Council - 28 May 2026 9:00 AM

Topics

• Council backs $2,000 reward over Ebbw Vale memorial vandalism
  Council has put cash on the table for information leading to a conviction over damage to the Ebbw Vale Memorial Honour Stone.
  Residents may help police identify offenders, and the decision shows a direct council response to community outrage over the vandalism.
• Marie Street Goodna embankment works blow past contingency
  Council noted a major cost overrun on embankment stabilisation works at Marie Street, Goodna, with total spend rising to more than $2.24 million ex-GST.
  Cost blowouts can affect future project budgets and signal pressure on maintenance and repair programs.
• Council adopts new Corporate Plan running to 2031
  A new five-year corporate plan will guide council priorities from 1 July 2026, replacing the current plan.
  The plan sets the strategic direction for services, infrastructure and budget decisions across the city.

Decisions

• Nicholas Street Precinct car park naming motion withdrawn
  Council withdrew a deferred notice of motion about naming the Nicholas Street Precinct Car Park.
  No change to the car park naming at this meeting.
• Infrastructure offset amount issued
  Council resolved to issue notice to HB Qld Pty Ltd and Canberra Estate Consortium No 36 Pty Ltd that the offset amount for Collingwood Drive and Eagle Street works is $11,451,973.08.
  Affects infrastructure delivery and developer obligations in the precinct.
• Temporary access wording amended in fees and charges
  Council adopted the 2026-2027 fees and charges recommendations with wording changed to include the word 'vehicle' for residential temporary access to council-controlled land.
  Clarifies what residential access uses are covered, including trailers, boats, caravans and work equipment.
• Easements approved at Basin Pocket and Rosewood
  Council approved disposal exemptions and delegated authority to the CEO for sewerage easement at 214 Chermside Road, Basin Pocket, and sewerage/water easements at 49 Lacewing Street, Rosewood.
  Supports utility infrastructure and service connections in these areas.
• Marie Street embankment works over contingency
  Council noted Contract 5326 for Marie Street, Goodna embankment stabilisation works exceeded its approved contingency and totalled $2,243,108.89 ex-GST, and delegated contractual action to the CEO.
  Signals a cost blowout on a local infrastructure repair project.
• Event sponsorships and support approved or noted
  Council supported or noted multiple event sponsorships, including $25,000 for the 2026 Gulf Western Oil Winternationals, $4,500 for the Let’s Go Ipswich Caravan & RV Expo, and cash support allocations already approved earlier in the year for major events.
  Continues council backing for local events and visitor economy activity.
• Climate alliance membership extended
  Council approved three more years of membership in the South East Queensland Climate Resilient Alliance at a total cost of $66,242 from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2029.
  Commits council to regional climate resilience coordination.
• New Corporate Plan adopted
  Council adopted the Corporate Plan 2026-2031 effective 1 July 2026, replacing the iFuture Corporate Plan 2021-2026, and authorised minor administrative updates by the CEO.
  Sets council’s strategic priorities for the next five years.
• Reward offer for Ebbw Vale Memorial Honour Stone damage
  Council approved a reward of up to $2,000 for information leading to conviction or finding of guilt for the desecration and damage of the Ebbw Vale Memorial Honour Stone, with conditions and CEO administration powers.
  A community response to vandalism at a local memorial site.

Discussion

• Consultation on precinct car park naming
  Council received and noted consultation results, including input from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, relating to the Nicholas Street Precinct Car Park naming matter.
  Community feedback was formally considered, even though the motion was withdrawn.
• Fee and charge changes from 1 July 2026
  Council adopted amended wording in the temporary access to council-controlled land section of the proposed 2026-2027 fees and charges.
  May affect residents seeking temporary access for vehicles and domestic works.
• Committee recommendations adopted in blocks
  Council adopted several committee reports in block motions, including audit and risk, infrastructure/planning/assets, finance and governance, community and sport, economic and cultural development, and environment and sustainability.
  A number of operational and budget items were approved together.
• Marie Street, Goodna project cost increase
  The embankment stabilisation contract significantly exceeded contingency, with council noting the revised total value.
  Important for residents monitoring project costs and road/embankment works.
• Corporate Plan 2026-2031
  The new corporate plan replaces the previous 2021-2026 plan and will take effect from 1 July 2026.
  Influences future service priorities, infrastructure focus and council direction.

Impacts

• Potential changes to how residents apply for temporary access over council land, including for vehicles and domestic work equipment.
• Utility easements at Basin Pocket and Rosewood may support sewerage and water servicing.
• The Marie Street, Goodna embankment works have run well past contingency, indicating higher project cost pressure.
• Council will continue funding and promoting major events that affect traffic, attendance and local business activity.
• A reward offer is now in place for information about vandalism to the Ebbw Vale memorial site.

Places

• Nicholas Street Precinct (precinct)
  Car park naming motion withdrawn and consultation noted.
• Collingwood Drive (road)
  Included in the infrastructure offset notice.
• Eagle Street (road)
  Included in the infrastructure offset notice.
• 214 Chermside Road, Basin Pocket (property)
  Site of approved sewerage easement disposal exemption.
• 49 Lacewing Street, Rosewood (property)
  Site of approved sewerage and water easements.
• Marie Street, Goodna (road/project area)
  Embarkment stabilisation works exceeded contingency.
• Ebbw Vale Memorial Honour Stone (memorial)
  Council approved a reward for information about its desecration and damage.
• Ipswich (city)
  Council-wide meeting affecting events, planning, infrastructure and strategy.

Next

• CEO to negotiate and finalise easement terms for Basin Pocket and Rosewood
  As required after the meeting
• CEO to update the Corporate Plan 2026-2031 with minor administrative changes and current state data when available
  Before and after 1 July 2026
• CEO to administer the Ebbw Vale reward process with Queensland Police Service and/or Crime Stoppers
  Immediately, under the adopted conditions
• Future council meeting to consider repair options for the Ebbw Vale 'Digger'
  At a later meeting
• Council to commence approved environment projects and programs for 2026-2027 and beyond
  From the 2026-2027 financial year
• Council to continue South East Queensland Climate Resilient Alliance membership
  1 July 2026 to 30 June 2029

Extract

of 28 UNCONFIRMED MINUTES OF COUNCIL ORDINARY MEETING 28 MAY 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, Deputy Mayor Nicole Jonic (via audio-link), Paul Tully, Marnie Doyle, Andrew Antoniolli, David Martin and Jim Madden 2. WELCOME TO COUNTRY OR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY Mayor Teresa Harding delivered the Acknowledgement of Country 3. OPENING PRAYER Ameet Londhe – Salvation Army Goodna At 9.06 am Councillor Jacob Madsen arrived at the meeting. 4. APOLOGIES AND LEAVE OF ABSENCE Nil 5. CONDOLENCES Nil 6. TRIBUTE...