court and installs a new basketball hoop at a key community recreation site. The project improves safety, usability, and visual appeal for local residents.

This project was supported on the grounds that it is not routine maintenance already planned or funded through other Council programs.

Commenced 1 July 2026 to be completed before 30 June 2027.

New modern electronic WAG information sign

Heit Park, Willowbank.

Replaces an outdated static sign with a modern electronic display to improve community communication and local information sharing.

Project is subject to planning approval, ICT and power requirements, governance arrangements, and clarity on ongoing maintenance.

Commenced 1 July 2026 to be completed before 30 June 2027.