This project is now closed. We would like to thank everyone who participated and shared their feedback. While updates will no longer be posted here, you can explore our active initiatives by visiting Shape Your Ipswich.
The detailed design has been developed and has incorporated community input, as well as budget and technical considerations.
See key features on the hotspot map below or read the Paperbark Flats Upgrade - Detailed design - summary of community input.
Thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts on this project. We have now reviewed your feedback.
See a summary of what you shared with us or read the Community Engagement Report.
Paperbark Flats, located at 265-317 School Road Redbank Plains, is the main entry point and day use area for the White Rock–Spring Mountain Conservation Estate. It is a popular area for a variety of recreational activities, attracting thousands of visitors each month.
Due to its popularity, there are often challenges around insufficient parking and facilities. There were also opportunities to enhance the overall area with upgraded infrastructure to improve the visitor experience, while respecting the natural environment. Our aim is to create an engaging space to explore and enjoy time in nature with family and friends.
Council developed a concept design and shared that with the community for input. See a summary of what you shared with us or read the Community Engagement Report.
The Detailed Design has been developed and incorporated your input, as well as technical and budget considerations. See key features on the hotspot map below or read the Paperbark Flats Upgrade - Detailed design - summary of community input.
The project team considered community ideas and preferences when developing the detailed design.
Key changes that were based on community feedback included:
✅ additional drinking water locations
✅ further development of the nature discovery space, additional wayfinding and directional signage, and inclusion of Traditional Owner and First Nations cultural design elements
✅ finalisation of the location and number of barbecues and picnic areas
✅ continued approvals and logistics of new carpark in Powerlink easement and connection of water and sewerage to day use area
✅ re-alignment of service vehicle access route to create separation with public pedestrian space
✅ further development of landscaping finishes with emphasis on natural elements.
Click on the dots below to learn more about the detailed design features.
The community was able to share their personal experience at Paperbark Flats, and provide feedback on elements of a concept design for the area.
A summary of the findings can be seen below, or read the Community Engagement Report. The feedback shared will be used to help shape the final Flinders-Goolman Masterplan.
Strong community support was provided throughout the engagement, with 83% stating they were supportive of the concept design.
Of those who were unsure or unsupportive of the concept design, concerns primarily related to concerns around potential damage to the environment/culturally sensitive areas, overdevelopment and reduced access to the estate during the construction period. Some wanted more information to inform their opinion.
A diverse range of suggestions were provided by community to improve the visitor experience for various elements of the concept design. Additional features raised included incorporation of educational elements, access to drinking water, bins, shading, security cameras and entertainment space.
When considering design, respondents generally sought a natural look that complimented the space, mitigating impact on the surrounding environment, and ongoing engagement with key stakeholders.
The community was able to submit feedback between 9 January and 1 February 2026 using one of the engagement channels below:
Paperbark Flats Picnic Area
Saturday 17 January 2026
7:00am - 11:00am
265-317 School Road, Redbank Plains QLD 4301
Paperbark Flats Picnic Area
Wednesday 21 January 2026
7:00am - 11:00am
265-317 School Road, Redbank Plains QLD 4301
Click on the icons to learn more about what is planned for Paperbark Flats.
Ipswich City Council respectfully
acknowledges the Traditional Owners, the Jagera, Yuggera and Ugarapul People of
the Yugara/Yagara Language Group, as custodians of the land and waters we
share. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, as the keepers of
the traditions, customs, cultures and stories of proud peoples.
Phone: (07) 3810 6666
Email: communityengagement@ipswich.qld.gov.au
Postal: PO Box 191, Ipswich QLD 4305, Australia
Ipswich City Council protects your personal information in accordance with the Information Privacy Act 2009 (Qld) and the Queensland Privacy Principles (QPP).
