Ipswich City Council is stepping up in the fight against climate change. With ambitious goals, they’re working hard to cut their carbon emissions in half within five years. This effort involves using renewable energy and smart problem-solving to reduce their carbon footprint by about 14,000 tonnes every year.
One major achievement so far is the impressive 85% of their electricity coming from renewable sources. This includes powering 29,400 streetlights and several key buildings, like the Ipswich Children’s Library and Civic Centre. The council is dedicated to becoming more sustainable, particularly as they prepare for a doubling of their population to 535,000 by 2046.
Ipswich has faced its share of natural disasters, notably devastating floods in 1974, 2011, and 2022. The 2022 flood forced nearly 600 homes underwater, prompting the council to buy back affected properties and transform them into green spaces. This action not only protects residents but also reinforces the city’s commitment to sustainability.
The council’s strategy aims to reduce direct emissions from sources they own, such as their transport fleet and electricity use. To help achieve these targets, they signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) in 2023 with CleanCo Queensland. This contract allows the council to procure renewable energy produced locally, boosting their green initiatives while keeping costs steady, even amidst rising electricity prices.
CleanCo’s renewable energy comes from wind farms in Queensland, with around 28 turbines at Kaban and 43 at Dulacca, generating enough power to serve about 200,000 homes yearly. Through this agreement, Ipswich Council has transitioned to a clean energy model for most of its operations, significantly cutting down its overall carbon emissions.
Interestingly, Ipswich was among the few councils in Queensland to enter into a PPA, which has encouraged other councils in the region to explore similar opportunities. Since launching the PPA, Ipswich City Council has been sharing its experiences through the South East Queensland Climate Resilient Alliance, inspiring others to adopt renewable energy practices.
As part of its ongoing sustainability efforts, Ipswich is focused on various initiatives to enhance energy efficiency. For instance, they’ve recently upgraded over 600 lights at the Ipswich Art Gallery to energy-efficient LEDs, which has already reduced energy consumption and costs. They are also rolling out solar panel installations on several of their buildings, with the Ipswich Central Library set to receive new solar PV systems that are expected to cut emissions by over 200 tonnes of CO₂ annually.
The council recognizes that sustainability extends beyond just operations—it’s a collective effort involving the community. They plan to implement a city-wide garden organics program in 2025, ensuring that every household has access to garden waste bins to divert organic waste from landfills.
In addition, the council is working on urban greening initiatives in priority areas to combat heat and improve local environments. Their Enviroplan protects nearly 6,700 hectares of land, crucial for preserving local ecosystems in a rapidly urbanizing area.
With their 2024-25 budget allocating $13.7 million for environmental and sustainability projects, Ipswich City Council is committed to continuing its progress toward a greener future. Through collaboration and innovation, they aim to set an example for others, demonstrating how local governments can tackle climate issues head-on and work towards a sustainable city.
For more insights on local sustainability initiatives, you can visit Queensland Government’s Environment page.
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