Background

Council is introducing a new Environmental Protection Policy to improve environmental management across council operations, activities, products, and services. The policy outlines councils' commitment to environmental best practices and aims to guide internal decision-making to ensure compliance with environmental laws and regulations. The Environmental Protection Policy for council focuses on proactive planning, understanding potential impacts, and continuous improvement to achieve better environmental outcomes.

Engagement aimed to gauge community support for the proposed policy to ensure it aligns with the values outlined in the iFuture 2021-2026 Corporate Plan as we work together towards creating a safer and more sustainable Ipswich.


Thank you to everyone who shared their feedback. A summary of your feedback can be found here.

About the policy

About the Environmental Protection Policy

The Environmental Protection Policy aims to guide Ipswich City Council's internal decision-making based on the principles of protecting the environment, its values and ecosystem functions.
The policy is underpinned by environmental compliance obligations and outlines council's goal of continous improvement and fostering responsible environmental practice among all stakeholders in Ipswich.

The Environmental Protection Policy applies to all Ipswich City Council staff, contractors, and others working on council’s behalf. The policy refers to all council activities and business operations that have the potential to cause adverse environmental impacts including:

  • Pollution
  • Contamination
  • Biosecurity risks
  • Degradation of land and water
  • And other negative Impacts to flora, fauna, humans and cultural heritage

The policy includes environmental compliance within the council’s legislative responsibilities but excludes activities beyond the council’s control. Matters such as investigation, regulation, licenses, and permits that fall under Federal or State jurisdiction, particularly those managed by the Queensland Department of Environment, Science, and Innovation, are outside the policy’s scope.

The policy strongly aligns with the City of Ipswich's iFuture 2021-2026 Corporate Plan by contributing to several of its key themes:

Natural and Sustainable: The policy focuses on protecting and enhancing the environment through preventing adverse impacts and fostering sustainable practices as council goes about its operations. This directly supports the strategic goal of ensuring Ipswich's natural environment is well-managed and protected for current and future generations.

Safe, Inclusive, and Creative: By ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and promoting responsible environmental practices, the policy helps to create a healthy, safe, and inclusive environment for all members of the community. This aligns with the strategic goal of making Ipswich a desirable place to live and work by promoting well-being and environmental justice.

A Trusted and Leading Organisation: The policy positions council as a leader in environmental management, promoting best practice and continuous improvement. This supports the strategic aim of enhancing the Council's credibility and leadership in delivering high-quality, accountable services.

The Environmental Protection Policy enables council to not only meet its legal environmental obligations but exceed them. This aligns closely with the city's long-term vision of sustainability, safety, and leadership.

The implementation, application, and oversight of this policy will take into account the following regulatory instruments:

Related strategies and policies at council

Environmental Management consists of three interconnected areas: Sustainability, Natural Environment, and Environmental Protection. These encompass the below strategies and policies which have been detailed in our planning efforts.

  • Sustainability

    • Sustainability Policy
    • Sustainability Strategy
    • Ipswich Integrated Catchment Plan
    • Resource Recovery Strategy
    • Integrated Water Strategy

  • Natural Environment

    • Natural Environmental Policy
    • Natural Environment Strategy
    • Waterway Health Strategy
    • Ipswich Enviroplan Program and Levy Policy
    • Environmental Offsets Policy
    • Urban Greening Policy
    • Urban Greening Plan

  • Environmental Protection

    • Environmental Protection Policy
    • Ipswich Biosecurity Plan
    • Cultural heritage protection (internal)

What you shared

The community was asked to provide feedback on the proposed Environmental Protection Policy.

A summary of the findings can be seen below. Otherwise, see the detailed Community Engagement report..

    • 42% strongly agree to agree that the policy clearly outlines council's strong commitment to environmental protection.
    • Support for the preservation and creation of ecological
      corridors       and green spaces to preserve biodiversity, reduce urban heat, and improve air quality and waterways.

    • 37% strongly agree to agree that they believe the policy will help council manage environmental impacts of its operations, activities, products and services.
    • Concerns over non-compliance with the Biosecurity Act 2014, particularly in fulfilling biosecurity obligations, suggesting that the policy should align better with these legal requirements.

    • 47% strongly agree to agree with the statement "I support council's Environmental Protection Policy"
    • Majority of respondents (95%) are Ipswich residents, indicating a strong local connection to environmental issues.

How you shared

Community engagement for the Environmental Protection Policy was undertaken between 21 October 2024 and 7 November 2024 and consisted of one online engagement through Shape Your Ipswich.

The community were able to share feedback via email as well as over the phone.

A summary of the contributors to the survey can be seen below. Otherwise, see the detailed Community Engagement report.

Who shared

The community was asked to provide feedback on the proposed Environmental Protection Policy.

A summary of the demographics of who contributed to the survey can be seen below. Otherwise, see the detailed Community Engagement report.