Community called on to shape the future of Ipswich
22 February 2022
Ipswich residents have the opportunity to lend their experience and voice to Ipswich City Council’s decision-making, by getting involved in community panels that will help shape the city now and into the future.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said prospective panellists didn’t need to be experts or familiar with Council policy or process, just passionate about their city and prepared to put in a pinch of their own time.
“Consultation is key in understanding the views of our community, and this helps Council make better, more informed choices for the city,” Mayor Harding said.
“The Ipswich community is at the heart of everything we do, and we recognise that community members are best placed to identify and understand the challenges that affect them.
“Ipswich is South East Queensland’s fastest-growing city, growing at four per cent every year to 2026, and is projected to rise to half a million people by 2041 – holding honest, respectful conversations is critical in informing how our city grows.”
The community panels replace the five Community Reference Groups (CRGs) which commenced in 2019.
Mayor Harding said the CRGs played an important and significant role in a number of significant Council projects.
“Initiatives such as iFuture, council’s corporate plan, and the naming of places and spaces in the Nicholas Street Precinct were all informed by the community through the CRG process, and I want to thank the community members on those panels for their service,” Mayor Harding said.
“Diverse perspectives help council develop a balanced understanding of community experiences and ensures that our decision-making is well-informed. Anyone aged over 16 and who lives, works, studies, owns a business in Ipswich, or is an Ipswich ratepayer is invited to join.
“Young people, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; Pacific Islander community members; people with disabilities; our multicultural community; people from all walks of life and backgrounds are encouraged to register.
“Community panel members will have the opportunity to provide local knowledge and contribute to important decisions.
“You will be involved in a range of projects; be engaged on problems as well as solutions; and be listened to, heard and given opportunities to influence decisions that impact and/or interest you; your opinion counts.
“Council prioritises listening, leading and caring for our community.”
Members can be involved in as much or as little as they like, and on what topics they like.
Help shape Ipswich by joining council’s community panel at Shape Your Ipswich, shapeyouripswich.com.au/communitypanel
Support is available to make sure all members of the community can participate. If you need information in another language, vision aids or any other support, contact communityengagement@ipswich.qld.gov.au or phone, (07) 3810 6666 to discuss your specific requirements.