Economic and Cultural Development Committee - 16 Jun 2026 10 minutes after the conclusion of the Community and Sport Committee or such later time as determined by the preceding committee

Topics

• Council backs CMC Rocks sponsorship for 2027-2028
  A major event sponsorship was renewed for two more years, keeping a large regional festival supported by council.
  The deal underpins a significant tourism and hospitality drawcard, with spending impacts for the wider Ipswich/Willowbank area.
• Nicholas Street Precinct redevelopment stays under way
  Council received a progress update on leasing and delivery at the city-centre precinct redevelopment.
  The precinct is a major urban renewal project that can influence retail occupancy, investment confidence and centre activity.

Decisions

• CMC Rocks 2027-2028 sponsorship agreement
  Council resolved to enter into a two-year agreement with CMC Rocks Pty Ltd to support the 2027 and 2028 festivals, with the total financial commitment held in a confidential attachment.
  Supports a major local event that can drive visitation, spending and temporary activity around the festival site.
• Nicholas Street Precinct redevelopment progress noted
  The committee received and noted the May 2026 redevelopment progress report for the Nicholas Street Precinct, covering leasing, planning, delivery and ongoing management.
  Provides an update on a key city-centre redevelopment area that affects businesses, visitors and future tenancy activity.

Discussion

• Closed session for confidential commercial matters
  The committee moved into closed session to discuss the CMC Rocks sponsorship item and the Nicholas Street Precinct redevelopment progress report, both marked confidential under the Local Government Regulation 2012.
  Signals that the financial and commercial details were considered confidential, limiting public detail on the agreements and project status.
• Commencement of open session
  The meeting moved into open session at 11.32 am after considering confidential items.
  Confirms the committee returned to public proceedings after the closed discussion.

Impacts

• Continued support for a major music festival at Willowbank Raceway, with likely benefits for local hospitality, transport and tourism activity.
• Ongoing redevelopment activity at Nicholas Street Precinct may affect tenancy opportunities, city-centre foot traffic and local business conditions.

Places

• Willowbank Raceway (venue)
  Site of the CMC Rocks festivals covered by the sponsorship agreement.
• Nicholas Street Precinct (project area)
  City-centre redevelopment area covered by the progress report.

Next

• Finalise and implement the two-year CMC Rocks sponsorship agreement
  For the 2027 and 2028 festivals
• Continue reporting on Nicholas Street Precinct redevelopment progress
  At future committee updates

Extract

16 JUNE 2026 ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE NO. 2026(07)] of 5 ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE NO. 2026(07) 16 JUNE 2026 REPORT COUNCILLORS’ ATTENDANCE: Councillor Pye Augustine (Chairperson); Councillors Marnie Doyle (Deputy Chairperson), Jacob Madsen, Andrew Antoniolli, David Martin and Jim Madden COUNCILLOR’S APOLOGIES: Mayor Teresa Harding and Deputy Mayor Nicole Jonic OFFICERS’ ATTENDANCE: Chief Executive Officer (Sonia Cooper), General Manager Planning and Regulatory Services (Brett Davey), General Manager Environment and Sustainability (Kaye Cavanagh), General Manager Corporate Services (Matt Smith), Manager Marketing and Sustainability (Carly Gregory), Manag...