Stabilisation and footpath repair works have commenced at River Heart Parklands, including rebuilding a damaged section of pathway, bank stabilisation, rock protection and revegetation works. These improvements will enhance flood resilience and support the parklands' reopening, with works expected to continue through to March 2027 (weather permitting).
Read the full media release.
River Heart Parklands (River Heart) located along the Bremer River in the heart of the CBD is a widely recognised and commended leisure facility. River Heart Parklands marked the third phase of the ‘River Heart’ vision for the Ipswich city centre at its opening on 03 February 2007.
We are focused on making the parklands more flood resilient, which means it can be re-opened quickly and at a lower cost after each flood event.
Thank you to everyone who shared their feedback. A summary of what was shared can be seen below. The themes and insights identified through the feedback will be considered to determine the long-term future of River Heart Parklands. A copy of the Community Engagement Report can be viewed by clicking here.
River Heart Parklands is vulnerable to flooding because of its riverside location. Major flood events in 2011 and 2013 closed the parklands for approximately three to four months while repairs were completed. No two flood events are the same, and the level of damage can vary significantly depending on flood conditions. In 2022, faster-moving water caused different impacts to those experienced in 2011. A second flood event later that year further increased the damage, as the landscape was already saturated and vulnerable.
The timeline shows a clear pattern of increasingly frequent and cumulative flood impacts since River Heart Parklands opened in 2007. Eight flood events have affected the site, with major floods in 2011 and 2013 causing extensive damage and lengthy closures while infrastructure was replaced. Two floods in 2022 caused further damage in quick succession, before the parklands had fully recovered. Flooding in January 2024 placed added pressure on ageing infrastructure, while ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred caused extensive damage in March 2025. Together, these events show that repeatedly repairing vulnerable assets is not sustainable or cost-effective. They have led council to plan a more flood-resilient park that can recover and reopen sooner, with lower repair and maintenance costs after future floods.
Overwater structures
The overwater structures illustrated this challenge most clearly. Their location exposed them to fast-moving floodwater and debris, resulting in repeated structural damage and costly, complex repairs along the riverbank.
Following an assessment of these risks, council removed the most vulnerable structures. This has reduced exposure to future flood damage, simplified recovery efforts, and lowered repair and maintenance costs, while retaining suitable access and recreation opportunities for the community.
Riverbank Boardwalk
As a result of the repeated flooding events experienced, significant damage within the existing riverbank boardwalks was identified and required complex design modifications to ensure the infrastructure is safe for public use and meets DDA compliance.
Works are now underway to replace and upgrade sections of the boardwalk. The existing boardwalk was closed after significant corrosion was identified in key structural components. The metal joists used in its construction had deteriorated over time due to regular exposure to moisture, floodwater and environmental conditions.
The upgraded boardwalk will provide a safer, more durable and accessible connection that is better able to withstand future flood events.
To view images of some of the corrosion damage identified during inspections, click on the red icons below.
Rehabilitation and stabilisation works continued following earlier site impacts.
What’s happening now
Landscaping rehabilitation has now been completed, with ongoing maintenance and watering scheduled over the next 3 to 6 months to help establish the site.
Safety and access
For community safety, the site remains closed while monitoring and maintenance continue. Temporary stabilisation measures and uneven ground conditions have created unsafe areas for public access. The site will only reopen once permanent stabilisation works are completed and the area is confirmed safe for visitors.
Short-term and long-term works:
Council thanks the community for their patience while these essential works are delivered to ensure public safety and long-term site stability.
Remediation works continue following from a significant slippage event that occurred in April 2025.
What’s happening now
Landscaping rehabilitation works commenced in August 2025 and are expected to be completed by the end of September 2025. These works form part of Council’s broader efforts to manage the site and prepare for long-term solutions.
The site continues to be closely monitored, with further geotechnical investigations underway to inform the design of permanent stabilisation works.
Safety and access
For community safety, River Heart Parklands will remain closed until all works are completed. Temporary stabilisation measures have required the removal of sections of the footpath, creating unsafe conditions for public access. The park will only reopen once both interim and permanent works are complete, and the area is safe for visitors.
Short-term and long-term works:
Council thanks the community for their patience while these important works are delivered to protect both public safety and the future of River Heart Parklands.
In April 2025, a major riverbank slippage occurred in the western area of the parklands, adjacent to the pathway. The area was immediately barricaded to ensure public safety. The damage has highlighted ongoing stability issues with the riverbank, requiring urgent attention.
What’s happening now
Short-term and long-term works
Landscaping has been completed however due to recent weather, clean-up of vegetation and debris is needed. Repairs to the upper landing and bank stabilisation are yet to be completed. River Heart Parklands will remain closed until remaining work has been completed.
Ongoing weather conditions continue to impact the final stage of the project's completion. Despite these challenges, significant progress has been made, and the removal of all pylons is now finalised.
Council is committed to completing the landscape works and upper-level walkway, aiming for completion by the end of April, weather permitting.
Landscape work east of the David Trumpy Bridge, along with improvements to the upper-level walkway, began in late February. To safely carry out these tasks, the concrete pathway will need to be closed.
Designated overwater structures in River Heart Parklands have been demolished and removed. Minor works remain to remove select pylons, with the work expected to be completed by February 2025.
This work follows councils decision during the June Ordinary Meeting to remove select overwater structures to improve flood resilience, reduce ongoing costs and provide a more sustainable park for residents.The community was asked to provide feedback on how the parklands have been used in the past and how the community would like to use them in the future. The themes and insights identified through the feedback will be considered to determine the long-term future of River Heart.
Please see a summary of what was shared below, alternatively a copy of the Community Engagement Report can be viewed by clicking here.
Most respondents (91%) were supportive of a varied version of the boardwalk to ensure resilience of the site in future flood related events.
Suggestions identified by respondents included more greenery and a focus on environmental resilience, safety, accessibility, better linking of walking paths, increased connectivity to surrounding areas, minimise infrastructure, more opportunities for art and better access to the Bradfield Bridge from River Heart Parklands.
Other suggestions included bike paths, more active and healthy opportunities, more shade, improved lighting and events and entertainment.
The community raised concerns including dissatisfaction for the current state of the parklands, reduced level of maintenance and clean-up process after flood events taking too long. Other comments highlighted concerns for people sleeping rough and concerns with safety whilst visiting the parklands.
Over a four-week period between Tuesday 3 September and Sunday 29 September 2024, the community were able to contribute feedback through the online engagement platform (Shape Your Ipswich), in person at one of eight (8) pop ups, via email or phone.
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Thank you to everyone who helped shape the River Heart Parklands project!
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).
