Advocacy Advisory Committee - 18 Jun 2026 2:00 PM

Topics

• Federal funding changes put pressure on Ipswich infrastructure pipeline
  The committee flagged no new federal Infrastructure investment for Ipswich, a fall in Financial Assistance Grants to 0.49%, and the end of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.
  The changes could affect the funding available for local roads, community facilities and other infrastructure projects.
• Tartan track location decision deferred pending Ross Planning report
  The committee will wait for a Ross Planning report before considering the preferred location of the tartan track, with a late-July meeting suggested.
  The future site remains unresolved and may affect residents, sporting users and nearby communities.
• Council seeks alternative funding pathways for Inland Rail infrastructure
  Council is engaging with the Queensland Government about other funding pathways after federal budget settings reduced the relevant funding pool for suburban, urban and peri-urban projects.
  Funding arrangements may influence the timing and delivery of infrastructure required to bring Inland Rail online in the region.

Decisions

• Federal Budget summary noted
  The committee noted Federal Budget 2026–27 measures relevant to local government and the Ipswich region. No new Infrastructure investment for Ipswich was identified in the discussion.
  Reduced or redirected federal funding may affect the availability and timing of infrastructure projects in Ipswich.
• Follow-up meeting to consider tartan track location
  The next meeting is expected to be scheduled for late July 2026 so members can consider the Ross Planning draft report on the preferred location of the tartan track.
  The future location of the tartan track remains under review, with a further report expected before the committee considers the issue.

Discussion

• Federal funding pressure for local infrastructure
  The discussion noted that Financial Assistance Grants have fallen to 0.49%, the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program has stopped, and the Thriving Suburbs Program is returning.
  Changes to federal grants and infrastructure programs may reduce or reshape funding available for local roads, community facilities and other projects.
• Regional infrastructure funding and Inland Rail
  The Local Infrastructure Fund includes a $2 billion pool, with one quarter dedicated specifically to regional Australia, leaving $1.5 billion for suburban, urban and peri-urban funding. Council has engaged with the State Government about alternative pathways to fund infrastructure needed to bring the Inland Rail project online.
  The funding split and search for alternative funding pathways may influence major infrastructure delivery in the region.
• Tartan track preferred location
  Mayor Harding advised that Council had received a draft Ross Planning report on the preferred location of the tartan track. The report is expected to inform a future committee discussion.
  Residents will need to wait for the planning report and subsequent committee consideration before the preferred location is identified.

Impacts

• Federal funding changes may place pressure on the timing and scope of local infrastructure projects.
• The Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program has stopped, which may affect a former source of funding for local works.
• The preferred location of the tartan track has not yet been determined in the available meeting material.
• A future committee meeting is expected to consider the tartan track location and broader project updates.

Places

• Ipswich (local government area/region)
  The Federal Budget’s infrastructure and local government funding implications were discussed in relation to Ipswich.
• Regional Australia (funding area)
  One quarter of the $2 billion Local Infrastructure Fund was described as dedicated to projects in regional Australia.
• Inland Rail project area (infrastructure project area)
  Council discussed engagement with the State Government on funding pathways to bring the project online.

Next

• Advocacy Lead Kate Adams to review listings and imagery based on matters raised.
  After the meeting; exact timing not stated.
• Schedule the next committee meeting to allow consideration of the Ross Planning draft report on the preferred tartan track location.
  Suggested for late July 2026; final date to be advised.
• Provide a report on project updates for a future meeting.
  Next meeting or a subsequent meeting; exact timing not stated.

Extract

18 JUNE 2026 ADVOCACY ADVISORY COMMITTEE NO. 2026(02)] of 4 ADVOCACY ADVISORY COMMITTEE NO. 2026(02) 18 JUNE 2026 REPORT ATTENDANCE: Mayor Teresa Harding (Chairperson); Councillors Marnie Doyle (Deputy Chairperson), Pye Augustine, Jim Madden and Jacob Madsen APOLOGIES: Councillor David Martin, Deputy Mayor Nicole Jonic and Councillor Andrew Antoniolli The committee noted that Deputy Mayor Nicole Jonic is attending The World Cities Summit in Singapore with the Council of Mayors SEQ, representing the Mayor, which was approved at the Council Ordinary Meeting 26 March 2026, making it an approved Leave of Absence in line with section 9.7.5 of the Meeting Procedures Policy. OFFICERS’ ATTENDANCE:...