AS communities around the world prepare to mark World Environment Day on June 5, Ipswich environmental advocates are warning that climate change and biodiversity loss are no longer future concerns, but challenges already reshaping the region.
Ipswich Climate Action Group secretary Terri Field said the impacts of climate change were already being felt across the city and surrounding areas.
“World Environment Day is an important opportunity for communities to reflect on the environmental challenges we are already facing and the action we need to take now to protect future generations,” Ms Field said.
“In Ipswich, we have seen firsthand the increasing impacts of climate change through more frequent flooding events, extreme heatwaves and pressure on our natural environment.”
Ms Field said climate change and biodiversity loss were deeply interconnected, making the protection of native bushland and expansion of urban forests essential to the city’s future liveability.
“Protecting our remaining native bushland and continuing to expand urban forests across our city are practical steps that will help improve resilience and liveability,” she said.
The group acknowledged sustainability initiatives already underway through Ipswich City Council, but called for stronger community engagement with local environmental programs and conservation efforts.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding also highlighted the importance of the city’s long-running environmental conservation efforts through the Council’s Enviroplan initiative.
Ipswich’s natural environment supports critical habitat for more than 2000 species of native plants and animals, contains culturally significant sites valued by Traditional Owners, and provides vital green spaces for recreation and wellbeing.
“For 30 years, Council’s Enviroplan initiative has been instrumental in protecting and restoring substantial areas of Ipswich’s natural environment, particularly high-value conservation areas,” Mayor Harding said.
Mayor Harding said more than 7500 hectares of native bushland had been secured through Enviroplan within dedicated conservation estates and reserves, ranging from urban bushland sites such as Denmark Hill Conservation Reserve to major ecological corridors including the Flinders-Goolman Conservation Estate, part of the
broader Flinders-Karawatha link.
“Enviroplan provides a strong foundation for how our city can support high-value conservation areas to continue functioning as biologically rich ecosystems, while managing the pressures of urbanisation and providing areas for nature-based recreation,” she said.
Ipswich and Lockyer Valley Greens spokesperson Mark Delaney said World Environment Day was also a reminder of the importance of protecting the region’s rivers, farmland and natural landscapes.
“World Environment Day celebrates the landscapes, rivers, wildlife and communities that make Ipswich and the Lockyer region so special,” Mr Delaney said.
“Protecting our environment means protecting our children’s future, supporting local farmers and securing food and water for generations to come.”
He said the region was already seeing the impacts of habitat loss, flooding, drought and extreme weather, but added there was still hope through collective action.
