Ipswich meeting rules overhaul heads to 27 August Council meeting

Ipswich councillors have adopted an amended Meeting Procedures Policy covering how councillors attend meetings, move motions, conduct debate and exclude or re-open the public. The changes will be referred to the Ipswich City Council ordinary meeting on 27 August 2026.

The policy was adopted subject to amendments previously circulated to councillors, including an additional change concerning the moving of motions at Council. One amendment states that a councillor may attend a council or committee meeting in person or by teleconference.

Other changes remove the words “and duration” from one provision, correct cross-references and revise the wording for procedural motions. The amendments also set out how councillors moving and seconding a motion, and councillors speaking for or against it, are identified.

The rules governing when debate can end were also rewritten. The policy changes follow the Local Government (Empowering Councils) and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2026, which Queensland Parliament passed on 5 March 2026.

The committee repealed the Meeting Conduct Policy. It also repealed the Investigation Policy, subject to that policy continuing to apply to existing matters preserved by section 367 of the Local Government Act 2009 until a final determination is made.

The committee considered the changes on 11 August, with Cr Paul Tully chairing the meeting. The recommendations will go to the 27 August ordinary Council meeting for consideration.

The policy amendments were one of several decisions made at the committee meeting. Other matters included a five-year kindergarten lease at 460-466 Redbank Plains Road for $3,150 a year excluding GST, a five-year playgroup lease at 56 Harold Summervilles Road, Karalee, for $1 a year if demanded, and a five-year Rosewood Hack and Pony Club lease at $1 a year if demanded.