The project was identified in the Top of Town and Centre Core Place Plans in 2021 and aligns with other council strategies including:

• iFuture
• Economic Development Strategy 2023-2027
• iGO Active Transport Plan

Brisbane Street was identified as a priority project through the Top of Town and Centre Core Place Plans and forms part of the broader Ipswich Central revitalisation program.

The concept designs are currently being developed to understand the potential opportunities for a streetscape refresh of Brisbane Street.

The concept design aims to:

• Improve pedestrian accessibility and comfort
• Enhance the heritage character of the street
• Increase shade and urban greening
• Support outdoor dining and local businesses
• Improve streetscapes and public realm amenities
• Strengthen connections to surrounding destinations
• Create a safer and more welcoming environment both day and night

The final design will continue to evolve through community feedback and further technical investigations.

Community and stakeholder feedback has played an important role in shaping the preliminary design approach.

Through previous engagement and targeted walkshops, participants highlighted the importance of heritage, shade, accessibility, safety, business vitality and creating a more attractive destination for residents and visitors.

The concept designs seek to respond to these priorities while balancing technical, environmental and operational considerations.

Mature trees are an important part of Brisbane Street's character, providing shade, cooling, habitat and contributing to the identity of the area.

Through engagement, we heard strong support for maintaining and increasing urban greening. We also heard from local businesses and property owners experiencing ongoing challenges where some trees have outgrown their location and are impacting footpaths, drainage infrastructure, underground services and nearby heritage buildings.

Council's preference is to retain established trees wherever possible. However, each significant tree is being assessed individually, considering its condition, life expectancy, contribution to the streetscape and impacts on surrounding infrastructure that have a large risk of costing significant amounts to future council budgets if not addressed.

Council recognises the value of the established fig trees and the important contribution they make to the appearance and comfort of Brisbane Street.

However, this tree species is now considered unsuitable for urban areas because it can outgrow the space available, impacting surrounding infrastructure and pedestrian areas. Their extensive root systems create ongoing impacts to footpaths, drainage infrastructure and cause significant issues for the surrounding buildings.

Ipswich is not alone in addressing the challenges associated with mature fig trees. Brisbane City Council and Sunshine Coast Council have undertaken similar projects over the past decade in response to the long-term unsustainability of this tree species in urban environments.

The project is exploring opportunities to provide a greater number of appropriately selected street trees that are supported by modern underground growing infrastructure, helping to achieve a healthier and more sustainable long-term urban forest while reducing future conflicts with infrastructure.

No immediate tree removal is proposed during the design phase of the Brisbane Street Refresh. Additionally, where possible retaining existing mature trees that are suitable remains the priority of council.

Absolutely.

One of the project's key objectives is to celebrate the distinctive heritage character of Brisbane Street and the Top of Town. This is a unique experience only available in Ipswich and highlighting its important role in the city’s identity is a priority.

Through the preliminary design work it sought seeks to improve the public realm while respecting and enhancing the heritage buildings, landmarks and stories that contribute to Brisbane Street's identity. New streetscape elements are intended to complement and showcase this character rather than compete with it.

While exact details of parking space changes will not be known for some time, council will ensure it engages with the community throughout project delivery.

Feedback received during this engagement will be reviewed alongside technical investigations, design considerations and project requirements.

The results will help refine the preliminary design approach and inform future detailed design work. A community engagement outcomes report will be prepared to summarise the feedback received and demonstrate how community input has been considered.

Through the urban Precincts and Partnerships Program completion of detail designs for the refresh to be investment ready has been included.

Council understands any impacts to private property requires careful consideration. Property requirements or changes to driveway operations will not be known until detailed design is complete. However, Council will continue to engage with the community.

The Brisbane Street Refresh is not currently funded beyond development of of design plans, however it will be able to be considered for future capital budgets by Council and may be considered for external funding by state and federal governments.