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Advocacy Advisory Committee — 2026-06-18
2. Living in Ipswich - Community Views Survey 2026
Advocacy Advisory Committee
Meeting Agenda
18 June
2026
Doc ID No: A12945255
ITEM: 2
SUBJECT: Living in Ipswich - Community Views Survey 2026
AUTHOR: Senior Project Officer - Major Projects
DATE: 28 May 2026
Executive Summary
This is a report concerning the results of the City of Ipswich Community Views 2026, a community engagement survey undertaken by Informed Decisions.
Recommendation/s
That the Advocacy Advisory Committee receive and note the City of Ipswich Community Views results for 2026.
RELATED PARTIES
There was no declared conflicts of interest.
ifuture Theme
Vibrant and Growing
Purpose of Report/Background
The Community Views survey uses 16 attributes to determine community values and experiences, calculate local area liveability and identify future needs. It also measures community health and wellbeing, financial circumstances, attitudes to climate change, local area concerns, advocacy priorities and seeks ideas for improving quality of life.
A total of 1,320 surveys were completed between 30 March and 24 April. This is the sixth year of the study beginning in 2021. Respondents were sourced via a combination of. id’s targeted social media advertising approach (1,195) and Council channels (125). At the total level, the maximum margin of error for this wave is +/-2.7% at the 95% confidence interval. This means that if 50% of survey respondents provided a particular response, there is a 95% confidence that between 47.3% and 52.7% of the total adult Ipswich population would hold the same view. The data is available spatially across 8 local areas.
The four (4) key takeaways include:
Liveability upheld despite intense growth overall liveability in Ipswich remained stable in an environment of substantial population growth, urban development and infrastructure pressures.
Protecting Ipswich’s lifestyle identity residents strongly value Ipswich’s space, family-friendly character and connection to nature, highlighting the importance of preserving the qualities that distinguish the city as growth continues.
Everyday liveability matters most quality of life was judged through practical day-today experiences such as safety, congestion, housing affordability, neighbourhood maintenance and ease of getting around.
Community expectations are evolving as Ipswich becomes more integrated into the broader Brisbane metropolitan region, residents increasingly expect metropolitan-quality amenity, connectivity and liveability while still wanting to retain Ipswich’s affordability and sense of community.
This year, questions around council’s advocacy priorities for regionally significant projects and Games priorities were asked to gauge how community prioritises them. At a high level, infrastructure and connectivity dominated community priorities for major projects, while residents prioritised practical and long-term games legacy benefits.
Dan Evans, Head of Customer and Commercial (Government) from Informed Decisions will be providing an update on the results of the 2026 Community Views survey.
Full details for each of the attributes and supplementary questions can be viewed on the Living in Place platform. These results are also available at a divisional level.
Legal IMPLICATIONS
This report and its recommendations are consistent with the following legislative provisions:
Local Government Act 2009
policy implications
This is consistent with the Advocacy for Significant Projects Policy.
RISK MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS
A key risk here is an expectation gap, as Ipswich grows and residents increasingly expect metropolitan‑level services, any inability to deliver infrastructure, amenity or connectivity at that pace could undermine trust. There is also a liveability risk, where rapid population growth and development pressures may start to undermine the very lifestyle qualities residents value most if not carefully managed. The survey allows Council to be informed about these issues.
Financial/RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS
The Living in Place survey is currently funded through the Strategy, Governance and Performance branch budget.
COMMUNITY and OTHER CONSULTATION
Community Views is a resident-centric approach informed by 16 critical attributes designed to measure liveability and identify priorities within an area. The study engaged with 1,320 residents weighted by age, gender and local area surveyed between 30 March and 24 April 2026. Engagement was undertaken via an online survey conducted via social media advertising and Council channels. A further breakdown is provided below to show how many respondents per area.
Conclusion
The Community Views survey provides Council with a view of how residents are experiencing growth, what they value most, and where expectations are shifting. The findings reinforce the importance of maintaining Ipswich’s distinctive lifestyle while addressing practical liveability pressures and delivering metropolitan‑level services as the city evolves. These insights will support informed decision‑making, guide advocacy priorities and ensure future planning remains aligned with community needs and aspirations.
HUMAN RIGHTS IMPLICATIONS
HUMAN RIGHTS IMPACTS
RECEIVE AND NOTE REPORT
The Recommendation that the Advocacy Advisory Committee receive and note the City of Ipswich Community Views results for 2026. The decision to receive and note the report does not limit human rights. Therefore, the decision is compatible with human rights.
Sibel Gradinscak
Senior Project Officer - Major Projects
I concur with the recommendations contained in this report.
Dan Heenan
Economic Development Manager
I concur with the recommendations contained in this report.
Ben Pole
General Manager (Community, Cultural and Economic Development)
“Together, we proudly enhance the quality of life for our community”
Mentions: Ipswich
3. Team Attraction Brochure Update
Advocacy Advisory Committee
Meeting Agenda
18 June
2026
Doc ID No: A12939953
ITEM: 3
SUBJECT: Team Attraction Brochure Update
AUTHOR: Senior Project Officer - Major Projects
DATE: 27 May 2026
Executive Summary
This is a report concerning the Team Attraction Brochure (attached) with an updated version including additions to the sporting venues, strength and conditioning offerings.
Recommendation/s
That Advocacy Advisory Committee receive and note the updates to the Team Attraction Brochure.
RELATED PARTIES
There was no declaration of conflicts of interest.
ifuture Theme
Vibrant and Growing
Purpose of Report/Background
The Team Attraction Brochure for Olympic and Paralympic Games (Brochure) training was received and noted at the Economic and Cultural Development Committee No. 2025(11) dated 2 December 2025 and approved at the Council Meeting 2025 (13) dated 11 December 2025. The Brochure was publicly released on 17 December 2025 and has since been shared with relevant stakeholders, including National Olympic Committees, National Paralympic Committees, sporting federations, and high-performance partners.
The Brochure forms a key component of Council’s strategy to position Ipswich as a preferred pre-games training destination in the lead up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. It showcases the city’s growing suite of high-quality venues, support services and accommodation options, and is intended to support engagement with domestic and international teams.
The Brochure is designed as a live document that will be updated as new venues and facilities come online. This second edition includes the following inclusions and amendments:
§ Updated front image of Gout Gout
§ Inclusion of the following training venues:
o Ipswich Turf Club
o Ipswich Cycle Park
o George and Eileen Hastings Sports Centre
o Tivoli Sporting Complex
§ Inclusion of Anytime Fitness in the strength and conditioning section
§ Inclusion of Orion Family Physiotherapy in the rehabilitation and recovery section
§ Inclusion of Hilton Garden Inn in the accommodation section.
This Brochure will be printed to support further promotion with key stakeholders, including activities aligned with the six years to go milestone. Council officers will continue to liaise with venue operators and partners to ensure information remains current.
Legal IMPLICATIONS
This report and its recommendations are consistent with the following legislative provisions:
Local Government Act 2009
policy implications
The Brochure is identified as a priority under the Regionally Significant Project – Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games opportunities. Regionally Significant Projects are identified through the Advocacy for Significant Projects Policy.
RISK MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS
There is risk that without a clearly defined and well-promoted high-performance training proposition, Ipswich may miss the opportunity to attract Olympic and Paralympic teams to train and stay in the city ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Competing regions across Australia are already packaging and marketing their facilities, accommodation and support services, and Ipswich may be overlooked if its offer is not articulated, coordinated, and visible to international teams.
Financial/RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS
The delivery of the Team Attraction Brochure and planned printing are funded through existing budget allocations in the 2025-2026 budgets.
COMMUNITY and OTHER CONSULTATION
Engagement was undertaken with all external service providers included for the new venues and facilities included in the Brochure to ensure accuracy.
Feedback on the first iteration of the Team Attraction Brochure was received from The Department of Sport, Racing and Olympic and Paralympic Games (DSROPG), the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee and the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC).
The requested additions provided by the Mayor and Councillors have been included.
Conclusion
The ongoing refinement of the Team Attraction Brochure, informed by targeted stakeholder consultation and the inclusion of new venues, services and accommodation options, reinforces Council’s commitment to positioning Ipswich as a competitive and attractive pre-Games training destination. The proposed updates enhance the Brochures accuracy, relevance and market appeal, ensuring it remains a credible tool for engagement with Olympic and Paralympic stakeholders. Continued collaboration with venue operators, partners and peak sporting bodies will be essential to maintaining the Brochure’s currency and ensuring Ipswich remains visible and competitive in the lead up to Brisbane 2032.
HUMAN RIGHTS IMPLICATIONS
HUMAN RIGHTS IMPACTS
RECEIVE AND NOTE REPORT
The Recommendation states that the report be received and the contents noted. The decision to receive and note the report does not limit human rights. Therefore, the decision is compatible with human rights.
Attachments
1.
City of Ipswich Team Attraction Brochure (under separate cover)
Sibel Gradinscak
Senior Project Officer - Major Projects
I concur with the recommendations contained in this report.
Dan Heenan
Economic Development Manager
I concur with the recommendations contained in this report.
Ben Pole
General Manager (Community, Cultural and Economic Development)
“Together, we proudly enhance the quality of life for our community”
4. Federal Budget summary
Advocacy Advisory Committee
Meeting Agenda
18 June
2026
Doc ID No: A12897817
ITEM: 4
SUBJECT: Federal Budget summary
AUTHOR: Advocacy Lead
DATE: 19 May 2026
Executive Summary
This is a report concerning a summary of the Federal Budget 2026-2027 handed down on 12 May.
Recommendation/s
That the Advisory Committee note the Federal Budget measures relevant to local government and the Ipswich region.
RELATED PARTIES
There was no declaration of conflicts of interest
ifuture Theme
Vibrant and Growing
Purpose of Report/Background
On 12 May the Federal Budget for 2026-2027 was announced. It included the following measures relevant to local government.
Untied funding
$3.6 billion in untied funding under the Financial Assistance Grant program which local government can spend on their own priorities.
This includes a bring forward payment of $2.9 billion, being 80% of the 2026-2027 estimate, which will be paid to states and territories by 30 June 2026 to be passed onto every council in Australia to assist with immediate cost pressures.
Building more homes
The Federal Government is establishing a new $2 billion Local Infrastructure Fund to help local governments and state utilities build essential infrastructure to support new housing – including by connecting essential services such as water, power, sewerage and roads. This funding will support up to 65,000 homes over the decade and brings the Government’s total investment in housing‑enabling infrastructure to $6.3 billion.
Community infrastructure
$750 million over four years from 2026 for further rounds of the Growing Regions and Thriving Suburbs programs. These programs will provide funding of between $250,000 and $15 million to projects that enable place-based benefits. Investing in broad-use community-focused infrastructure that creates and enhances amenity, and in venues where programs and activities can be held that encourage connection and a sense of belonging and identity, contributes to improved social cohesion and liveability throughout regional Australia.
$22.5 million of funding over two years from 2026–2027 for a tenth round of the Stronger Communities Programme. Continuing to support small scale $2,500-$20,000 capital projects that enable and encourage community participation and help build vibrant, connected and resilient communities throughout Australia's regions.
The following measures were included in the budget that directly relating to the Ipswich region.
Bolstering Australia’s defence capability
The 2026 National Defence Strategy provides an additional $53 billion over the next ten years through direct government investment and plans to leverage private sector funding, which includes up to $15 billion on autonomous and uncrewed systems, such as the Australian designed and built Ghost Bat and smaller, low‑cost drones for deployment in large numbers.
Inland Rail
On 6 th May, the Federal Government announced they had taken the decision to consolidate the Inland Rail project by completing construction between Beveridge in Victoria and Parkes in New South Wales and that works north of Parkes to Brisbane will focus on preservation of the rail corridor, as well as protecting sites for future Inland Rail intermodal terminals in Queensland.
The Ebenezer Regional Industrial Area (ERIA) is one of Councils eight Regionally Significant Projects for advocacy to the State and Federal Governments. Council’s advocacy position on the ERIA is to deliver the catalytic infrastructure for the ERIA, progress the Inland Rail project and deliver the Ebenezer Intermodal Terminal.
Prior to the May 6 th announcement:
· The Federal Government had agreed in principle that the proposed Brisbane Inland Rail Intermodal Terminal be located at the ERIA, subject to consideration of the outcome of the Brisbane Inland Rail Intermodal Terminal Business Case.
· The State Government position, with Economic Development Queensland as the owner of 550 hectares of undeveloped land in the ERIA adjoining the Inland Rail Corridor, was that the Federal Government would fund the essential trunk infrastructure (water, sewer, high voltage electricity) if the Business Case was favourable to approve the Intermodal project at Ebenezer.
Following the May 6 announcement Council will:
1. Work with the Federal Government and Inland Rail to preserve the rail corridor and protect the ERIA future Inland Rail Intermodal Terminal site.
2. Seek clarity from the State Government about its new position on the trunk infrastructure at ERIA.
Noting a meeting between officers from Council, the Coordinator-General’s Office and the Department of State Development will occur on 11 June 2026.
Legal IMPLICATIONS
This report and its recommendations are consistent with the following legislative provisions:
Local Government Act 2009
policy implications
This is consistent with the Advocacy for Significant Projects Policy.
RISK MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS
To mitigate risk around the ERIA further clarity is needed from both the State and Federal Governments on their positions moving forward.
Financial/RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS
There are no financial implications from this paper.
COMMUNITY and OTHER CONSULTATION
Previous correspondence between Council’s CEO and the Director-General of the Department of State Development Infrastructure and Planning informed the State Government position presented in this paper.
Conclusion
The Advisory Committee is to note the Federal Budget measures.
HUMAN RIGHTS IMPLICATIONS
HUMAN RIGHTS IMPACTS
RECEIVE AND NOTE REPORT
The Recommendation That the Advisory Committee note the Federal Budget measures relevant to local government and the Ipswich region - states that the report be received and the contents noted. The decision to receive and note the report does not limit human rights. Therefore, the decision is compatible with human rights.
Kate Adams
Advocacy Lead
I concur with the recommendations contained in this report.
Dan Heenan
Economic Development Manager
I concur with the recommendations contained in this report.
Ben Pole
General Manager (Community, Cultural and Economic Development)
“Together, we proudly enhance the quality of life for our community”
Mentions: Ipswich
5. Brisbane 2032 update
Advocacy Advisory Committee
Meeting Agenda
18 June
2026
Doc ID No: A12942480
ITEM: 5
SUBJECT: Brisbane 2032 update
AUTHOR: Advocacy Lead
DATE: 28 May 2026
Executive Summary
This is a report concerning an update on preparation in relation to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Recommendation/s
That the Advocacy Advisory Committee note the update in relation to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games
RELATED PARTIES
There were no conflicts of interest
ifuture Theme
Vibrant and Growing
Purpose of Report/Background
As planning and organisation for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games intensifies, multiple working groups have been established by the Queensland Government. To date the City of Ipswich has membership on five working groups established by the Olympic and Paralympic Games Office (OPGO) within the Department of Sport, Racing and Olympic and Paralympic Games:
· City Readiness and Operations Coordination Committee (CROCC)
· Brisbane 2032 Host and Co-Host Cities Working Group
· Local Government Workforce Planning Working Group
· Procurement and Supply Chain Working Group
· Waste Management Working Group
Separately, The Mayor is also a member of the Host Mayors Advisory Group which provides direct input into the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee Board.
To coordinate and align Council’s involvement in these working groups, an internal 2032 Planning Working Group will be established as a two-way information sharing platform. It will ensure that Council officers participating in various Queensland Government working groups are aligned and informed of Council priorities in relation to 2032 and the internal working group is aware of all relevant information being provided across the various Queensland Government working groups.
The Working Group will report to the General Manager CCED, CEO and Advocacy Advisory Committee the consolidated updates on State working groups, strategic advice on Ipswich’s 2032 readiness and identification of funding and partnership opportunities
“6 years to go” breakfast
Throughout 2026, the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee has been visiting co-host cities to organise community events, in partnership with councils, around promoting the benefits and building excitement for the 2032 Games. Functions have been held on the Gold Coast, Logan, Redlands, Mackay and Rockhampton.
Council is working with the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee to organise a "6 years to go" breakfast at Brighton Homes Arena on Thursday 6 th August 7-9am.
The purpose of the breakfast in to build hype and excitement in Ipswich about the opportunities 2032 brings, especially with Brighton Homes Arena confirmed as a Games venue.
The format of the breakfast will include a MC moderated panel discussion which includes the Mayor, OCOG rep, Olympic athlete and Paralympic athlete. The audience will consist of 110 local business and sports associations.
Topics likely to be discussed include:
· Brighton Homes Arena as a Games venue
· Finalisation of the 2032 sports program
· Other Olympic and Paralympic sports opportunities for Ipswich
· Business and procurement opportunities for Ipswich
· Grassroots sports club opportunities and preparation for the Games
· Economic benefits of Ipswich being a co-host city
Legal IMPLICATIONS
This report and its recommendations are consistent with the following legislative provisions:
Local Government Act 2009
policy implications
This is consistent with the Advocacy for Significant Projects Policy.
RISK MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS
The Internal 2032 Planning Working Group will mitigate the risk of disorganised planning in relation to 2032 my aligning and coordinating Council’s involvement in the Games.
Financial/RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS
These activities are funded from existing Advocacy budget.
COMMUNITY and OTHER CONSULTATION
Other SEQ local governments were consulted in the formation of the Internal Working Group concept.
Internal stakeholders were consulted about the MC and guest list for the “6 years to go” breakfast.”
Conclusion
The Advisory Committee note the preparation work in relation to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
HUMAN RIGHTS IMPLICATIONS
HUMAN RIGHTS IMPACTS
RECEIVE AND NOTE REPORT
The Recommendation That the Advisory Committee note the preparation in relation to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games - states that the report be received and the contents noted. The decision to receive and note the report does not limit human rights. Therefore, the decision is compatible with human rights.
Kate Adams
Advocacy Lead
I concur with the recommendations contained in this report.
Dan Heenan
Economic Development Manager
I concur with the recommendations contained in this report.
Ben Pole
General Manager (Community, Cultural and Economic Development)
“Together, we proudly enhance the quality of life for our community”
Mentions: Ipswich
Source: Ipswich City Council meeting agenda (CC BY 4.0).