Council - 30 Apr 2026 9:00 AM

Article-worthy topics

• Additional funding approved for Riverlink/Bradfield Bridge reconstruction works
  Council approved an extra $2.2 million contingency for reconstruction works adjacent to Riverlink and Bradfield Bridge to help ensure completion within Queensland Reconstruction Authority funding timeframes.
  Relevant to flood recovery, project completion, and transport access around a major Ipswich works area.

Key decisions

• Commercial cleaning contract awarded
  Council awarded Tender No. 250318-000084 for commercial cleaning to listed suppliers under a contract worth about $24 million excluding GST over 4 years, with an optional 3-year extension, and delegated contractual actions to the Chief Executive Officer.
  Affects cleaning services across council facilities and the value of a major council service contract.
• Additional funding approved for Riverlink/Bradfield Bridge reconstruction works
  Council approved an extra $2.2 million contingency for reconstruction works adjacent to Riverlink and Bradfield Bridge to help ensure completion within Queensland Reconstruction Authority funding timeframes.
  Relevant to flood recovery, project completion, and transport access around a major Ipswich works area.
• Interim parking arrangement approved for Ipswich Trades Hall
  Council approved offering up to five car park spaces in the Nicholas Street Precinct Carpark to Ipswich Trades Hall on an informal, non-perpetual basis, subject to council discretion, weekday-only access for visitors and committee members, and legal release/indemnity conditions.
  Changes how a small number of public parking spaces may be allocated in central Ipswich and clarifies the arrangement is temporary and revocable.
• Planning amendment package progressed for 81 East Street
  Council resolved to seek and support Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning consideration and final approval of Amendment Package 1, seek clarification on a previous condition, reinforce the heritage values of 81 East Street, and authorise necessary changes required by the department.
  Affects a heritage-related planning matter at 81 East Street and signals further state approval steps.
• Council adopted committee recommendations on community, sport, economic and environment matters
  Council passed block motions adopting items from Community and Sport, Economic and Cultural Development, and Environment and Sustainability committees, including noting the completion and positive outcomes of the Let’s Get It Sorted program.
  Advances a range of council initiatives affecting community services, sport, culture, and waste behaviour-change programs.
• Notice of motion on proposed state e-mobility reforms supported
  Council expressed concern that proposed state e-mobility legislation could remove transport options, affect council pathways and signage obligations, and shift costs to local government; the Mayor is to write to the Minister for Transport and Main Roads seeking funding if reforms proceed.
  Could affect shared pathway rules, local transport options, and future council costs linked to state law changes.

Important topics

• Sponsorship signage at council-owned sporting facilities
  Council received and noted the response to a notice of motion about sponsorship signage at council-owned sporting facilities.
  Relevant to sporting clubs and users of council sports venues.
• Advisory committee recommendations deferred or refined
  Council adopted recommendations from advisory committees including Libraries and Customer Services, but held over decisions to progress options until the next Annual Plan and Budget Workshop; it also amended a Sport and Recreation Advisory Committee item so officers investigate Option 1 and report back later.
  Some service or facility changes remain under review rather than proceeding immediately.
• Organisational performance report noted
  Council received and noted the Chief Executive Officer Organisational Performance Report for March 2026.
  Provides oversight of council performance but did not itself create a direct service change in the extract provided.

Resident impacts

• Council committed major spending on cleaning services and additional reconstruction contingency funding.
• A temporary weekday parking allocation of up to five spaces will be offered to Ipswich Trades Hall in the Nicholas Street Precinct Carpark.
• Flood-recovery works near Riverlink and Bradfield Bridge are being financially supported to stay on schedule.
• A heritage-related planning amendment for 81 East Street is being advanced to the state for approval.
• Council may advocate against unfunded local impacts from proposed state e-mobility law changes, especially pathway signage costs.
• Some community, library, and sport-related options will return for future consideration rather than being decided immediately.

Places affected

• Nicholas Street Precinct Carpark (facility)
  Up to five parking spaces approved for temporary use by Ipswich Trades Hall under conditions.
• Ipswich Trades Hall (facility)
  Beneficiary of the approved informal parking arrangement.
• Riverlink (project area)
  Reconstruction works adjacent to Riverlink received extra contingency funding.
• Bradfield Bridge (bridge)
  Reconstruction works near the bridge received extra contingency funding.
• 81 East Street (property)
  Planning amendment package and heritage-related clarification to be progressed for this site.
• Ipswich (local government area)
  Council decisions and proposed e-mobility advocacy affect residents across the city.

Next steps

• Seek DSDIP consideration and final approval of Amendment Package 1 and make any required changes.
  Next planning approval stage
• Enter into and manage the awarded commercial cleaning contracts through delegated CEO powers.
  Following council resolution
• Proceed with the temporary parking arrangement documentation for Ipswich Trades Hall, including release and indemnity terms.
  Following council resolution
• Continue and complete reconstruction works adjacent to Riverlink and Bradfield Bridge using the approved extra contingency if required.
  Ongoing
• Bring back investigated Option 1 from the Sport and Recreation Advisory Committee item to a future committee.
  Future committee meeting
• Discuss library and customer service options at the next Annual Plan and Budget Workshop before progressing them.
  Next Annual Plan and Budget Workshop
• Mayor to write to the Minister for Transport and Main Roads about e-mobility reform concerns and funding impacts, with correspondence shared with councillors.
  Forthwith

Extracted minutes text

of 24 UNCONFIRMED MINUTES OF COUNCIL ORDINARY MEETING 30 APRIL 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, Paul Tully, Marnie Doyle (via audio-link), 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 Pastor Brad Pain – Catalyst Church Ipswich 4. APOLOGIES AND LEAVE OF ABSENCE Nil 5. CONDOLENCES CONDOLENCE MOTION RECOMMENDATION Moved by Councillor Paul Tully:...