Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding has provided a major update on key infrastructure, environmental progress and storm impacts as the city heads into the final weeks before Christmas.
Speaking on West Bremer Radio, Mayor Harding confirmed that a new land slip at Exit 33 on the Centenary Highway has been assessed by Transport and Main Roads (TMR). The slip, described as a minor “slump,” is occurring in the same location as the major collapse earlier this year.
“The geotech professionals are not concerned at this stage,” Mayor Harding said. “Importantly, no road closures are planned, and TMR will release further information soon.”
$73.6 Million Ripley Road Upgrade Underway
Residents in the Ripley Valley can expect long-awaited improvements to one of the region’s busiest corridors, with sod turning now complete for the Ripley Road and Fisher Road upgrade.
The State Government’s $73.6 million Residential Activation Fund will see Ripley Road expanded from two lanes to a four-lane urban arterial, complete with new footpaths, cycling tracks and bus stops. Fisher Road will also be upgraded to a two-lane urban sub-arterial route.
“With Ripley Valley’s population projected to hit 131,000 by 2046, this upgrade is overdue,” Harding said. “There will be disruptions, but the long-term benefits are huge.”
Major Win in the Fight Against Odour
In a breakthrough for residents living with long-term odour issues, Harding confirmed that Cleanaway’s problematic Cell 3B landfill site has officially closed as of Friday.
The cell, inundated during the 2022 floods, was linked to severe sulphur odours and resulted in seven nuisance offence fines.
“This is the most positive outcome possible for local residents,” Harding said. Cleanaway must now rehabilitate the 150-year-old industrial site over the next 30 years, working alongside Griffith University.
Two other major waste operators remain under court-ordered deadlines to fully enclose operations by September 2025.
Storms Send Grass Growth Soaring
Recent storms have delivered rapid regrowth across Ipswich, prompting council to expand mowing capacity.
“We’re mowing twice a week at home—it’s that bad,” Harding joked.
Council has added 10 new mowing contracts, 13 new full-time staff, and 85 new pieces of equipment, while reminding residents that some parks can’t be mowed when ground conditions are too soft.
A mowing schedule is available on the Ipswich City Council website.
Ipswich Arts Celebrated With Arthur Frame Book Launch
Mayor Harding also helped launch The Arts Juggler, the new book by Ipswich arts veteran Arthur Frame.
“Arthur’s contribution to Queensland theatre and television is remarkable,” she said. “It’s a wonderful history of the arts from the 1960s to today.”
The book is available at the Ipswich Visitor Information Centre and online.
Mayor Harding will return next week for her final update before Christmas.
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