SCOTT’S Farm at Ripley has been owned by the same family since 1893, and last week a long fight to save the farm proved successful with an announcement from the State Government.
Following a review by Education Queensland and Economic Development Queensland, Scott’s Farm has been deemed an unsuitable site for any future schools.
The announcement comes after 15.7 hectares of the 130-year-old property had been earmarked for development by 2041.
This announcement means the farm will remain as it has for generations to come, with many of its trees and vegetation proven to be over 300 years old.
A community campaign to save the farm included Parliamentary petitions, a change.org campaign, websites and Facebook pages, and persistent lobbying of the State Government to stop the development of a school for the growing Ripley community.
State Member for Ipswich Jennifer Howard said the journey to this announcement had been a long one, but one she was ready to continue to fight for.
“This place has always been more than just a farm; it’s a part of our community,” she said.
“Seeing it preserved for future generations is a wonderful win for Ipswich.
“I want to thank the Scott family and the thousands of Ipswich residents who advocated to save Scott’s Farm.
“Lance (Member for Bundamba, Lance McCallum) and I were proud to join with them to fight tooth and nail to support their cause. I also want to thank Ministers Farmer and Grace for their understanding and support.”
Mr McCallum echoed his fellow MP’s thoughts, saying it was a win for the heritage of the city.
“This is a great win for Ipswich’s heritage, and it’s a great win for Ipswich’s future,” he said. “Scott’s Farm has been in our community for generations and now we know for certain that it will continue to be a part of our community for generations to come.
“It’s such a beautiful part of Ipswich and I’m so pleased that it’s going to be preserved for future generations.”
