Advocacy Advisory Committee - 24 Mar 2026 1:00 PM

Topics

• Ipswich advocacy priorities document to be launched at Leaders Forum
  Council is shaping a public-facing advocacy document and will test community priorities through its annual survey before launch.
  It shows which infrastructure projects council wants to push for and gives residents a say in ranking them.
• Norman Street Bridge project advances to business case stage
  The bridge project has a signed funding agreement and is now moving through detailed business case development.
  This is a material step in a local transport project that could affect traffic flow, access and future construction work.
• Electoral boundary changes could affect Ipswich communities
  The committee noted the Queensland Redistribution Commission’s proposed redistribution and the chance to object.
  Boundary changes can shift local representation and alter which electorate some suburbs fall into.

Decisions

• Growing Ipswich advocacy document to be launched at Ipswich Leaders Forum
  The committee received and noted the development of the public-facing advocacy document 'Growing Ipswich: Key Priorities for Infrastructure Investment' for release at the Ipswich Leaders Forum, and noted that community engagement will be run through the existing Living in Ipswich annual survey.
  Residents may be asked to rank council advocacy priorities, and the document will shape what infrastructure projects council pushes for.
• Ipswich Leaders Forum planning progressed
  The committee received and noted progress on planning for the Ipswich Leaders Forum, and provided input on the preferred date, guest list and facilitator.
  This forum may influence which local priorities and projects are taken forward in regional advocacy.
• Team Attraction Brochure update noted
  The committee received and noted stakeholder engagement on the Team Attraction Brochure, plus Training Camp Investment Guidelines and proposed venue additions for a new version of the brochure.
  This may affect how Ipswich is promoted for sport and training events, with potential benefits for local venues and visitation.
• QRC proposed redistribution noted
  The committee noted the Queensland Redistribution Commission’s proposed redistribution of state electoral districts and the opportunity to make objections.
  Electoral boundary changes could affect local representation and which communities sit in particular electorates.

Discussion

• 50-cent connected region initiative
  A joint letter seeking support for regional rail connectivity, including a staged passenger rail extension from Rosewood to Withcott, was tabled and slated for discussion at a future councillor briefing.
  Could influence long-term regional transport advocacy and rail investment priorities.
• Norman Street Bridge update
  The committee was advised that the funding agreement with DTMR has been signed, the detailed business case is under development, and a letter of support has been circulated to councillors.
  Signals continued progress on a significant bridge project with implications for traffic movement and local connectivity.
• Committee chairing arrangement
  Councillor David Martin was elected to chair the meeting once Mayor Teresa Harding left early for another engagement.
  Administrative only; no direct service impact.

Impacts

• Residents may be surveyed on infrastructure advocacy priorities through the Living in Ipswich survey.
• The Ipswich Leaders Forum could shape future advocacy on transport, infrastructure and economic development priorities.
• Proposed electoral redistribution may change state electorate boundaries affecting some local communities.
• The Norman Street Bridge project remains active, with the business case under development.

Places

• Ipswich (city)
  Main focus of advocacy, infrastructure and forum planning.
• Rosewood (locality)
  Referenced as the starting point for a proposed staged passenger rail extension.
• Withcott (locality)
  Referenced as the proposed rail extension destination in the regional connectivity initiative.
• Karalee (suburb/locality)
  Mentioned in relation to proposed electorate boundary changes.
• Barellan Point (suburb/locality)
  Mentioned in relation to proposed electorate boundary changes.
• Chuwar (suburb/locality)
  Mentioned in relation to proposed electorate boundary changes.
• Raceview (suburb)
  Criterium Track at Raceview discussed as a potential addition to the Team Attraction Brochure.
• Norman Street Bridge (infrastructure project)
  Bridge project receiving a funding and business case update.

Next

• Run community engagement through the Living in Ipswich annual survey on advocacy priorities
  Before the document is finalised and launched at the Ipswich Leaders Forum
• Send a date claimer and seek feedback on the Ipswich Leaders Forum agenda
  After the forum date is settled
• Provide a report back to a future Advocacy Advisory Committee after public consultation on the advocacy priorities document
  Around August 2026
• Discuss the 50-cent connected region initiative at a future councillor briefing session
  Future briefing session
• Advise next steps on the Norman Street Bridge at a future meeting
  Future meeting
• Lodge any objections to the QRC proposed redistribution if pursued
  Within the commission’s objection period

Extract

24 MARCH 2026 ADVOCACY ADVISORY COMMITTEE NO. 2026(01)] of 5 ADVOCACY ADVISORY COMMITTEE NO. 2026(01) 24 MARCH 2026 REPORT ATTENDANCE: Mayor Teresa Harding (Chairperson); Councillors Pye Augustine, Andrew Antoniolli, David Martin and Jim Madden APOLOGIES: Councillor Marnie Doyle, Deputy Mayor Nicole Jonic and Councillor Jacob Madsen OFFICERS’ ATTENDANCE Chief Executive Officer (Sonia Cooper), General Manager Community, Cultural and Economic Development (Ben Pole), Economic Development Manager (Dan Heenan), Advocacy Lead (Kate Adams), Senior Project Officer – Major Projects (Sibel Gradinscak) ELECTION OF CHAIR OF ADVOCACY ADVISORY COMMITTEE Mayor Harding advised she would be leaving the meet...