A long-awaited upgrade of Bill Paterson Oval has taken another step forward, with Ipswich City Council moving to determine the cost and scope of works needed to bring the Limestone Park athletics facility back up to standard.
Division 3 Councillor Marnie Doyle told West Bremer Radio the future of the oval had been the subject of considerable community discussion in recent weeks, with the facility serving as the home of athletics in Ipswich for more than 50 years.
However, its location on a former landfill site has created ongoing challenges, including ground subsidence and an increasingly uneven surface.
“It’s needed significant improvements to be brought back up to standard for some time,” Cr Doyle said.
Cr Doyle said she had been advocating for improvements since shortly after being elected in 2020, following discussions with Ipswich Little Athletics and Ipswich District Athletics.
While maintenance has been undertaken over the years, she said a longer-term strategy was required to address the underlying condition of the facility.
Council has now resolved that a report be prepared no later than October detailing the scope and cost of works required to improve Bill Paterson Oval to the grass athletics track standard needed by its users.
Cr Doyle said a 2025 budget amendment had funded geotechnical investigations to determine what rehabilitation could be undertaken at the site.
That report has now been received, along with preliminary costings.
“There’s a little bit of work still to do, but it looks like it’s a green light to get some rehab done, which is great,” she said.
Dogs get their day at Limestone Park
Elsewhere in Limestone Park, a new dog off-leash area has officially been welcomed by the community.
Cr Doyle hosted an opening event on Saturday, with residents and their four-legged companions turning out to explore the new facility.
The park includes separate areas catering for large and small dogs, agility equipment, shelters and drinking fountains.
Accessibility has also been incorporated into the project, including a disability-compliant footpath to make the area safer and easier to reach for people of different abilities.
Cr Doyle said a number of residents attended the opening using mobility scooters, demonstrating the importance of making community facilities accessible.
The new facility brings the number of dedicated dog off-leash areas across Ipswich to 22.
Cr Doyle, who recently welcomed a Labrador-cross puppy named Lily into her own family, said she planned to explore more of the city’s dog parks herself.
Flood mitigation works for Warwick Road
Work is also beginning on a stormwater project near the corner of Warwick Road and Grey Street designed to reduce the risk of flooding to nearby properties.
The project will involve construction of a landscaped earth mound beside the existing footpath near 28 Warwick Road.
Cr Doyle said the measure was designed to prevent stormwater running from the road into neighbouring properties and instead redirect the water towards the existing stormwater network.
The area has experienced drainage problems in the past, and Council hopes the relatively small-scale project will deliver significant long-term benefits for surrounding residents.
Construction is expected to be completed by mid-September.
Residents and motorists can expect some additional construction noise, reduced speed limits, traffic control and temporary on-street parking closures while the project is underway.
Galvanized puts spotlight on Queen’s Park
Meanwhile, Ipswich is preparing to celebrate its history when the Galvanized heritage festival returns from September 4 to 13.
More than 30 events are planned across the city, with Queen’s Park playing a significant role in this year’s program.
The Queen’s Park Pavilion will host sessions focusing on restoring, styling and renovating heritage homes, particularly relevant to owners and admirers of Ipswich’s distinctive Queenslanders and other historic properties.
Among those sharing their expertise will be Ipswich City Council architect Mark Tendys and historian Marianne Taylor, known as the “House Detective”.
Cr Doyle said the sessions would provide residents with an opportunity to learn more about preserving and working with the city’s heritage properties.
For those looking for something more immersive, History Alive will also return to the Ipswich Showgrounds, taking visitors on a journey through different periods of history.
Cr Doyle encouraged residents to explore the full Galvanized program and take advantage of the events being held throughout the city.
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