Council - 25 Jun 2026 9:00 AM

Topics

• Council signs off on $15 million security services contract
  Ipswich Council approved a two-year security services deal worth about $15 million, with options to extend further.
  A major operational contract that affects council sites, public safety and procurement spending.
• Road rehab approved for Augusta Parkway in Augustine Heights
  Council awarded a road rehabilitation tender for Augusta Parkway, advancing works in Augustine Heights.
  Residents and commuters could see improved road conditions and disruption during works.
• Limestone Netball Courts set for resurfacing
  Council approved resurfacing works for the Limestone Netball Courts, supporting a key community sport venue.
  Players and clubs should eventually get better playing surfaces and safer facilities.

Decisions

• Council adopted Infrastructure, Planning and Assets Committee recommendations
  Council resolved to adopt the committee report as resolutions, including progress on two provisional projects: a concrete slab for the skate park at Redbank Plains Recreation Reserve ($10,000) and a basketball hoop assembly at Marburg Community Oval ($17,500).
  Supports small local recreation upgrades in Redbank Plains and Marburg.
• Council adopted Finance and Governance Committee recommendations
  Council approved major procurement and contract actions, including security services contracts valued at about $15 million over two years with extension options, road rehabilitation works for Augusta Parkway at Augustine Heights, and Limestone Netball Courts resurfacing. Council also repealed the standalone Active City Policy.
  Affects council spending, contractor opportunities and delivery of infrastructure works.
• Council confirmed local law wording on hazardous vegetation
  Council supported a reworded recommendation to keep existing local law provisions about dangerous or hazardous vegetation in the current local law review.
  Maintains Council powers to deal with dangerous vegetation near homes and public areas.
• Council supported CMC Rocks festival agreement
  Council agreed to a two-year agreement with CMC Rocks Pty Ltd to support the 2027 and 2028 festivals, with the total financial commitment set out in a confidential attachment.
  Continues council support for a major event that can drive visitation, local spending and jobs.
• Council noted Land for Wildlife program membership
  Council noted continued membership in the Land for Wildlife South-East Queensland Regional Program for three years at a total cost of $39,397.11 from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2029.
  Supports local conservation and landholder biodiversity advice.
• Council backed Ipswich Show public holiday request for 2027
  Council accepted the Ipswich Show Society recommendation for the CEO to apply for the Ipswich Show Public Holiday on Friday 14 May 2027.
  Could affect future trading, school, business and community arrangements on the show holiday.
• Council lodged opposition to federal disaster funding changes
  Council agreed the Mayor should write to the Prime Minister, Emergency Management Minister, federal MPs and the Queensland Premier and minister, and the CEO should make a formal submission to NEMA, objecting to proposed changes to Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
  Important for disaster recovery funding and council support after future emergencies.

Discussion

• Shopping trolley compliance and possible inspection fee
  Councillor Paul Tully raised questions about inspecting trolley locking mechanisms and whether an annual inspection fee could be charged through fees and charges or another process, at no cost to ratepayers. Officers said the issue would need consideration in the local law review.
  Could affect shopping centres, retailers and local enforcement settings.
• Ivor Marsden precinct planning and sports field fees
  Questions on notice asked about the real cost of providing one hour of sports field access, how current charges compare, and how early planning for the Ivor Marsden precinct fits broader sport and recreation priorities.
  Relevant to sporting groups, clubs and future user fees.
• North Ipswich Reserve Masterplan priorities
  Council discussed keeping the masterplan focused on the highest-value outcomes given limited capital funding.
  Shapes future stadium and precinct planning in North Ipswich.
• Hazardous vegetation local law review
  Council retained existing nuisance and vegetation-management provisions dealing with dangerous or hazardous vegetation while the broader local law review continues.
  Affects property owners where unsafe trees or plants pose risks.

Impacts

• Small recreation upgrades are coming to Redbank Plains Recreation Reserve and Marburg Community Oval.
• Major council contracts were approved for security services, road rehabilitation and netball court resurfacing.
• Council will keep powers to act on dangerous vegetation during the local law review.
• Ipswich may pursue a public holiday for the Ipswich Show in May 2027.
• Council will formally oppose proposed federal disaster funding changes that could affect future recovery support.
• Shopping trolley compliance rules and any possible inspection fees may be revisited during the local law review.

Places

• Redbank Plains Recreation Reserve (recreation reserve)
  Site of a $10,000 concrete slab for the skate park.
• Marburg Community Oval (community oval)
  Site of a $17,500 basketball hoop assembly.
• Augusta Parkway, Augustine Heights (road)
  Road rehabilitation tender approved.
• Limestone Netball Courts (sports facility)
  Resurfacing tender approved.
• Ivor Marsden precinct (sports precinct)
  Raised in questions on notice about planning and fees.
• North Ipswich Reserve (sports precinct)
  Masterplan priorities discussed.
• Ipswich (city)
  Primary local government area for all decisions.

Next

• Begin design and construction for the Redbank Plains skate park slab and Marburg basketball hoop project
  Following Council approval
• Enter contractual arrangements and delegate implementation authority for approved procurement items
  Immediately after award processes
• Continue local law review, including hazardous vegetation and shopping trolley regulation questions
  Ongoing
• Mayor and CEO to send letters and submission opposing disaster recovery funding changes
  As soon as practicable
• CEO to apply to the Office of Industrial Relations for the 2027 Ipswich Show Public Holiday
  Ahead of the 2027 holiday determination
• Proceed with planning focus for the North Ipswich Reserve Masterplan and Ivor Marsden precinct
  Ongoing

Extract

of 23 UNCONFIRMED MINUTES OF COUNCIL ORDINARY MEETING 25 JUNE 2026 Held in the Council Chambers, Administration Building 1 Nicholas Street, Ipswich The meeting commenced at 9.00 am 1. ATTENDANCE AT COMMENCEMENT Mayor Teresa Harding (Chairperson); Councillors Jacob Madsen, Pye Augustine, Nicole Jonic, Paul Tully, Marnie Doyle, Andrew Antoniolli and Jim Madden 2. WELCOME TO COUNTRY OR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY Mayor Teresa Harding delivered the Acknowledgement of Country 3. OPENING PRAYER Councillor Jim Madden delivered the Opening Prayer 4. APOLOGIES AND LEAVE OF ABSENCE Councillor David Martin LEAVE OF ABSENCE RESOLUTION C2026/00/177 Moved by Mayor Teresa Harding: Seconded by Councillor An...