Economic and Cultural Development Committee - 15 Oct 2026 10 minutes after the conclusion of the Community and Sport Committee or such later time as determined by the preceding committee

Topics

• Ipswich cultural venues and city bikeway put forward for significant-project status
  Council advocacy would seek stronger government funding prospects for the Ipswich Art Gallery, Ipswich Civic Centre and Ipswich City Centre Bikeway.
  The listings could influence the priority given to major cultural and active-transport projects in future funding programs.
• Council seeks next-step advice on Ipswich Second River Crossing business case
  The Chief Executive Officer has been asked to advise councillors on progressing the detailed business case for a second river crossing.
  Progress on the business case could affect long-term transport planning, development patterns and infrastructure investment.
• North Ipswich Woollen Mills site prompts heritage, redevelopment and parking questions
  Councillors are seeking advice on heritage grants, development options and a possible car park near the vacant Woollen Mills site.
  Any future direction for the site could affect heritage protection, land use, parking and the North Ipswich precinct.

Decisions

• Project-list submissions supported
  The discussion supported including the Ipswich Art Gallery and Ipswich Civic Centre on the Regionally Significant Project list, and the Ipswich City Centre Bikeway on the Locally Significant Project list.
  These listings may improve the projects' eligibility for future State or other government funding.
• State Budget measures noted
  The committee noted State Budget 2026–2027 measures relevant to local government and the Ipswich region.
  The measures may affect future local infrastructure funding and advocacy priorities.
• Previous Advocacy Advisory Committee recommendations adopted
  Council adopted the recommendations of the Advocacy Advisory Committee meeting held on 6 October 2026.
  This formal adoption advances the recommendations considered by that committee, although the supplied extract does not specify each recommendation.

Discussion

• Active transport funding
  The General Manager Asset and Infrastructure Services is to provide councillors with a summary of active transport funding opportunities and their timing.
  The information could guide future funding bids and decisions on walking and cycling infrastructure.
• Ipswich Second River Crossing
  The Chief Executive Officer is to provide advice on progression of the detailed business case.
  The advice will clarify the next stage of planning for a major future transport connection.
• Woollen Mills site
  Councillors asked about the vacant Woollen Mills site at North Ipswich, possible heritage grants, development options and whether neighbouring vacant land could become a car park. The Chief Executive Officer is to provide a briefing note.
  The site could have heritage, redevelopment, parking and precinct impacts for North Ipswich.
• State and federal budget submissions
  The committee discussed submissions and potential advocacy for projects in the Ipswich region, including Ipswich Central Heart projects.
  Successful advocacy could attract external funding for local cultural, civic and transport projects.

Impacts

• Potential future funding advocacy for the Ipswich Art Gallery, Ipswich Civic Centre and Ipswich City Centre Bikeway.
• Further advice will be provided on active transport funding opportunities and timing.
• The Second River Crossing detailed business case will receive further progression advice.
• North Ipswich residents may receive further information about possible heritage funding, redevelopment and parking options at the Woollen Mills site.

Places

• Ipswich (city/region)
  Local government area and region affected by State Budget measures and funding advocacy.
• Ipswich Art Gallery (facility)
  Proposed for inclusion on the Regionally Significant Project list.
• Ipswich Civic Centre (facility)
  Proposed for inclusion on the Regionally Significant Project list.
• Ipswich City Centre Bikeway (transport project)
  Proposed for inclusion on the Locally Significant Project list.
• Ipswich Central Heart (project area)
  Projects were discussed for possible classification on Council's significant project lists.
• North Ipswich (suburb)
  Location of the Woollen Mills site discussed in relation to heritage grants, redevelopment and parking.
• Woollen Mills site (site)
  Vacant land subject to follow-up briefing advice.

Next

• Economic Development Manager to provide a Regionally Significant Submission report and a State Budget Submission report.
  Next Advocacy Advisory Committee meeting
• General Manager Asset and Infrastructure Services to provide councillors with a summary of active transport funding opportunities and timings.
  Future follow-up; exact date not stated
• Chief Executive Officer to provide advice on progression of the Ipswich Second River Crossing Detailed Business Case.
  Future follow-up; exact date not stated
• Chief Executive Officer to provide councillors with a briefing note on the Woollen Mills site.
  Future follow-up; exact date not stated

Extract

15 OCTOBER 2026 ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE NO. 2026(10)] of 7 ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE NO. 2026(10) 15 OCTOBER 2026 REPORT COUNCILLORS’ ATTENDANCE: Councillor Pye Augustine (Chairperson); Councillors Marnie Doyle (Deputy Chairperson), Mayor Teresa Harding, Andrew Antoniolli, David Martin and Jim Madden COUNCILLOR’S APOLOGIES: Deputy Mayor Nicole Jonic and Councillor Jacob Madsen OFFICERS’ ATTENDANCE: Chief Executive Officer (Sonia Cooper), General Manager Community, Cultural and Economic Development (Ben Pole), General Manager Asset and Infrastructure Services (Seren McKenzie), General Manager Planning and Regulatory Services (Brett Davey), General Manage...