Ipswich City Council

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Sustainable Performance

2006 Environmental Innovation Award

As testament to our commitment to sustainable environmental performance, the City of Ipswich won the 2006 Environmental Innovation Award (South East Queensland Region) in the annual Tidy Town competitions.

The Springfield Recycled Water Demonstration Project (PDF, 546 kb), constructed and managed by Ipswich Water to provide Class A+ recycled water to residential properties, was cited as a key contributing factor to achieving the award. The project complemented a cluster of green smart houses in the area and the 'Keep Australia Beautiful Clean Site Program', encouraging environmental management during building and construction within the broader Springfield development area.

Together, these showcase the master-planned Springfield community, incorporating emerging technology, demonstrating the practical implementation of sustainable development and achievement in environmental innovation.

Improving water quality within our waterways

Through staged capital investment at our wastewater facilities we have improved our ability to renew collected wastewater to standards higher than previously possible.

Within the last five years in particular, this investment has amounted to approximately $25 million, resulting in significant improvements at our Bundamba and Rosewood facilities, with a further $45 million investment planned over the next five years at our Goodna and Carole Park facilities.

Related operational improvements to treatment processes within these centres is resulting in progressive reductions to overall mass loads released into our local waterways, presenting further evidence of our sustainable environmental performance.

Compliance with our environmental licence

Our program of regular laboratory testing of water recycled at our Wastewater Centres ensures that any water re-introduced to the environment or otherwise set aside for recycled water usage, meets or exceeds environmental standards set by the State Government Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) within our operating licence conditions.

Biosolids reuse

Biosolids are created as a result of removal of solid waste matter contained within wastewater collected and treated at our wastewater centres. All biosolids generated at our facilities go through extended aeration treatment processes to derive a 'stabilisation Grade B' product suitable for incorporation into soils for beneficial reuse.

Ipswich Regional Recycled Water & Economic Structural Adjustment Strategy

Ipswich Water is continuing preparation of a regional recycled water strategy. This strategy aims to reduce future demand on town water supplies, diversify our water supply sources, and improve the environmental, social and economic standing of the Ipswich region through efficient use of recycled water.

The Western Corridor Recycled Water Scheme has a major influence on our water recycling strategy. This scheme is funded and managed by the Office of the Coordinator General with support from local government. The Western Corridor Scheme is based on the conceptual model for water recycling proposed by Ipswich Water in 2004 for inclusion in the SEQ Regional Plan.

Ipswich Water - Recycled Water Services

We are committed to the use of recycled water for sustainable commercial and industry practices. Our recycled water strategy aims to maximise the use of recycled water for customers in non-residential sectors, particularly industrial, commercial and high-value open space where recycled water is considered ‘fit for purpose'.

The strategy highlights a significant opportunity for Ipswich Water to decrease the City's demand for town (potable) water, reducing supply risks and minimising the volume of treated wastewater being introduced to the environment.

See our Recycled Water Services.

Water Conservation Rebate Scheme

Ipswich Water's Water Conservation Rebate Scheme represents our ongoing commitment to conservation and sustainable living practices. This scheme aims to encourage our Ipswich residents to install water efficient devices as one of many ways to improve water efficiency in their homes.

Our residents play an important part in securing water supply for the future as regionally, residents account for approximately 70 per cent of all water use.

Ipswich City Council has been offering generous rebates for the installation of rainwater tanks, dual flush toilets and water efficiency shower roses. The initiative recognises the dual benefits of water conservation in saving our precious water, while saving our residents money on their water and electricity bills.

Other Environmental Initiatives

In recognition of our commitment to sustainable environmental performance, Ipswich Water has continued to support the Healthy Waterways initiative and is an active member of the Ipswich Waterways Catchment group. In addition, we sponsor water related categories within the Ipswich Enviroplan Photographic Competition and the Ipswich Garden Competition.
Maintenance of our koala food tree plantation at the Bundamba Wastewater Centre is an important initiative of Ipswich Water as these trees provide essential food for the Koala's. In addition, they aid in the reduction of soil erosion in the area surrounding the facility as well as on the banks of the Bremer River and help to continue to attract other native wildlife to the area.

Last Updated 16 Oct 2007 |

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