Home › Meetings › Finance and Governance Committee — 2026-09-15
Finance and Governance Committee — 2026-09-15
Projects discussed: School Road Upgrade
1. Revised Media and Corporate Communications Policy
Resolution: Moved by Councillor Paul Tully:
1. Revised Media and Corporate Communications Policy
This is a report concerning recommended revisions to the Media and Corporate Communications Policy aligned with the amended legislative requirements.
This report was laid on the table at the Finance and Governance Committee of
11 August 2026 until the September Finance and Governance Committee.
Recommendation
That the revised policy titled ‘Media and Corporate Communications Policy’ as detailed in Attachment 3, be adopted.
Recommendation
Moved by Councillor Paul Tully:
Seconded by Deputy Mayor Nicole Jonic:
That the revised policy titled ‘Media and Corporate Communications Policy’ as detailed in Attachment 3, be adopted subject to the variations proposed by Councillor Paul Tully and Deputy Mayor Nicole Jonic.
Proposed amendments from Deputy Mayor Nicole Jonic
7.1 - At the end of 2 nd paragraph. Delete “recorded in” Insert the following: “notified forthwith to all Councillors and included in an online Public Register of Delegations.”
7.3- Insert the following after the last paragraph: “Any direction by the Mayor affecting this function must be a lawful direction under Section 170 of the Act, must be recorded in a Register of Mayoral Directions, must not be inconsistent with a Council resolution or adopted Council Policy and otherwise comply with all other provisions of the Act.”
7.4(k) Delete the full sentence. Replace with the following: “Not assist with communications that are unlawful, defamatory, discriminatory, abusive, knowingly false or misleading, constitute election campaigning or would otherwise breach an applicable Code of Conduct.”
7.5 - Last paragraph, delete in its entirety. Insert the following: “Council staff, contractors and volunteers may not make any media comment on behalf of Council unless directed by the Chief Executive Officer as per section 7.3.”
8.3 Insert the following after paragraph one: “Final approval of an official statement is required from the person to whom the statement is attributed. Where more than one spokesperson is quoted, each spokesperson is responsible for approving the material attributed to them.”
Delete the second paragraph and insert the following: “Where the Mayor is unavailable, attribution will be to the Acting Mayor or the Councillor/s delegated by the Mayor or another Councillor is acting Mayor under section 165 of the Act, the Acting Mayor may perform the official spokesperson responsibility for the period in which they are acting as Mayor.”
After discussion, at the suggestion of the Chairperson Councillor Paul Tully, Deputy Mayor Nicole Jonic withdrew her proposed amendments.
*** Recommendation
Moved by Councillor Paul Tully:
Seconded by Deputy Mayor Nicole Jonic:
That the revised policy titled ‘Media and Corporate Communications Policy’ as detailed in Attachment 3, be adopted subject to the variations proposed by Councillor Paul Tully.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
Councillors: Councillors:
Tully Harding
Madsen Jonic
Augustine Doyle (Abstain)
Antoniolli
Madden
Martin
The motion was put and carried.
Attachments
1. Variations to the Media and Corporate Communications Policy proposed by Councillor Tully ⇨
Adjourn Meeting
Recommendation
Moved by Councillor Paul Tully:
Seconded by Deputy Mayor Nicole Jonic:
That the meeting be adjourned at 12.27 pm to reconvene at 1.00 pm.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
Councillors: Councillors:
Tully Nil
Madsen
Harding
Jonic
Augustine
Doyle
Antoniolli
Madden
Martin
The motion was put and carried.
The meeting reconvened at 1.00 pm.
Councillor Marnie Doyle was not present when the meeting reconvened.
Confirmation of Minutes
2. Confirmation of Minutes of the Finance and Governance Committee No. 2026(06) of 11 August 2026
Recommendation
Moved by Councillor Jim Madden:
Seconded by Deputy Mayor Nicole Jonic:
That the minutes of the Finance and Governance Committee held on 11 August 2026 be confirmed.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
Councillors: Councillors:
Tully Nil
Madsen
Harding
Jonic
Augustine
Antoniolli
Madden
Martin
All Councillors except Councillor Marnie Doyle were present when the vote was taken.
The motion was put and carried.
Councillor Marnie Doyle arrived at the meeting at 1.01pm.
Officers’ Reports
3. Update to Artificial Intelligence Policy
Resolution: Moved by Councillor Jim Madden:
3. Update to Artificial Intelligence Policy
This is a report concerning updates to Section 12 and Section 16 of Council’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy.
Recommendation
Moved by Councillor Jim Madden:
Seconded by Councillor Pye Augustine:
That the updates to Section 12 and Section 16 of Council’s Artificial (AI) Policy, as detailed in Attachments 1, 2 and 3, be approved.
Councillor Pye Augustine proposed an amendment to include that a review of the policy be undertaken in 2 years.
Councillor Martin seconded the proposed amendment.
The mover of the original motion agreed to the proposed amendment.
Recommendation
Moved by Councillor Jim Madden:
Seconded by Councillor Pye Augustine:
That the updates to Section 12 and Section 16 of Council’s Artificial (AI) Policy, as detailed in Attachments 1, 2 and 3, be approved with a review of the policy to be undertaken in 2 years.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
Councillors: Councillors:
Tully Nil
Madsen
Harding
Jonic
Augustine
Doyle
Antoniolli
Madden
Martin
The motion was put and carried.
Move into Closed Session
Moved by Councillor Paul Tully:
Seconded by Councillor Andrew Antoniolli:
That in accordance with section 254J(3)(h) of the Local Government Regulation 2012 , the meeting move into closed session to discuss Items 4 and 5 titled Proposed Acquisitions of Land for INF04371 School Road Upgrade Project and Proposed Surrender and Acquisition of Easement for INF04371 School Road Upgrade Project.
The meeting moved into closed session at 1.06 pm
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
Councillors: Councillors:
Tully Nil
Madsen
Harding
Jonic
Augustine
Doyle
Antoniolli
Madden
Martin
The motion was put and carried.
Move into Open Session
Recommendation
Moved by Councillor Paul Tully:
Seconded by Councillor Andrew Antoniolli:
That the meeting move into open session.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
Councillors: Councillors:
Tully Nil
Madsen
Harding
Jonic
Augustine
Doyle
Antoniolli
Madden
Martin
The motion was put and carried.
The meeting moved into open session at 1.22 pm.
Mentions: School Road
4. Proposed Acquisitions of Land For INF04371 School Road Upgrade Project
Resolution: Moved by Councillor Paul Tully:
4. Proposed Acquisitions of Land For INF04371 School Road Upgrade Project
This is a report seeking Council resolution to the acquisition of land requirements for the INF04371 School Road Upgrade project (The Project). The Project’s associated works include the upgrade of School Road to a four-lane median-divided road, provision of dedicated cycle lanes and shared paths, signalised intersections and improvements to access for public transport and emergency vehicles. The Project is intended to enhance road safety, network capacity, and transport connectivity to the surrounding area.
“The attachment/s to this report are confidential in accordance with section 254J(3)(h) of the Local Government Regulation 2012 .”
Recommendation
Moved by Councillor Paul Tully:
Seconded by Councillor Pye Augustine:
A. That Council resolve to purchase or acquire the land detailed in Confidential Attachment 2 for road purposes.
B. That in the first instance, the method of acquiring the land shall be by agreement with the affected landowner/s pursuant to the Property Law Act 1974.
C. That should acquisition by agreement under the Property Law Act 1974 not be achieved, the method of acquisition shall be pursuant to Section 5(1)(b)(i) of the Acquisition of Land Act 1967 , where Council as “constructing authority” proceed with acquisitions in accordance with Division 3, Acquisition of Land Act 1967 ; however, if agreement cannot be reached, or operational timeframes intervene, the method of acquiring the subject land will be in accordance with Division 2, Acquisition of Land Act 1967 .
D. That pursuant to Section 257(1)(b) of the Local Government Act 2009 , Council resolve to delegate to the Chief Executive Officer the power to take “ contractual action” pursuant to section 238 of the Regulation, in order to implement Council’s decision.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
Councillors: Councillors:
Tully Nil
Madsen
Harding
Jonic
Augustine
Doyle
Antoniolli
Madden
Martin
The motion was put and carried.
Mentions: School Road
5. Proposed Surrender and Acquisition of Easement for INF04371 School Road Upgrade Project
Resolution: Moved by Councillor Paul Tully:
5. Proposed Surrender and Acquisition of Easement for INF04371 School Road Upgrade Project
This is a report seeking Council resolution to effect a surrender of an existing drainage easement and to acquire a replacement drainage easement (as detailed in Confidential Attachment 2 ). The proposed surrender and acquisition will secure access and maintenance rights over the future realigned stormwater infrastructure to be delivered as part of the School Road Upgrade Project works.
“The attachment/s to this report are confidential in accordance with section 254J(3)(h) of the Local Government Regulation 2012 .”
Recommendation
Moved by Councillor Paul Tully:
Seconded by Councillor Pye Augustine:
A. That Council declare that the existing drainage Easement detailed in Confidential Attachment 3, will no longer encompass the future realignment of Stormwater Infrastructure and grant consent to the surrender of the Easement.
B. That Council resolve to enter into, or acquire, an easement over part of land detailed in Confidential Attachment 2, (Council file reference number 6652 ), for a drainage purposes.
C. That in the first instance the method of acquisition shall be by the affected landowner/s granting the easement by agreement, pursuant to the Property Law Act 2023 .
D. That should granting by agreement fail, Council shall as “constructing authority” pursuant to Section 6(1) of the Acquisition of Land Act 1967 proceed to acquire the subject easement in accordance with Division 3, Acquisition of Land Act 1967 ; however, where agreement still cannot be reached, or operational timeframes intervene, the method of acquiring the subject easement will be in accordance with Division 2, Acquisition of Land Act 1967.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
Councillors: Councillors:
Tully Nil
Madsen
Harding
Jonic
Augustine
Doyle
Antoniolli
Madden
Martin
The motion was put and carried.
Mentions: School Road
6. Minor Amendments to fees and charges - Social Impact Assessments, Community Benefit Agreements and Priority Development Area (PDA) Inspection Processes
Resolution: Moved by Councillor Paul Tully:
6. Minor Amendments to fees and charges - Social Impact Assessments, Community Benefit Agreements and Priority Development Area (PDA) Inspection Processes
This is a report concerning minor amendments to the 2026-2027 Register of Fees and Charges – Planning and Development section.
Recommendation
Moved by Councillor Paul Tully:
Seconded by Councillor Jim Madden:
That the proposed amendments to Fees and Charges for planning and development, as outlined in Attachment 1, be adopted.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
Councillors: Councillors:
Tully Nil
Madsen
Harding
Jonic
Augustine
Doyle
Antoniolli
Madden
Martin
The motion was put and carried.
7. Rates Concession Report
Resolution: Moved by Councillor Marnie Doyle:
7. Rates Concession Report
This is a report concerning a request for a concession for general rates.
“The attachment/s to this report are confidential in accordance with section 254J(3)(d) of the Local Government Regulation 2012 .”
Recommendation
Moved by Councillor Marnie Doyle:
Seconded by Councillor Andrew Antoniolli:
A. That having satisfied the criteria in s120 of the Local Government Regulation 2012 , as well as the Rates Concession Policy, that the properties listed in confidential attachment 1 be granted a concession on the differential general rate backdated to the relevant date of application.
B. That having satisfied the criteria in s120 of the Local Government Regulation 2012 , as well as the Rates Concession Policy, the properties at 55 & 59 Sarah Drive, Yamanto, be granted a 100 % concession on the differential general rate backdated to the relevant date of application.
C. That having satisfied the criteria in s120 of the Local Government Regulation 2012 , as well as the Rates Concession Policy, the property listed in confidential attachment 3, be granted a concession on the differential general rate from the commencement of building completion.
D. That having satisfied the criteria in s120 of the Local Government Regulation 2012 , as well as the Rates Concession Policy, that the properties listed be granted a concession on the differential general rate backdated to the relevant date of application.
36 Moffatt Street, Ipswich
12 Glebe Road, Newtown
10 Glebe Road, Newtown
97 Pine Mountain Road, Brassall
10A Glebe Road, Newtown
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
Councillors: Councillors:
Tully Nil
Madsen
Harding
Jonic
Augustine
Doyle
Antoniolli
Madden
Martin
The motion was put and carried.
Councillor Andrew Antoniolli left the meeting at 1.28 pm.
Mentions: Glebe Road · Moffatt Street · Pine Mountain Road · Sarah Drive · Yamanto · Ipswich · Newtown · Pine Mountain · Brassall
8. Report of Regulation Advisory Committee No. 2026(03) of 26 August 2026
Resolution: Moved by Councillor Paul Tully:
8. Report of Regulation Advisory Committee No. 2026(03) of 26 August 2026
This is the report of the Regulation Advisory Committee No. 2026(03) of 26 August 2026.
Recommendation
Moved by Councillor Paul Tully:
Seconded by Deputy Mayor Nicole Jonic:
That Council adopt the recommendations of the Regulation Advisory Committee No. 2026(03) of 26 August 2026 .
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
Councillors: Councillors:
Tully Nil
Madsen
Harding
Jonic
Augustine
Doyle
Madden
Martin
All Councillors except Councillor Andrew Antoniolli were present when the vote was taken.
The motion was put and carried.
1. Confirmation of Minutes of the Regulation Advisory Committee No. 2026(02) of 28 May 2026
Recommendation
That the minutes of the Regulation Advisory Committee held on 28 May 2026 be confirmed.
2 . Local Law Review Dangerous Trees
This is a report concerning the comprehensive local law review that is underway and a variation to a recommendation that was made (and resolved) at the Council Ordinary Meeting on 25 June 2026 with regard to the management of dangerous trees and for council to continue to regulate private dangerous tree disputes.
Council should continue to protect the community from genuine public hazards and public nuisances involving trees. That is a proper local-government function.
However, where the effect of a tree is confined to neighbouring private properties, the matter is ordinarily a civil dispute between the affected neighbour and the tree-keeper. The Neighbourhood Disputes (Dividing Fences and Trees) Act 2011 establishes the rights, responsibilities and procedures applicable to that dispute and gives QCAT jurisdiction to determine it.
Council should not position itself as a parallel or alternative tribunal for such disputes. Doing so would duplicate the State statutory process, consume public resources for predominantly private benefit and expose Council to avoidable legal, operational, liability and insurance risks.
RECOMMENDATION
That the new local laws continue to regulate trees and vegetation where it is necessary to address a genuine risk to public health and safety, a public nuisance, or an impact upon Council-controlled land, infrastructure or operations or where other exceptional circumstances exist.
3. Local Law Review: Penalty Unit Amounts (Parking)
With council undertaking a comprehensive review of its local laws, a review into the current penalty units for parking (minor traffic offences) has been undertaken. This report presents a review of council's regulated parking infringements, including parking enforcement activity, benchmarking against comparable Southeast Queensland councils and operational costs associated with parking enforcement.
The review has identified changes to the list of minor traffic offences and penalty unit values that will be made in the drafting of the new Parking Local Laws. The draft Local Laws will be submitted to committees and council at the end of 2026 after which community consultation and State Government interest checks will be undertaken in early 2027 with the final laws commencing on 1 July 2027.
Recommendation
That the report be received and the contents noted.
4. Local Law Review Update
This is a report concerning the Local Law Review that is underway and provision of an update on its progress with drafting the laws and presentation of the draft laws at a future Regulation Advisory Committee.
Recommendation
That the report be received and the contents noted.
GENERAL DISCUSSION
6. Smart Glasses and Recording Devices
Councillor Andrew Antoniolli outlined the changes that Brisbane City Council is making in relation to recording devices around pools.
ACTION
That the General Manager, Corporate Services prepare a discussion paper to be circulated to all councillors outlining what Brisbane City Council is implementing in relation to recording devices around pools.
9. August 2026 Monthly Financial Performance
Resolution: Moved by Councillor Jim Madden:
9. August 2026 Monthly Financial Performance
This is a report concerning Ipswich City Council’s (Council) financial performance for the period ending 31 August 2026, submitted in accordance with section 204 of the Local Government Regulation 2012 .
Councillor Jacob Madsen left the meeting at 1.33pm.
Recommendation
Moved by Councillor Jim Madden:
Seconded by Councillor Marnie Doyle:
That the report on Council’s financial performance for the period ending 31 August 2026, submitted in accordance with section 204 of the Local Government Regulation 2012 , be considered and noted by Council.
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
Councillors: Councillors:
Tully Nil
Harding
Jonic
Augustine
Doyle
Madden
Martin
All Councillors except Councillor Jacob Madsen and Councillor Andrew Antoniolli were present when the vote was taken.
The motion was put and carried.
NOTICES OF MOTION
Nil
MATTERS ARISING
Nil
QUESTIONS / GENERAL BUSINESS
Nil
PROCEDURAL MOTIONS AND FORMAL MATTERS
The meeting commenced at 11.20 am.
The meeting closed at 1.34 pm.
***Refer Council Ordinary Meeting of 24 September 2026 for amendment
Mentions: Ipswich
Source: Ipswich City Council meeting minutes (CC BY 4.0).