Multicultural Advisory Committee — 2026-11-10

2. Multicultural Communities and Access to Community Infrastructure

Multicultural Advisory Committee

Meeting Agenda

10 November

2026

Doc ID No: A13524612

ITEM: 3

SUBJECT: Multicultural Communities and Access to Community Infrastructure

AUTHOR: Community and Sport Manager

DATE: 29 October 2026

Executive Summary

This report outlines the increasing demand for access to community facilities and sporting infrastructure from multicultural communities, community organisations and emerging sporting clubs across Ipswich, and the resulting pressure on Council-managed assets.

Recommendation/s

That the Multicultural Advisory Committee receive and note the report regarding the increasing demand for community facilities and sporting infrastructure from multicultural communities, community organisations and emerging sporting clubs, and the associated challenges relating to access, capacity and infrastructure availability.

RELATED PARTIES

There was no declaration of conflicts of interest

CORPORATE PLAN Theme

Vibrant and Growing

Purpose of Report/Background

This report outlines the increasing demand for access to community facilities and sporting infrastructure from multicultural communities, community organisations and emerging sporting clubs across Ipswich, and the resulting pressure on Council-managed assets.

The report identifies key challenges relating to facility access and capacity, and highlights considerations for balancing the needs of a growing and diverse community within Council's existing infrastructure network. Further information regarding this is contained in the presentation at Attachment 1.

Ipswich's continued population growth and increasing cultural diversity are driving greater demand for community facilities, sporting fields and recreation infrastructure. Multicultural communities, community organisations and emerging sporting clubs are increasingly seeking opportunities to participate in sport, recreation and community activities that foster social connection, wellbeing, inclusion and community belonging.

This demand is occurring alongside growing participation from existing clubs and organisations, placing increasing pressure on Council-managed facilities and sporting infrastructure. As a result, access to community venues, sports fields and supporting infrastructure is intensifying, particularly in areas where facility capacity is already constrained.

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 or its recommendation.

RISK MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS

Not Applicable.

Financial/RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS

It is anticipated that the identified outcomes and potential actions can be progressed through existing business-as-usual activities. However, implementation of some initiatives may require additional operational and capital funding, as well as dedicated resourcing, to support delivery and achieve the intended outcomes.

COMMUNITY and OTHER CONSULTATION

Based on the content of this report and its reference to published data and statistical social insights, consultation has been limited to internal council officers only.

Conclusion

The growing demand for community facilities and sporting infrastructure across Ipswich is placing increasing pressure on Council-managed assets. As the city's population continues to grow and become increasingly diverse, multicultural communities, community organisations and emerging sporting clubs are seeking greater access to venues that support community connection, cultural expression, recreation and participation.

While these groups make a significant contribution to community wellbeing, social cohesion and inclusion, increasing demand is occurring within a finite infrastructure network that is already supporting high levels of use from established clubs and organisations. As a result, securing equitable access to suitable facilities is becoming increasingly challenging and requires careful consideration of competing community needs.

Responding to these challenges will require a balanced approach that considers community inclusion, sustainable asset management, efficient utilisation of existing facilities, partnerships with community organisations and sporting clubs, and future infrastructure planning. The information contained in this report is intended to support ongoing discussion regarding the opportunities and challenges associated with meeting the needs of Ipswich's growing and diverse community while ensuring Council-managed facilities remain accessible, sustainable and fit for purpose into the future.

HUMAN RIGHTS IMPLICATIONS

HUMAN RIGHTS IMPACTS

RECEIVE AND NOTE REPORT

The Recommendation regarding the increasing demand for community facilities and sporting infrastructure from multicultural communities, community organisations and emerging sporting clubs, and the associated challenges relating to access, capacity and infrastructure availability 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.

Multicultural Advisory Committee Presentation - Multicultural Communities and Access to Community Infrastructure ⇩

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 enhance the quality of life for our community”

Multicultural Advisory Committee

Meeting AGENDA

10 November

2026

Item 2 / Attachment 1.

Mentions: Ipswich

View this item in the Council agenda