Mount Marrow site removed from consideration for Western Resource Recovery Centre

Mount Marrow site removed from consideration for Western Resource Recovery Centre

23 August 2024

One of three options for a new Resource Recovery Centre in the western part of Ipswich has been removed from the shortlist for consideration after extensive community feedback.

Environment and Sustainability Committee Chairperson and Division 4 Councillor Jim Madden said council had heard the clear message from the community that the Mount Marrow site was not suitable.

"We heard from the community, and we listened. That option has now been taken off the table," Cr Madden said.

"Council has undertaken community engagement through Shape Your Ipswich and pop-up sessions and received extensive feedback on the shortlisted options, with this potential site in particular.

"It was encouraging to hear the community discuss social and environmental matters through the consultation period. These concerns will help inform council in its decision-making on a preferred location for this important community asset."

The Mount Marrow site was put forward for consideration because council already owns the land, utilities are located within a nearby road, and there is a quarry with routes in place for large vehicles.

But the potential challenges were significant: upgrading site access would be costly due to the landscape and a nearby school, and there are matters of state environmental significance on the site which would need to be considered for planning.

"Residents raised concerns about the impacts to nearby Mount Marrow State School, potential truck movements in and out, and related issues," Cr Madden said.

"Council is also aware of Aboriginal cultural heritage in the Mount Marrow area and has engaged with the relevant State Government department in relation to this matter."

Division 4 Councillor David Cullen said council's consultants had reviewed over 750 potential locations within the western corridor of the city to develop the shortlist of three locations.

"This comprehensive assessment included 13 community submissions, 23 council-owned sites, and 734 privately owned properties. An initial shortlist of 15 was cut to three, and now two," Cr Cullen said.

"This process demonstrates council's commitment to listening to the community and finding the best location for this much-needed Western Resource Recovery Centre.

"I invite residents to make a submission to which of the two remaining sites they prefer, and thank them for their interest, effort and advocacy throughout this consultation process. We look forward to sharing the final location with residents in the months ahead."

The two options remaining on the shortlist are:

• 94 and 95 Oakleigh Colliery Road, Rosewood (currently the Rosewood Recycling and Refuse Centre, owned by council)
• 486-516 Ipswich Rosewood Road, Jeebropilly (privately owned land).

Council officers will be on hand at Rosewood RSL on Saturday 24 August to answer the community's questions about the future Western Resource Recovery Centre.

Further details on the project are available at Shape Your Ipswich.

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