Enviroplan initiative responds to Ipswich’s changing conservation needs

04 December 2018

Improving the environmental values of our conservation estates will become a top priority for Ipswich City Council’s Enviroplan Initiative.

The successful 21-year initiative, funded by revenue raised by the environmental levy, will have a new policy and procedure to provide a stronger framework for Enviroplan to secure, manage and enhance land across the city for conservation values, as well as biodiversity and nature-based recreation.

Since the inception of Enviroplan in 1996 more than 6500ha of land has been purchased and consolidated within council conservation estates, including the largest remaining strands of endangered swamp tea tree habitat in southeast Queensland and habitat for the vulnerable brush-tailed rock wallaby.

One of Enviroplan’s key original goals was environmental protection through conservation estate management, and has funded vital activities such as revegetation, walking trails and other improvements.

Enviroplan has also helped deliver extensive nature conservation studies to ensure decision making is based on up-to-date evidence.

Through Enviroplan council has also been able to work with hundreds of landholders across the city to secure and actively manage an additional 7000ha through conservation partnerships.

Works, Parks and Recreation Acting Chief Operating Officer Bryce Hines said the introduction of a new policy and procedure would ensure Enviroplan’s significant achievements would continue with modern transparency and governance.

“This established program has remained consistent with its original intent, ensuring the protection of habitat for thousands of plant and animal species in the City of Ipswich,” he said.

“There are still key areas in Ipswich that council would like to see preserved and maintained as part of a conservation estate, and Enviroplan still has work to do with acquisitions.

“However with the increasing popularity of recreation in our conservation estates, the balance has shifted with a greater need for management and improvement of the areas purchased through Enviroplan. “Enviroplan will continue supporting the preservation of our natural areas for future generations.”

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