community services · Ipswich City Council
Ipswich council rejects Cameron Park solar lighting request
Ipswich City Council has rejected a petition for solar lighting at the new Cameron Park playground in Booval, citing light spill, safety concerns and its parks policy.
Ipswich City Council has knocked back a petition for solar lighting at the new Cameron Park playground in Booval, after the Infrastructure, Planning and Assets Committee voted on the request at its 21 April meeting.
The petition was lodged by Mrs Josephine Hutt on behalf of residents of Division 3.
Councillors said the playground would not be lit because council does not currently have any other lit playgrounds across its public park network. They also said lighting playgrounds is not part of the Desired Standard of Service for new parks.
The committee cited concern that light spill to nearby residents could be prevalent. It also said anti-social behaviour and unwanted attention could be exacerbated.
The recommendation, moved by Councillor Andrew Antoniolli and seconded by Councillor David Martin, was carried. Councillor Paul Tully abstained.
The committee said the request to install solar lighting for the playground located in Cameron Park, Booval, was not supported. It also said the chief petitioner would be advised of the outcome.
The same meeting also advanced Amendment Package 1 to the Ipswich City Plan 2025 after State interest review and public consultation.
Council noted eight submissions on the amendment, all relating to two proposed local heritage listings. It said only minor changes had been made to the package before it goes to the Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning for consideration.
As part of that process, council will seek further clarification from DSDIP about the previous condition and the heritage values of 81 East Street. It also authorised the chief executive officer to make any administrative changes requested by DSDIP and to submit Amendment Package 1 for final approval.
The committee also received and noted a status report on current Planning and Environment Court actions tied to development planning applications.
Reference minutes
From the Ipswich City Council Infrastructure, Planning and Assets Committee minutes of 21 April 2026.
Key facts from the minutes
- The committee did not support solar lighting for the Cameron Park playground in Booval.
- The petition was lodged by Mrs Josephine Hutt on behalf of residents of Division 3.
- Council cited no other lit playgrounds in its public park network and the Desired Standard of Service for new parks.
- Councillors also raised light spill, anti-social behaviour and unwanted attention as concerns.
- Amendment Package 1 to the Ipswich City Plan 2025 had eight submissions, all about two proposed local heritage listings.
- Council will seek further clarification from DSDIP about the previous condition and heritage values of 81 East Street.
- The committee received and noted a Planning and Environment Court action status report.
Why it matters
- The vote keeps solar lighting out of the Cameron Park playground in Booval, while Ipswich’s planning scheme amendment and proposed heritage listings take another step through State review.