Sport and Recreation Advisory Committee - 28 May 2026 1:00 pm - 2.00 pm

Topics

• Council to workshop North Ipswich Reserve masterplan
  New workshop and briefing process is set to progress options for the North Ipswich Reserve sporting precinct, including athletics track considerations.
  The outcome could affect future infrastructure, sporting use and investment in a key local recreation site.
• Pickleball trial approved at George Alder Tennis Centre
  A weekend trial for Ipswich Pickle Ball has been approved at George Alder Tennis Centre.
  The trial changes how a local facility is used and may signal growing demand for pickleball access.

Decisions

• Fees and charges presentation noted
  The committee received and noted a presentation on fees and charges for community and school sport.
  May affect the cost of using council sport facilities and programs.
• Ivor Marsden master plan opportunity noted
  The committee discussed a proposal for a Master Plan for Ivor Marsden and noted advice that Cricket Ipswich could seek council funding through established community funding channels.
  Could influence future upgrades and funding options for a local sporting facility.
• North Ipswich Reserve masterplan work to continue
  The committee reviewed updated potential configurations for the North Ipswich Reserve Masterplan and resolved that a councillor workshop be scheduled, with a technical report on athletics track options to go to an upcoming councillor briefing.
  May shape future sport and recreation facilities and athletics infrastructure in the area.

Discussion

• Workshop session scheduled for 9 June 2026
  A workshop session was scheduled for 9 June 2026, with consultation to include the Mayor, all Councillors, schools and community sporting groups.
  Provides a consultation pathway for local sport and recreation priorities.
• Pickleball trial at George Alder Tennis Centre
  A permit was granted to Ipswich Pickle Ball for trial use of two courts at the George Alder Tennis Centre on weekends for day use.
  Changes short-term access and activity at a local tennis centre.
• North Ipswich Reserve masterplan options discussed
  Updated potential configurations were presented and discussed for the North Ipswich Reserve Masterplan.
  Could affect the design and use of a major sporting precinct.
• Community grant pathway for Cricket Ipswich
  Cricket Ipswich was advised of the opportunity to apply for council funding through community grant channels.
  May support future cricket facility planning or improvements.

Impacts

• Possible changes to sport and school facility fees.
• Potential future upgrades or reconfiguration at Ivor Marsden and North Ipswich Reserve.
• Weekend trial access for pickleball at George Alder Tennis Centre.
• Community sporting groups may be consulted on future sport and recreation planning.

Places

• Ivor Marsden (sporting facility)
  Subject of a possible master plan and funding discussion.
• North Ipswich Reserve (sporting precinct)
  Updated masterplan configurations and athletics track options were discussed.
• George Alder Tennis Centre (sporting facility)
  Received a trial permit for Ipswich Pickle Ball use of two courts on weekends.

Next

• Hold the workshop session with the Mayor, Councillors, schools and community sporting groups
  9 June 2026
• Schedule a councillor workshop on the North Ipswich Reserve Masterplan
  Upcoming
• Submit a technical report on athletics track options to a councillor briefing session
  Upcoming
• Advise the next meeting date
  To be advised

Extract

28 MAY 2026 SPORT AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE NO. 2026(03)] of 4 SPORT AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE NO. 2026(03) 28 MAY 2026 REPORT ATTENDANCE: Councillor Jacob Madsen (Chairperson); Councillors Pye Augustine, Deputy Mayor Nicole Jonic (via audio-link), Andrew Antoniolli, Jim Madden and Councillors David Martin (Observer) and Marnie Doyle (Observer) APOLOGIES: Nil OFFICERS’ ATTENDANCE: Chief Executive Officer (Sonia Cooper), General Manager Community, Cultural and Economic Development (Ben Pole), Manager Community and Cultural Services (Don Stewart), Community and Sport Manager (Melissa Dower) ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY Councillor Jacob Madsen (Chairperson) delivered the Acknowle...