TWO years after a significant section of Woogaroo Forest was cleared for a sewer line upgrade, Ipswich residents are so frustrated by the lack of promised revegetation that they have begun planting trees themselves.
The Woogaroo Forest residents group holds Springfield City Group (SCG) responsible for restoring the 2.3km-long cleared area.
The land was cleared in 2021 for a sewer line project completed in 2022, but despite assurances, revegetation has yet to begin.
SCG’s initial revegetation plan was rejected by Queensland Urban Utilities, which approved the sewer project.
A second plan was later accepted, but no explanation has been provided for the ongoing delay.
The project details and allocated budget remain undisclosed, raising concerns about transparency.
The Save Woogaroo Forest Group Inc. has repeatedly sought information from Urban Utilities, Ipswich City Council, and Springfield City Group, but with little success.
Recently, the group filed a request under the Freedom of Information Act, seeking answers about the stalled restoration with the Council.
“The devastation of this area, including the popular Louise Clews Walk, has angered the community,” a spokesperson for the group said. “The cleared land is now overrun with weeds, including an infestation of Giant Devil’s Fig, an invasive species. Erosion and siltation in the creeks are also worsening.”
A sign at Brookwater Dog Park in 2021 assured residents that revegetation would take place, yet no concrete plan or budget was in place at the time.
Both SCG and Ipswich City Council have previously stated they were unaware of any formal strategy for restoring the area.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding has acknowledged residents’ frustration, stating she had been assured the work would begin soon.
“It is very disappointing that this important wildlife corridor along Opossum Creek has not been restored,” Mayor Harding said.
“Council has contacted all relevant parties multiple times and has been assured that a plan has been approved.
“The developer responsible has indicated that work will commence in April.”
Springfield City Group was contacted for comment.
