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| SWAMPED CITY: Floodwater over Limestone St
in the Ipswich CBD during January 2011 flood.
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TWO years after flooding wreaked more than $100 million worth of havoc across Ipswich, only one major rebuild project remains.
Contributions from a federal, state and local level have helped pave the way for what has been an enormous task.
Since waters started to recede, almost $108 million has been spent rebuilding bridges, roads, parks and sporting complexes.
That does not include privately funded projects such as the transformation of the Coles supermarket, due to be opened on February 6.
Riverside Park, on the Brisbane River at Karalee, was one of several popular picnic spots ripped apart by scouring torrent in January 2011.
The aftermath was similar to that seen at Colleges Crossing, with trees left leaning sideways and picnic areas and car parks washed away.
The park was also home to a boat ramp that was once busy with water skiers and other recreational boaties.
The state and commonwealth-run Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA), will provide $2.1 million toward the project, which should begin once the community consultation process regarding the design is complete.
Mayor Paul Pisasale said community meetings were planned in February.
"It's important that we get this restoration right and that it balances the needs of both local residents and other users seeking access to the Brisbane River for recreation," Cr Pisasale said.
Meanwhile, work further upstream at Colleges Crossing is almost complete and Ipswich City Council is planning a church service and family fun day to thank everyone involved in the recovery.
Mayor Paul Pisasale said he believed the opening at Colleges - expected to take place in February - should represent closure, and the chance to celebrate the city's fighting spirit.
"We set an example for the rest of Queensland," Cr Pisasale said.
- Colleges Crossing: $10.067m
- Ipswich Knights Clubhouse: $1.96m
- Goodna Bowls Clubhouse: $1.91m
- Joseph Brady Park: $1.58m
- Brisbane Terrace: $1.29m
- Goodna Cultural Arts Centre: $1.07m
11.1.13
