Ipswich residents have begun recovery efforts as floodwaters from the Bremer River continue to recede following Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Council crews and emergency services are assessing the damage, clearing debris, and restoring access to affected areas.
Read: Springfield Lakes on Alert as Tropical Cyclone Alfred Approaches
With the river level steadily falling, officials are working to evaluate the extent of the flood damage. Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding provided an update on Tuesday morning, stating: “This morning the Bremer River is falling after peaking at 11.47 metres at midnight. There has been inundation across several roads and suburbs, and as the water recedes, we will be able to assess how many properties have been impacted.”
Ipswich was on high alert as the Bremer River experienced major flooding following Tropical Cyclone Alfred. However, there may be some relief for residents as water levels begin to recede, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.
A flood warning issued at 5:21 a.m. on Tuesday, 11 March, confirmed that the Bremer River at Ipswich peaked at 11.47 metres around midnight, just below the major flood level of 11.70 metres. As of this morning (11 March), the river has fallen to 10.67 metres and continues to drop. It is expected to fall below the moderate flood level of 9.00 metres later today.
While flooding has caused road closures and impacted several suburbs, the situation remains less severe compared to previous historical events. The February 2022 flood peaked at 16.70 metres, the 2011 flood at 19.4 metres, and the 1974 flood at 20.70 metres. The worst recorded flood in Ipswich occurred in early 1893, with the Bremer River reaching a staggering 24.50 metres.
Local reports indicate that around 30 properties in the Ipswich area have been affected by floodwaters. A resident in Wulkuraka shared that while some areas saw flooding, homes across the railway tracks appeared to be safe.
Authorities continue to monitor conditions as clean-up efforts begin. Residents are advised to stay updated with official warnings and exercise caution in flood-affected areas.
Read: Flood Tuff Devices Installed in Goodna
Council Services and Facilities Update
Following overnight heavy rainfall, here’s the latest update on council services and facilities. Please note that changes may occur with shifting weather conditions.
Waste Collection:
- Catch-up waste collection for suburbs affected on 6–7 March is underway. Leave your red-lidded bin out for collection.
- Scheduled red bin services will proceed as planned today.
- Green bins scheduled for collection today should be placed out.
- Yellow bins scheduled for today will not be collected.
Facilities and Services Open:
- Riverview Resource Recovery Centre
- Ipswich City Council customer service centres
- Ipswich Central Library (limited services)
- Ipswich Visitor Information Centre
Closed:
- Rosewood Resource Recovery Centre
- All library branches except Ipswich Central Library
- Council-managed community centres
- Queens Park Environment Centre
- Ipswich Civic Centre, Ipswich Art Gallery, Studio 188, North Ipswich Reserve Corporate Centre, and Fire Station 101
- Nerima Gardens, Queens Park
- Council-owned swim centres
- Ipswich Pound and Animal Management
- Sporting grounds (until further notice)
- The following nature estates:
- Purga Nature Reserve, Flinders-Goolman Conservation Estate, Hillview Drive Reserve, White Rock – Spring Mountain Conservation Estate, Haig Street Quarry Conservation Reserve, Denmark Hill Conservation Park, Colleges Crossing Reserve
Keep track of the latest developments post-Cyclone Alfred:
Published 11-March-2025
