Extraordinary Council - 5 Aug 2026 4:00 PM

Topics

• Ipswich Council commits $2.5m to proposed Ripley Valley athletics track
  Ipswich Council backs a proposed synthetic athletics track at Ripley Valley State Secondary College and commits $2.5 million, conditional on securing a community-use agreement with the Queensland Department of Education.
  The decision could deliver a major new athletics facility for local students, sporting groups and the wider community, while the funding remains conditional on agreed public access.
• Conditional council funding
  Council committed $2.5 million to the project, subject to an agreement with the Department of Education guaranteeing community use of the facility.
  The commitment represents a substantial public investment, with community access a condition of the funding.

Decisions

• Proposal endorsed
  Council formally endorsed Providence Athletics’ proposal for a synthetic athletics track at Ripley Valley State Secondary College.
  Provides formal council backing for the proposed community and school athletics facility.
• $2.5 million conditional co-contribution
  Council committed $2.5 million to a co-contribution, conditional on an agreement with the Department of Education to ensure community use.
  Creates a significant potential council contribution while requiring public access arrangements before the commitment proceeds.
• Letter of support approved
  The Chief Executive Officer was directed to provide a letter of support forthwith for Providence Athletics’ Games On! Partnership Fund application.
  Supports Providence Athletics in seeking funding to develop the proposed track.

Discussion

• Synthetic athletics track proposal
  Council endorsed Providence Athletics’ Games On! Partnership Fund application for a synthetic athletics track at Ripley Valley State Secondary College.
  The proposal could expand access to athletics facilities for students, clubs and residents in the growing Ripley Valley area.
• Conditional council funding
  Council committed $2.5 million to the project, subject to an agreement with the Department of Education guaranteeing community use of the facility.
  The commitment represents a substantial public investment, with community access a condition of the funding.
• Games On! Partnership Fund application
  Council directed the Chief Executive Officer to issue a letter of support immediately for Providence Athletics’ funding application.
  The letter may strengthen the application for external funding and progress the proposed facility.

Impacts

• Potential delivery of a synthetic athletics track serving Ripley Valley students, sporting organisations and residents.
• A $2.5 million council co-contribution was approved subject to an agreement guaranteeing community use.
• The Chief Executive Officer must promptly provide Providence Athletics with a letter supporting its external funding application.

Places

• Ripley Valley State Secondary College (school and project site)
  Proposed synthetic athletics track and community-use facility
• Ipswich (city)
  Local government area providing the proposed co-contribution

Next

• Council Chief Executive Officer to issue a letter of support to Providence Athletics.
  Forthwith
• Ipswich City Council and the Department of Education to negotiate an agreement securing community use of the proposed track.
  Before the $2.5 million co-contribution proceeds

Extract

of 3 UNCONFIRMED MINUTES OF COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING 5 AUGUST 2026 Held in the Council Chambers, Administration Building 1 Nicholas Street, Ipswich The meeting commenced at 4.00 pm 1. ATTENDANCE AT COMMENCEMENT Councillors Jacob Madsen, Pye Augustine, Nicole Jonic, Paul Tully, Andrew Antoniolli, David Martin and Jim Madden Mayor Teresa Harding and Councillor Marnie Doyle were not present. As Mayor Teresa Harding was not present for the meeting, Deputy Mayor Nicole Jonic chaired the meeting. 2. WELCOME TO COUNTRY OR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY Councillor Pye Augustine 3. OPENING PRAYER Councillor Andrew Antoniolli 4. APOLOGIES AND LEAVE OF ABSENCE Nil 5. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST IN MATTERS ON...