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Community and Sport Committee — 2026-11-17
2. Community Facilities Network Impact Report
Community and Sport Committee
Meeting Agenda
17 November
2026
Doc ID No: A13432018
ITEM: 2
SUBJECT: Community Facilities Network Impact Report
AUTHOR: Senior Community Activation Officer
DATE: 1 October 2026
Executive Summary
This report outlines the utilisation, growth and community impact of Council's Community Facilities Network between 2024 and 2026.
Council's Community Facilities Network plays a vital role in supporting community participation, service delivery, social connection and inclusion across Ipswich. During 2025-26, utilisation across the network increased by 74 per cent compared to the previous year, demonstrating growing demand for accessible, affordable and welcoming spaces.
This strong growth reflects the success of Council's investment in community infrastructure, local activation initiatives and collaborative partnerships. By providing spaces for programs, services and community-led activities, the network helps build a sense of belonging, supports wellbeing and creates opportunities for residents to connect and engage in community life.
As essential social infrastructure, Council's Community Facilities Network contributes to vibrant, connected and resilient communities while enhancing the quality of life of Ipswich residents.
Recommendation/s
That Council receive and note the Community Facilities Network Impact Report.
RELATED PARTIES
There is no declaration of conflicts of interest
CORPORATE PLAN Theme
Vibrant and Growing
Purpose of Report/Background
Council's Community Facilities Network is a direct outcome and deliverable action of the City of Ipswich's Community Development Strategy.
Pillar 1 – Capacity Building and Resilience
· Local community centres are supported and connected, share knowledge and information and deliver impactful social programming.
· Community development continues to champion and lead the contemporary community development principles.
Pillar 2 – Wellbeing
· Council will work alongside community stakeholders to develop long term solutions to social challenges within the City of Ipswich.
· Increased support and initiatives for health and wellbeing in local communities.
Pillar 3 – Inclusion and Connectedness
· Those experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, social isolation are connected and engaged with the wider community.
· Connect community, and to facilitate and/or support community led initiatives that increase social participation, leadership and strengthen connections.
· Council will use place based and people centred approaches in delivering strategies and actions across the community.
· Improved health, wellbeing, and connections with our multicultural community.
The information provided in this report details the utilisation across council's Community Facilities Network and highlights the important role these facilities play in strengthening community connection, supporting service delivery and enhancing quality of life for Ipswich residents.
Between 2024 and 2026, council expanded and strengthened its Community Facilities Network through the management of Redbank Plains Community Centre, Riverview and District Community Centre and Goodna Community Centre. Through targeted multiuse facility activation, increased community access and strengthened partnerships, these venues have evolved into important community hubs that support service delivery, social connection, lifelong learning and community participation.
This approach has driven significant growth across the network, resulting in increased utilisation, expanded programming opportunities and stronger community engagement. The sustained growth in facility use demonstrates the increasing demand for accessible, local community infrastructure across Ipswich and the important role these facilities play in supporting connected, inclusive and resilient communities.
Community Impact Highlights
Between 2024 and 2026, council's Community Facilities Network delivered significant community outcomes. This included:
· More than 64,503 hours of community activity hosted across the network.
· 103 organisations utilised Council facilities.
· Overall facility utilisation increased from 13,169 hours in 2024 to 51,333 hours in 2026, representing a 290% increase in usage.
· Community service organisations were the primary users of Council facilities, accounting for more than 42,551 hours of utilisation across the network.
· Riverview and District Community Centre recorded the strongest growth, increasing from 2,580 hours to 15,401 hours, an increase of 497% since 2024.
· Redbank Plains Community Centre increased from 6,623 hours to 17,089 hours, representing a 158% increase in activation and utilisation since 2024.
· Blackstone Hall increased from 724 hours to 2,893 hours, achieving 300% growth in utilisation since 2024.
These outcomes demonstrate the increasing value of council's Community Facilities Network as a platform for community participation, social inclusion, lifelong learning, recreation and access to essential services.
Facility Growth
Facility
Baseline Utilisation
2025/2026
Growth
2024 – 2026
Blackstone Hall
724
3,893
+ 3,169
Riverview & District Community Centre
2,580
15,401
+ 12,821
Goodna Community Centre
6,986
-
Redbank Plains Community Centre
6,623
17,089
+ 10,466
Augustine Heights Community Hub
863
1,782
+ 919
Rosewood Memorial Hall
675
1,835
+ 1,161
Rosewood Exhibition Pavillion
1,705
4,347
+ 2,642
Note: Baseline utilisation figures represent the annual level of use recorded prior to the implementation of the current operating model. Growth percentages indicate the increase in annual utilisation achieved by 2025/26 relative to that baseline, demonstrating the effectiveness of activation and community engagement initiatives across the facility network .
The Community Facilities Network experienced strong growth throughout 2025-2026, driven by increasing demand for local services, community programs and opportunities for social connection. While utilisation varied across individual facilities, overall Network performance remained strong, with significant growth occurring across key community centres and hubs throughout the city.
Who Uses Council's Community Facilities?
Sector
Booked Hours
% of Total
Community Services (eg/ Community, Multicultural Groups etc)
42,551
66.0%
Government Agencies
11,974
18.6%
Sporting and Recreation
5,322
8.3%
Education and Training
2,993
4.6%
Private Hire
1,663
2.6%
Total Booked Hours
64,503
100%
Community service organisations remain the primary users of council's facilities, accounting for 66% of all booked hours across the network. These facilities overall support a wide range of community outcomes, including health and wellbeing services, cultural and multicultural activities, education and training programs, sport and recreation, community gatherings, and government outreach services.
Legal IMPLICATIONS
This report and its recommendations are consistent with the following legislative provisions:
Not Applicable
policy implications
There is no discernible policy implications associated with this report and its recommendation
RISK MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS
Based on the general nature of this report it is deemed that there are no risks associated with the recommendation.
Financial/RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS
The Community and Sport programs, services and initiatives were delivered within the budget and resource allocations adopted for the 2025-2026 financial year.
While facilities within council's Community Facilities Network do not currently receive dedicated State Government funding under the Neighbourhood Centre funding model, they continue to deliver significant community development, social inclusion and service coordination outcomes. Additional funding opportunities would enhance council's capacity to respond to growing community demand, strengthen place-based service delivery and expand community activation initiatives across Ipswich.
COMMUNITY and OTHER CONSULTATION
Ongoing engagement is maintained with communit
Mentions: Ipswich · Redbank Plains · Riverview · Goodna · Blackstone · Augustine Heights · Rosewood
3. Optimisation of Library Network Operating Hours
Community and Sport Committee
Meeting Agenda
17 November
2026
Doc ID No: A13430626
ITEM: 3
SUBJECT: Optimisation of Library Network Operating Hours
AUTHOR: Manager, Libraries and Customer Services
DATE: 1 October 2026
Executive Summary
This is a report concerning the proposed optimisation of council’s Library network operating hours.
Recommendation/s
That Council approve the optimised Library network operating hours.
RELATED PARTIES
There are no discernible related party conflicts of interest associated with this report or its recommendation.
CORPORATE PLAN Theme
Vibrant and Growing
Purpose of Report/Background
The Library Services Policy clause 6.1 Community Access to Library Facilities states that community access to Library facilities is provided at locations across the City, in accordance with opening hours as determined by resolution of Council.
A review of council’s Library network operating hours has been undertaken and an optimisation is recommended in order to improve network consistency, service usage and operational requirements.
If resolved by Council, consultation and communication will begin with staff and community.
Legal IMPLICATIONS
This report and its recommendations are consistent with the following legislative provisions:
Not Applicable
policy implications
The Library Services Policy clause 6.1 Community Access to Library Facilities states that community access to Library facilities is provided at locations across the City, in accordance with opening hours as determined by resolution of Council.
RISK MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS
Council is responsible for balancing efficient and sustainable service delivery with community needs and expectations, while appropriately managing operational, financial and service-delivery risks.
A review of operating hours across council’s library network has identified opportunities to improve consistency, better align service availability with patterns of community use, and support the efficient allocation of resources across the network.
The 2024-2025 Annual Ipswich Libraries Survey recorded a customer satisfaction rating of 88 per cent. Given the diversity of community needs and patterns of use across the network, there remains a risk that neither the current operating model nor the recommended optimised operating hours will fully meet the expectations of all library users.
Financial/RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS
Financial and resource implications have been considered as part of the review, however a reliable assessment of the full impacts can only be determined once any proposed service changes are confirmed and implementation requirements are fully understood.
COMMUNITY and OTHER CONSULTATION
Consultation on council’s Library network operating hours with Mayor, Councillors and council’s executive was undertaken at various 2026-2027 Budget and Operational Plan workshops throughout 2025 and 2026.
Further information and recommendations were sent via email to Mayor and Councillors for consideration on 24 July 2026 and 7 September 2026.
Council’s Library network operating hours was discussed with Mayor and Councillors at the 05 November Annual Plan and Budget workshop.
If resolved by Council, consultation and communication will begin with staff and community.
Conclusion
A review of council’s Library network operating hours has been undertaken and an optimisation is recommended in order to improve network consistency, service usage and operational requirements.
HUMAN RIGHTS IMPLICATIONS
HUMAN RIGHTS IMPACTS
OTHER DECISION
(a) What is the Act/Decision being made?
That Council approve the optimised Library network operating hours.
(b) What human rights are affected?
Not applicable.
(c) How are the human rights limited?
Not applicable.
(d) Is there a good reason for limiting the relevant rights? Is the limitation fair and reasonable?
A review of council’s Library network operating hours has been undertaken and an optimisation is recommended in order to improve network consistency, service usage and operational requirements.
(e) Conclusion
The decision is consistent with human rights.
Confidential Attachments
1.
Optimisation of Library Network Operating Hours
Samantha Chandler
Manager, Libraries and Customer Services
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
4. Community Funding and Support Allocations Status Report from 1 July to 30 September 2026
Community and Sport Committee
Meeting Agenda
17 November
2026
Doc ID No: A13448828
ITEM: 4
SUBJECT: Community Funding and Support Allocations Status Report from 1 July to 30 September 2026
AUTHOR: Senior Community Funding Officer
DATE: 8 October 2026
Executive Summary
This is a report concerning the allocation of Council’s Community Funding and Support Program from 1 July to 30 September 2026.
During the three-month period from 1 July to 30 September 2026, Council approved 67 applications from 64 unique applicants, providing a total of $210,003.96 in funding to support a range of community events and projects.
All successful applicants and projects are detailed in Attachment 1 and are reported on the Transparency and Integrity Hub in accordance with Council’s principle of transparency and the Community Funding and Support Policy.
Recommendation/s
That the report concerning allocation of Council’s Community Funding and Support Programs from 1 July to 30 September 2026 be received and the contents noted.
RELATED PARTIES
· A conflict of interest was declared by Cr Jim Madden in relation to an application made for Councillor Discretionary Funds by the Ipswich Trades Hall and Labour Day Committee in that Cr Madden is a member of the Australian Labor Party. While there would be no personal benefit (financial or otherwise), Cr Madden chose not to allocate funds towards the application.
CORPORATE PLAN Theme
Vibrant and Growing; Safe, Inclusive and Creative; Natural and Sustainable; A Trusted and Leading Organisation
Purpose of Report/Background
Council’s Community Funding and Support Program is a direct outcome and deliverable action of the City of Ipswich’s Community Development Strategy:
Pillar 1 – Capacity Building and Resilience
· Community and charitable groups/organisations, services, businesses, and government agencies are working together to achieve goals that are driven by community aspirations
· Community is empowered and has the skills and resources to increase their independence and sustainability to continue to design and deliver community led initiatives
· Community development continues to champion and lead the contemporary community development principles
Pillar 2 – Wellbeing
· Our community is progressive, innovative and community stakeholders are empowered and supported to address the social and economic issues and together we collaborate for positive change
· Increased support and initiatives for health and wellbeing in local communities
· Improved coordination, promotion, and participation of initiatives and activities to celebrate and acknowledge significant weeks and celebrations
Pillar 5 – Civic Participation and Leadership
· We listed to our key stakeholders. Community needs and aspirations are responded to by collectively engaging with community leaders and key stakeholders
· Increase community ties with council representatives
· Improved and increased capability of volunteer leaders, community organisations, and groups
Ipswich City Council is committed to supporting community initiatives and partnerships that encourage participation in community life, foster social cohesion, celebrate culture and diversity, and contribute to a vibrant, healthy, and sustainable city.
The Community Funding and Support Program affirms Council’s commitment by providing funding avenues and support to organisations and individuals while ensuring an equitable, open, transparent, and accountable decision-making process.
The information provided in this report and its attachment details funding allocations through each of the available programs from 1 July to 30 September 2026.
Civic and Ceremonial Events Funding
Funding up to $10,000.00
Successful applications: 1
Total funds allocated: $1,200.76
The approved application is for funding for Remembrance Day in Redbank.
Community Events Funding
Funding up to $5,000.00
Additional funding up to $2,500.00 towards bin and/or toilet hire
Successful applications: 11
Total funds allocated: $37,341.40
The approved applications are for funding towards community family festivals, sporting events, a senior’s expo, and a Father’s Day car show.
Community Projects Funding
Funding up to $15,000.00
Successful applications: 13
Total funds allocated: $103,008.65
The approved applications are for funding towards facility upgrades, equipment purchases, a public art installation, and capacity building programs.
Councillor Discretionary Funds
Funding up to $10,000.00 (with a max of $2,000.00 per Councillor)
Successful applications: 34
Total funds allocated: $53,568.15
The approved applications include facility upgrades, equipment purchases, award and presentation events, support for sporting teams’ representation, community events, and a women’s healing camp.
Regional Arts Development Fund
Professional Development funding - up to $2,000.00
Time and Space funding - up to $2,000.00
Successful applications: 8
Total funds allocated: $14,885.00
Approved applications are for funding towards professional development opportunities that will assist in creating new music, support for exhibitions and manuscript development. Funding is also allocated to exhibitions and interactive art installations.
In addition to funding allocated through the Community Funding and Support Programs,
four (4) Stronger Communities Workshops were held. Understanding Governance: Roles and Responsibilities on Tuesday 21 July, Financial Literacy for Not-for-Profits on Tuesday
18 August, and Grant Writing Workshops on Tuesday 15 September and Saturday
19 September 2026. There was a total of 51 attendees from 30 unique organisations / groups.
Legal IMPLICATIONS
This report and its recommendations are consistent with the following legislative provisions:
Local Government Act 2009
Local Government Regulation 2012
policy implications
This report and its recommendations are consistent with the following legislative provisions:
Conflict of Interest for Employees Policy
Community Funding and Support Policy
Councillor Discretionary Funds Policy
Civic and Ceremonial Events Policy
RISK MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS
There are no discernible risk management implications associated with this report and its recommendations.
Financial/RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS
There are no discernible financial or resource implications associated with this report and its recommendations.
The Community Funding and Support Team in the Community and Sport Section managed the receipt, assessment, and allocation of the applications through the Community Funding and Support Programs in accordance with the Community Funding and Support Policy, the Civic and Ceremonial Events Policy, the Councillor Discretionary Funds Policy, and associated Guidelines.
Funding for the provision of community funding is contained within the Community and Sports Sections 2026-2027 financial year budget.
COMMUNITY and OTHER CONSULTATION
No additional consultation was required for the applications approved 1 July to
30 September 2026.
Conclusion
Council’s Community Funding and Support Team processed 120 funding applications between 1 July to 30 September 2026. Of those applications, there has been $210,003.96 in funding provided to 64 unique applicants.
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.
Community Funding and Support Allocation Status Report - 1 July to 30 September 2026 ⇩
Sarah Sheehy
Senior Community Funding Officer
I concur with the recommendations contained in this report.
Melissa Dower
Community and Sport Manager
I concur with the recommendations contained in this report.
Don Stewart
Manager, Community and Cultural Services
I concur with the recommendations contained in this report.
Ben Pole
General Manager (Community, Cultural and Economic Development)
“Together, we proudly en
Source: Ipswich City Council meeting agenda (CC BY 4.0).