Three tonnes of rubbish removed from Ipswich waterways
10 April 2025
Ipswich City Council’s post-cyclone clean-up has hit another milestone, with more than three tonnes of rubbish and debris removed from Ipswich waterways.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said council contractors had removed debris over four days across several locations following recent flooding.
“Our waterways are vital to the wellbeing of our region, people and wildlife, and following the flooding caused by ex-tropical cyclone Alfred, the waterways needed a cleanup,” Mayor Harding said.
“The cleanup efforts were focused on parts of the Brisbane River and the Bremer River, with collection boats launching from Richardson Park at Goodna to access these reaches.
“Crews removed as much debris as they could before putting them in council skip bins, which were then disposed of by council’s resource recovery team.
“Although a significant amount of rubbish was removed, there were some challenges due to recent rainfall with the water being high and cloudy.”
Environment and Sustainability Committee Chairperson Councillor Jim Madden said the clean-up effort was in addition to council’s regular initiatives to keep the Ipswich waterways clear of floating rubbish.
“In addition to removing general rubbish from the waterways, the crews also removed wheelie bins, building materials, irrigation pipes, mattresses, whitegoods, car tyres and polystyrene,” Cr Madden said.
“It is safe to say that not all of this rubbish washed into the river due to flooding, so I would like to take this opportunity to remind residents to be responsible and to care for our waterways.
“Littering and dumping not only makes our city and natural areas look dirty and uncared for, it can also have significant adverse health, safety, financial and environmental impacts.
“If you see littering or illegal dumping, please report it so it can be stopped.”