Ipswich backs mayor-and-10-divisions plan as war memorial repairs and rate relief approved

Ipswich City Council has adopted committee recommendations that start consultation on a proposed Mayor-and-10-divisions electoral structure, approve repairs to the Ebbw Vale War Memorial and change planning fees for 2026 - 2027.

The proposed structure would use a mayor and 10 single-councillor divisions. Council will seek urgent consideration from the Local Government Change Commission and refer the request to the Minister for Local Government and Water, Hon Ann Leahy MP.

Community consultation will begin in parallel with the referral process. Council will provide the consultation outcomes to the minister and the commission. Any change to Ipswich’s electoral arrangements remains subject to the required state process.

At Ebbw Vale, the damaged stone soldier at the war memorial will be removed and repaired. The removal will follow advice from the chief executive officer, with repairs, re-installation and re-dedication required before ANZAC Day 2027.

Council also adopted amendments to planning and development fees and charges for 2026 - 2027. The individual amounts were not listed, so the effect on particular applications is not detailed in the approved material.

A change was approved to development approval 7213/2014/MAMC/E, originally associated with Queensland Planning and Environment Court Judgment No. 107 of 2023. The approval relates to Nugrow’s enclosed compost and soil conditioner manufacturing facility and associated high-impact industry resource recovery facility involving the storage and redistribution of regulated waste. The change is subject to conditions and attachments.

Rate concessions were approved for properties at 36 Moffatt Street, Ipswich; 10, 12 and 10A Glebe Road, Newtown; 97 Pine Mountain Road, Brassall; and a property in Drive, Yamanto. The concessions are made under Council’s Rates Concession Policy, with some backdated to the relevant application date.

Council also approved confidentially identified road-land acquisitions and a replacement drainage easement. The acquisitions are to begin by agreement with affected landowners, with the Acquisition of Land Act 1967 available if agreement cannot be reached.