Ipswich residents are being encouraged to get their properties storm-ready, with Ipswich City Council bringing back free green waste disposal weekends as temperatures rise and the summer storm season approaches.
Mayor Teresa Harding has also issued a warning about the dangers of incorrectly disposing of batteries, revealing that fires involving waste facilities and collection trucks have caused significant damage across the city.
Speaking on West Bremer Radio, Mayor Harding also discussed Ipswich’s favourite dog breeds, the success of local sporting and business events, and a new monthly farmers market coming to the Nicholas Street Precinct.
Free green waste disposal returns
With temperatures already climbing across South East Queensland, Mayor Harding said now was the ideal time for residents to prepare their homes and gardens for severe weather.
Council will offer two free green waste disposal weekends, giving residents an opportunity to clear branches, garden cuttings and other green waste from their properties.
The free disposal dates are:
- October 24–25
- November 7–8
Mayor Harding said the initiative had proven popular in previous years, with around 2,000 residents using the service last year and approximately 900 tonnes of green waste collected.
“We sort of pitch it — do it now because of the lead-up to the storm season,” Mayor Harding said.
She said clearing gutters, tidying gardens and removing loose material could help reduce potential hazards when storms arrive.
The announcement follows Council’s recent annual free hazardous waste disposal weekend, which Mayor Harding described as another successful initiative.
Residents can visit the Ipswich City Council website for further information about the green waste disposal weekends.
Battery fires causing costly damage
Council is also urging residents to take greater care when disposing of household batteries and battery-powered appliances.
Mayor Harding revealed that approximately 159 fires had occurred over the past 18 months across Ipswich’s resource recovery centres and waste collection trucks.
She said the most recent significant incident caused more than $120,000 in damage, with the fire attributed to a battery left inside a stick vacuum cleaner.
“We’ve had about 159 fires over the last 18 months in Ipswich at our resource recovery centres and also our waste trucks,” Mayor Harding said.
“The last one that we had caused over $120,000 worth of damage.”
Mayor Harding said the incidents presented serious safety risks to staff and the community, while also creating an expensive burden for ratepayers.
To help prevent further incidents, Council has established areas at its resource recovery centres where residents can safely remove batteries from appliances before disposal.
“We have a special bench there when you come to our resource recovery centres with screwdrivers and everything,” she said.
“Just drop your item off there and take out the battery, or Council staff can help you there.”
Batteries can be disposed of free of charge in the designated e-waste sections at the Riverview and Rosewood resource recovery centres.
Mayor Harding encouraged residents to take advantage of the service rather than placing batteries in general waste.
Border Collies among Ipswich’s favourite dogs
Away from waste management, Council has been celebrating Ipswich’s four-legged residents through a social media discussion about the city’s most popular dog breeds.
Mayor Harding said the initiative had attracted plenty of attention, with residents sharing photographs of their pets.
“It’s been so much fun, and so many people have posted photos of their dog,” she said.
Border Collies, Labrador Retrievers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers were among the breeds highlighted as local favourites.
Mayor Harding said it was also interesting to see the number of crossbreeds represented and to hear stories from residents who had adopted their pets through the RSPCA.
She shared her own experiences of adopting dogs through the organisation.
“That’s where I always go for my doggies,” she said.
“I always felt like I was doing my bit to help one of the doggies.”
While her busy schedule currently makes pet ownership difficult, Mayor Harding said she enjoyed seeing the community’s affection for their animals.
More than 500 young athletes compete
Ipswich’s sporting community has also been celebrating a successful weekend, with the Ipswich Little Athletics Twilight Carnival attracting more than 500 young competitors.
The event brought together athletes from an estimated eight to 10 clubs across South East Queensland.
Competitions began in the afternoon and continued into the evening, with fireworks adding to the festivities.
Mayor Harding said it was wonderful to see children of different ages participating, including competitors in the under-six age group.
“It’s just great to see kids getting out, running and jumping and competing and having a lot of fun,” she said.
Disco fever at Ipswich business awards
The Ipswich Chamber of Commerce Business Awards also brought some colour to the weekend, with this year’s celebrations featuring a 1970s disco theme.
Mayor Harding said the evening provided an opportunity to recognise the hard work and achievements of businesses across the region.
The Chamber’s leadership embraced the theme, with President Dave Will and CEO Kit Philp among those dressing for the occasion.
Beyond the colourful outfits, Mayor Harding said the event was an important reminder of the contribution local businesses make to Ipswich.
“Our businesses do so many wonderful things,” she said.
“Not only provide goods and services for our community, but they create the jobs.”
She also acknowledged the role businesses play in sponsoring sporting clubs, supporting community organisations and contributing to the city’s economy.
“We’re so very fortunate to have such an active chamber and so many wonderful businesses,” she said.
“I really appreciate every business owner in Ipswich.”
New farmers market coming to Nicholas Street
One of the biggest announcements from the interview was the launch of a new monthly country fair and produce market in the Nicholas Street Precinct.
The first market will be held on Sunday, October 18, bringing fresh produce and specialty products from farms across Ipswich and surrounding areas into the heart of the city.
Mayor Harding said the monthly markets would feature approximately 30 producers, creating what she described as an authentic farm-to-market experience.
“Residents have been asking for this,” she said.
Visitors can expect a range of products, including fresh fruit and vegetables, specialty sauces, chutneys, gourmet pantry items, bread and other baked goods.
The market will also offer more than just shopping, with organisers planning family-friendly entertainment and activities.
Mayor Harding said free line dancing, live music and activities for children were among the attractions being organised.
“It’s going to be a really fun day on Sunday,” she said.
The event is expected to become a regular addition to the Nicholas Street Precinct’s calendar, giving local producers another opportunity to connect directly with customers.
Residents can find more information through the Nicholas Street Precinct website.
With storm preparation initiatives, sporting celebrations, business recognition and a new farmers market all on the agenda, Mayor Harding said there was plenty happening across Ipswich as the city moves further into spring.
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