Volunteers power tree-change for Ipswich urban areas
07 August 2025
Ipswich’s urban areas are set for a cool change when a national volunteer-based initiative, in partnership with Ipswich City Council, brings the benefits of urban forest to local neighbourhoods.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said council has partnered with Conservation Volunteers Australia to plant up to 15,000 shade and habitat-creating species over the next three years under their Urban Shade Forest Initiative.
“Ipswich City Council has signed on as the first council in Queensland to partner with Conservation Volunteers Australia for its Urban Shade Forest Initiative,” Mayor Harding said.
“The initiative focuses on planting larger shrub and tree species to increase the amount of canopy cover and vegetation in urban areas, prioritising neighbourhoods at risk of urban warming impacts.
“These native species of plants, once established, will support more resilient and liveable neighbourhoods by providing shade to protect from heat, improving habitat for wildlife, beautifying our suburbs and improving amenity.
“Projects like this contribute to the enhancement of the biodiversity and waterway health in our urban areas – which is a core part of council’s Natural Environment Strategy as well as our Urban Greening Plan.”
Environment and Sustainability Committee Chairperson Councillor Jim Madden said two sites would be targeted this year.
“Trees will be planted in Small Creek at Raceview and Jack Barkley Park at North Booval, including community planting events where local residents can join dozens of volunteers to help to make a difference,” Cr Madden said.
“Our partnership includes ongoing site maintenance, to give these trees the best chance at a long and healthy life and create the full benefits shade and habitat.”
“The first community planting event will be at Small Creek, Raceview on Saturday 16 August, I encourage residents to come and play a part.”
Conservation Volunteers Australia’s Project Manager, Teresa Gustowski, said healthy urban forests were increasingly vital as summers grow hotter and heatwaves last longer.
“The good news is that even small pockets of greenery in urban spaces can make a big difference,” Ms Gustowski said.
“As well as providing cooling shade, green spaces also capture carbon, provide us with oxygen and offer a boost to our mental and physical wellbeing.
“We are excited to extend this initiative into Queensland by partnering with Ipswich City Council, and we warmly invite the community to help plant these forests to be enjoyed for generations to come.
“Since launching our Urban Shade Forest project in 2022 with founding partner Chevron Australia and their premium fuel brand Caltex, we have planted more than 20,000 native seedlings across Australia.”
For more information, visit https://conservationvolunteers.info/USFIpswich
Ipswich City Council respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners, the Jagera, Yuggera and Ugarapul people of the Yugara/Yagara Language Group, as custodians of the land and waters we share. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, as the keepers of the traditions, customs, cultures and stories of proud peoples.