In 2021, Ipswich City Council received funding under the South East Queensland Community Stimulus Program for the upgrade of its two refuse and recycling centres at Rosewood and Riverview.

As part of these upgrades, council is looking at opportunities to enhance the facilities to meet ongoing population growth and community demands for improved waste management and recycling at the closed Lanefield landfill site.

But resident Rocky Maclean has major concerns regarding a proposal from Ipswich City Council to terminate the Rosewood Recycling and Refuse Transfer Centre at its existing location in Oakleigh Colliery Road, Rosewood.

“If it is absolutely necessary to cease the operation of this existing centre, my suggestion would be for council to reconstruct the centre directly opposite in the rehabilitated open-cut coal mining property bounded by Rosewood Marburg Road and Urry Road,” he said.

“This section of Rosewood Marburg Road has been recently pavement resurfaced by Main Roads and provides excellent clear safe vision for any vehicles entering or exiting the property through the main entrance.

“This large open space rural property is currently used for cattle.

“It was always genuinely believed by the local community it would eventually be transferred by the mining company and dedicated for community public park and recreation use after coal mining ceased and the property was rehabilitated.

“There would be sufficient space to accommodate a new recycling and refuse transfer centre in the south-east corner.

“It would be screened from public view by existing mature trees.”

In addition to the refuse centre Rocky also believes that this area has sufficient space for council to consider constructing an international Olympic standard mountain bike and BMX facility.

“This area could be a tourist venue and scenic look-out, within native revegetation forests and walkways as part of Council’s Natural Environment Strategic Plans,” he said.

“This would give tourism support to the existing but struggling Rosewood Railway Museum which travels between Cabanda and Kunkala.

“Council may also consider relocating the Rosewood Depot to this site with an added Natural Environment and Conservation Plant Nursery team, vacating the very old council Mill Street depot and redeveloping and selling the land more appropriately for residential use.

“With thousands of new residential dwellings planned for the Walloon and Rosewood corridor within the next 20 years, it will be critical for council to turn its attention on the Rosewood CBD and locality and not just on Springfield and Ripley.”

THE Moreton Border News contacted the Council about the suggestions made by Rocky. Councillors made no response to the suggestions but outlined the process of community consultation.

Deputy Chairperson of the Growth, Infrastructure and Waste Committee, Councillor Paul Tully said there was a further briefing with Councillors this week to provide information about the community consultation process, to talk through potential options.

He added that the timeframe for the project was directly related to the need to spend the grant money by June 30, 2024.

“However, this may be extended through discussions with the State Government, if determined necessary to ensure all assessments and consultation are undertaken first.”

Deputy Mayor Jacob Madsen said council was currently working on all aspects of community engagement options.

“Rest assured, the community will be engaged at every step of the process and any potential option must be supported by nearby residents and meet all council requirements, including road upgrades if necessary.” Cr Madsen said.

Division 1 Councillor Sheila Ireland said as part of the feasibility study, all aspects of koala habitat, ecological and cultural values, waterways and wetlands, will be taken into consideration, as well as impacts on traffic and neighbouring properties.

Cr Russell Milligan said there is no council decision on the future use of the property at Calvert, or what the proposed upgrades to a Rosewood facility will be, as council is awaiting the outcomes from the consultants.