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Economic and Cultural Development Committee — 2026-09-15
2. Public Art Policy
Economic and Cultural Development Committee
Meeting Agenda
15 September
2026
Doc ID No: A13314287
ITEM: 2
SUBJECT: Public Art Policy
AUTHOR: Executive Coordinator
DATE: 4 September 2026
Executive Summary
This is a report concerning a Public Art Policy to provide a consistent and accountable approach to commissioning, acquisition, and management of public art in the Ipswich local government area.
Recommendation/s
That the policy titled Public Art Policy as detailed in Attachment 1, be adopted.
RELATED PARTIES
There are no discernible related party conflict of interest implications associated with this report or its recommendation.
CORPORATE PLAN Theme
Safe, Inclusive and Creative
Purpose of Report/Background
This policy outlines the acquisition, management and delivery of public artworks and programs for the Ipswich local government area. It provides guiding principles for the selection of work, governance, procurement and the management of the resulting public artwork collection.
Legal IMPLICATIONS
This report and its recommendations are consistent with the following legislative provisions:
Not Applicable
policy implications
· Ipswich City Council Arts and Cultural Policy
· Ipswich City Council Ipswich Art Gallery Collection Policy
· Ipswich City Council Procurement Policy
RISK MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS
There are no discernible risk management implications associated with this report or its recommendation.
Financial/RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS
Council will actively seek funding and resourcing for the development and management of the public art collection and program. Developer proposals, donations, grant funding and external funding sources will all be considered against the integrity of the collection.
The Ipswich Art Gallery will manage all council public art assets and will accession relevant public artworks into the Ipswich Art Gallery collection.
COMMUNITY and OTHER CONSULTATION
A workshop with the Mayor and Councillors was held on 10 February.
A draft Public Art Policy and draft Public Art Procedure was provided to Mayor and Councillors via email on 19 June.
An updated draft Public Art Policy and draft Public Art Procedure was provided to Mayor and Councillors via email on 14 August.
Conclusion
This policy recognises the importance of public art within public spaces to enhance creativity, activate places, strengthen community identity and for its economic and cultural benefits in urban planning and development.
HUMAN RIGHTS IMPLICATIONS
HUMAN RIGHTS IMPACTS
OTHER DECISION
(a) What is the Act/Decision being made?
The adoption of a Public Art Policy
(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?
Not applicable
(e) Conclusion
The decision is consistent with human rights.
Attachments
1.
Draft Public Art Policy ⇩
2.
Draft Public Art Procedure ⇩
Katie Baynham
Executive Coordinator
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”
Economic and Cultural Development Committee
Meeting AGENDA
15 September
2026
Item 2 / Attachment 1.
Economic and Cultural Development Committee
Meeting AGENDA
15 September
2026
Item 2 / Attachment 2.
Mentions: Ipswich
3. Economic Development Strategy Report
Economic and Cultural Development Committee
Meeting Agenda
15 September
2026
Doc ID No: A12203530
ITEM: 3
SUBJECT: Economic Development Strategy Report
AUTHOR: Economic Policy and Strategy Lead
DATE: 6 August 2026
Executive Summary
This is a report on the 2025-2026 Economic Development Report Card delivered by the Office of Economic Development.
The Economic Development Report Card establishes a new reporting framework to monitor and communicate council's progress in delivering the objectives of the Economic Development Strategy 2023-2027. The report highlights key achievements, outcomes and deliverables completed during the 2025-2026 financial year across the Strategy's four pillars of People, Place, Prosperity and Partnerships.
Recommendation/s
That the Economic Development Report Card 2025-2026 be received and the contents noted.
RELATED PARTIES
There are no discernible related party conflicts of interest arising as a result of this report and its recommendations.
ifuture Theme
Vibrant and Growing
Purpose of Report/Background
The Economic Development Report Card 2025-2026 (Attachment 1) showcases the work undertaken by the Office of Economic Development, and broader Council, that has supported the delivery of the outcomes of the Economic Development Strategy 2023-2027: People, Place, Prosperity and Partnerships.
Economic Data
Our economy continues to grow, with Ipswich adding more economic output in the past five years than it did during the previous decade. Our GRP has reached $16.8 billion, a 4.1% growth on the previous year, and a higher rate than Queensland, which grew at 2.7% in a 12-month period.
Job growth continues to grow at higher than anticipated rates, with total jobs now reaching 99,383. This number exceeds our 2027 target by more than 4,200 jobs. With most of the job growth in the Health Care and Social Assistance industry.
The highest employing industries are predominately growth-related industries: Health Care and Social Assistance and Education and Training, Public Administration and Safety, predominately driven by Defence and Public Administration.
There are now 13,888 businesses in Ipswich, with small and medium businesses continuing to represent 98% of total businesses. The biggest growth year on year in business numbers has been in Transport, Postal and Warehousing, Health Care and Social Assistance, and Professional, Scientific and Technical Services.
The Office of Economic Development has engaged with more than 350 people and managed more than 120 enquiries. Our engagement and enquiries are predominately with the business community, with more than 50% of enquiries regarding businesses seeking support from council.
Key Achievements
The economic growth of the city has been supported by the activities of the Office of Economic Development over the past 12 months. These activities include facilitating the establishment of Future Forgeworks which will deliver 400 construction jobs, and more than 200 ongoing jobs.
The Office of Economic Development has continued to support businesses and creatives through networking, capability-building programs and tailored business support. Enabling existing business to thrive, and new businesses to establish in Ipswich.
Council’s advocacy efforts have also secured more than $5.6 million in placemaking funding.
Legal IMPLICATIONS
This report and its recommendations are consistent with the following legislative provisions:
Not Applicable
policy implications
The initiatives outlined in this report are in line with the Economic Development Strategy 2023-2027.
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 Strategy activities were delivered within budget and resource allocations provided in the Ipswich City Council 2025-2026 budget.
COMMUNITY and OTHER CONSULTATION
Throughout the reporting period, each initiative outlined in this report had its own engagement strategy, involving both internal and external stakeholders. The Office of Economic Development has conducted consultations with relevant branches within the organisation and community stakeholders, aligning with our strategic objectives to enhance partnerships.
Conclusion
The Office of Economic Development continues to deliver in line with the strategy pillars of people, place, prosperity and partnerships. Significant progress has been made on key economic priorities for the city.
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.
Office of Economic Development Report Card 2025-26 ⇩
Gemma Rippon
Economic Policy and Strategy 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”
Economic and Cultural Development Committee
Meeting AGENDA
15 September
2026
Item 3 / Attachment 1.
Mentions: Ipswich
4. Nicholas Street Precinct September 2026 Redevelopment Progress Report
Economic and Cultural Development Committee
Meeting Agenda
15 September
2026
Doc ID No: A13269935
ITEM: 4
SUBJECT: Nicholas Street Precinct September 2026 Redevelopment Progress Report
AUTHOR: Precinct Director
DATE: 25 August 2026
Executive Summary
This is a report concerning the August 2026 Nicholas Street Precinct (NSP) Redevelopment Progress Report focussing on the status of the leasing program and the planning, development, delivery and ongoing management of the NSP.
Recommendation/s
That the August 2026 Nicholas Street Precinct Redevelopment Progress Report be received and the contents noted.
RELATED PARTIES
CBRE – Precinct Manager and Leasing
Colliers – Retail Leasing
Studio Spillane – Retail Design Manager
ifuture Theme
Vibrant and Growing
Purpose of Report/Background
The purpose of this report is to provide a progress report on the Nicholas Street Precinct (NSP) Redevelopment. A Nicholas Street Precinct Project Control Group (NSP PCG) was approved by the Council as part of the governance for the redevelopment. The NSP PCG supports the Economic and Cultural Development Committee in providing governance and strategic direction for the planning, development, delivery and ongoing management of the NSP. The PCG generally reports monthly to the Economic and Cultural Development Committee on the planning, development, delivery and operations of the NSP assets.
The PCG met on 10 August 2026 and the draft meeting minutes are contained in Attachment 1.
CBRE was engaged as the property manager and leasing agent for the NSP retail assets on 14 October 2025. CBRE provides these services under contract to Ipswich City Council with Council responsible for oversight and management of CBRE’s performance under the contract.
The table below identifies the status of retail and commercial leasing as at 31 August 2026.
The changes to the table below relate to a proposed tenancy for 2B05 in Tulmur Walk.
Deal Status
As at 31 August 26
As at 30 July 26
Lease Documents Being Prepared
1
1
Lease Documents Issued for Execution
0
0
Leases Executed by Lessee
31
31
Leases Pending Approval by Lessor (Council)
0
0
Leases Executed by Lessor (Council)
31
31
Placemaking and leasing strategy work remains ongoing for the NSP with the team working closely with CBRE’s national and local agency teams. There are ongoing new enquiries and tenancy viewings indicating improved market sentiment to the NSP and Ipswich.
MARKETING AND COMMUNICATION
Precinct visitation and foot traffic for the period 1 August to 27 August 2026 reached 236,376 visitors, representing a 6.3% increase compared to the same period in 2025 (222,268 visitors and foot traffic). This positive result continues the strong growth trend experienced across the precinct, with year-to-date visitation and foot traffic reaching 2,112,236 visitors, a substantial 59.5% increase on the corresponding period in 2025.
While visitation was 21.6% lower than July 2026 (301,629 visitors), this is reflective of the exceptionally strong performance recorded during July, driven by school holiday programming and winter activations. August visitation remained healthy and was supported by a number of major community and precinct events that attracted visitors to the city centre.
Overall Statistics
August
2026
August
2025
% +/-
YTD 2026
2025 YTD Comparison
% +/-
July
2026
% +/-
Foot Traffic
236,376
222,268
+6.3%
2,112,236
1,324,555
+59.5%
301,629
-21.6%
Key activations during the month included the launch of the NSP Father's Day campaign on 18 August featuring the installation of a V8 race car display within Venue to create anticipation and engagement ahead of Father's Day. The precinct also benefited from several significant community events, including the Colours of Ipswich festival on 1 August, the Handmade Markets on 8 August, and the highly anticipated Supercars Fanfare on
20 August in Tulmur Place. These events contributed to increased visitation, enhanced activation of public spaces, and reinforced NSP's position as a key destination for community experiences and events within Ipswich Central.
Overall, August delivered solid year-on-year growth and continued momentum for the precinct, demonstrating the positive impact of a diverse calendar of events, seasonal campaigns, and strategic placemaking initiatives on visitor engagement.
In September, CBRE and council officers are working together to deliver a family-focused Jungle Safari school holiday experience. From 21 September to 4 October, 24 safari animatronic animals will be displayed throughout Tulmur Place and the Nicholas Street Precinct, while the Dora Live Stage Show will run in Tulmur Place from 23 to 29 September, featuring four shows daily.
To encourage visitation and movement throughout the precinct, NSP will host a free Jungle Safari Workshop across five days (21 to 22 September and 30 September to 2 October), where children can create binoculars and receive a safari vest, explorer hat, adventure bag and precinct map to help them discover the animatronic animals. NSP will also run a "Find the Pythons" competition, where visitors count hidden toy pythons in the Precinct and Tulmur Place. Retailers have also been encouraged to offer meal deals and school holiday promotions to help drive spending and engagement during the campaign.
Legal IMPLICATIONS
This report and its recommendations are consistent with the following legislative provisions:
Local Government Act 2009
Local Government Regulation 2012
policy implications
Nil
RISK MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS
A copy of the consolidated Nicholas Street Precinct project risk register is included as confidential Attachment 2.
Challenges continue with retail leasing in the current market conditions. These conditions include the increased cost of goods, consumer caution in relation to spend and the ability for the retail and hospitality industry to absorb this over time.
Achieving legally binding agreements for lease and sub-leases with prospective precinct tenants remains a critical outcome given completion of the refurbishment works.
Financial/RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS
The table below summarises the current capital project budget and forecasts to finish. The final project cost is forecasted to be within budget.
Project
Current Budget
Committed Contracts and Variations
Forecast Contracts and Variations
Forecast Final Cost
1
Civic Project
$188,020,704
$183,983,472
$50,000
$184,033,472
2
Commonwealth Hotel
$16,652,052
$16,547,896
$104,156
$16,652,052
3
Retail Project
$34,407,196
$36,109,813
$2,284,616
$38,394,429
4
Venue Project
$71,935,639
$67,925,910
$4,009,728
$71,935,639
TOTAL
$311,015,591
$304,567,091
$6,448,500
$311,015,591
The civic and retail cashflow for recent months is captured in the table below:
Month
Monthly Expenditure
Monthly Total
May 2026
Retail: $0
Civic: $0
Commonwealth Hotel: $0
Venue: $113,273
$113,273
June 2026
Retail: $60,640
Civic: $0
Commonwealth Hotel: $0
Venue: $0
$60,640
July 2026
Retail: $40,766
Civic: $0
Commonwealth Hotel: $0
Venue: $0
$40,766
August 2026
Retail: $6,375
Civic: $0
Commonwealth Hotel: $0
Venue: $0
$6,375
Note: The August 2026 figures are estimates only and are subject to change following completion of month-end entries.
The retail precinct’s short-term commercial success remains dependent on identifying, attracting, and securing a commercially viable tenancy mix through executed leases. Medium to longer term success will require a comprehensive and ongoing activation and operational focused management strategy to support tenants and deliver a revitalised and fully activated precinct.
COMMUNITY and OTHER CONSULTATION
The contents of this report did not require any community consultation.
Conclusion
Month on month foot traffic and visitation increases reinforce market confidence in the NSP product and continue to strengthen the leasing campaign to secure tenants for the precinct. The completion of major wor
Mentions: Nicholas Street · Tulmur Place · Ipswich
Source: Ipswich City Council meeting agenda (CC BY 4.0).