Council meets as elections loom

Ipswich City Council has released its meeting schedule for the remainder of the current term ahead of the upcoming local government elections on March 16.

All government divisions under the purview of Ipswich City Council will be up for election in mid-March, including Division 2, which covers all of Greater Springfield.

In the meantime, regular Council meetings will continue to be held in the lead up to the election, as will a round of committee meetings in February.

The ordinary meetings are scheduled for January 25, February 15, and March 1.

Caretaker period

That date is just prior to the so-called caretaker period for the upcoming elections, according to Ipswich City Council Governance and Transparency Committee Chairperson Jacob Madsen.

“As set down in the Queensland State Government legislation, the Caretaker Conventions place certain restrictions on all councils across the state in the lead-up to elections,” Cr Madsen said.

“The caretaker period starts on 29 January and will ensure Ipswich City Council does not make any major policy or financial decisions that could lock the new council into honouring [that] which they did not have the opportunity to debate and decide upon.

“This rule applies only to major policy decisions and Council’s normal operational matters, community services and activities will continue as usual.

“Council will continue to function as normal, and we will remain open for business for all your needs.”

“Meeting dates following the election will be released once the new council is sworn in.

“These meetings are an important part of the democratic process and provide an opportunity for the community to see council at work,” Cr Madsen added.

Meetings are held in council chambers in the administration centre at 1 Nicholas Street and are open for all the community to attend.

To watch council meetings via live-stream or on replay, visit the YouTube channel at YouTube.com/IpswichCityCouncilTV, beginning Thursday, January 25.

^{_{Top image: Division 4 Councillor Kate Kunzelmann, Div 2 Cr Nicole Jonic, Div 2 Cr Paul Tully, Div 1 Cr Jacob Madsen, Div 3 Cr Marnie Doyle, Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding, Deputy Mayor and Div 4 Cr Russell Milligan, Div 3 Cr Andrew Fechner, and Div 1 Cr Sheila Ireland.}}

See also: Support for small business to adopt AI