Colleges Crossing to be made more resilient

One of Ipswich region’s most popular riverfront reserves, Colleges Crossing, will be made more resilient to flooding with funding announced today by the Newman Government.

Community Recovery and Resilience Minister David Crisafulli said $1,460,168 from the Betterment Fund, a Queensland initiative that allows councils to rebuild flood-damaged infrastructure with stronger, more resilient assets, would make Colleges Crossing less vulnerable the next time it floods.

“Colleges Crossing is an important social hub for local communities and draws around 300,000 visitors each year,” Mr Crisafulli said.

“Making this reserve stronger in the face of floodwaters is exactly the sort of project the State wants to help councils deliver.

“Colleges Crossing was essentially destroyed by the 2011 floods by a combination of high velocity floodwaters, massive levels of debris and severe scouring.

“The repair works were completed only weeks before the January 2013 floods, which extensively damaged the site again.

“This is a classic example of why we needed to stop the madness of simply replacing the same infrastructure that would only be washed away again in the next flood.

“That way of thinking has cost all of us an arm and a leg, but if we spend a little more now and rebuild in a more resilient way, it will save us big time in the long run.

“Ipswich City Council is finalising its plans to make this facility more than just a sitting target for the next floodwaters.”

Repairs will include installing rock mattresses to reinforce the aprons of culvert crossings, lining the stormwater drainage channel with scour resistant material, and reinforcing retaining walls and shelter columns. Council will also build deflection elements to protect shade shelters and other amenities. 

Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale welcomed the funding to allow work to proceed to restore the lower section of Colleges Crossing in 2014.

“It was important that after two floods that we re-examine the park layout and provide even more flood-proofing to park facilities and playgrounds.

“We are progressing through the design stage, which is likely to include a series of deflection elements to deflect flood debris away from structures like shade shelters and other amenities.

“Tenders are expected to be called by the end of this year.”     

[ENDS] 7 October 2013

Media Contact: Monica Rostron 0409 126 332