The new Ipswich City Plan 2025 has been in effect since 1 July 2025, with more than 400 development applications having been received before 30 September 2025.

During this time, council has been monitoring enquiries and applications received and has prepared its first amendment package to improve the way it operates and ensure the scheme remains contemporary and robust.

Amendment Package 1 consists predominately of operational, minor or administrative amendments to correct or improve the functioning of the Ipswich City Plan 2025. It has been prepared as an initial, quick response to address operational matters and to correct minor content errors identified since commencement.

The amendments also include the addition of two new local character listings, as well as enhancements to the character provisions to improve the operation of the code.

Prior to the adoption of these amendments, council sought community input and feedback through formal consultation. See the public consultation summary below, or read the Public Consultation Report.

The eight (8) submissions received were considered by council on 30 April 2026. Council resolved to proceed with the submission of Amendment Package 1 to the Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning (DSDIP) for final approval.

The purpose of the amendment package includes providing for:

• increased efficiency (correcting administrative inconsistencies);
• functional improvement and clarity (making things clearer and simpler);
• enhancements to character provisions (two new listings and improved operation of code); and
• editorial matters (fixing spelling, grammar, numbering, and formatting).

These operational amendments seek to reduce the need for applications by improving the assessment triggers and use of Accepted Development Subject to Requirements (ADSR) application pathways, particularly for Class 10 building work (sheds, garages, carports etc) in areas affected by overlays.

While some of the proposed changes to the categories of development assessment include changes that will require the lodgement of development applications, most aim to reduce the need for applications by providing new ADSR pathways, or by improved wording in the required outcomes. The changes that require applications are generally corrections rather than changes to policy.

The main amendments in the package are contained to the following parts of the planning scheme, with track changes included in the supporting change report:

• Part 4 – Local Frameworks
• Part 5 – Categorisation Tables
• OV3 – Character Places and Areas Overlay Code
• OV6 – Building Height and Density Overlay
• OV11 – Difficult Topography and Landslide Overlay Code
• OV12 – Flood Risk and Overland Flow Overlay Code
• OV15 – Water Resource Catchments Overlay
• Dwelling House and Dual Occupancy Code
• Transport And Parking Code
• SC6.4 – Transport and Parking Planning Scheme Policy
• Schedule 7 Local Character Places

Amendment Package 1 can be viewed online at ipswich.qld.gov.au/cityplan

Read the Proposed Amendment Change Report.

Formal public consultation was undertaken from 5 February to 6 March 2026. This included:

• a public notice was published in the Ipswich Tribune Today on 5 February 2026
• an eAlert was issued to subscribers on 5 February 2026
• a dedicated Shape Your Ipswich page was available from 5 February 2026
• a submissions portal was available for the entire consultation period
• a physical copy of public notice was displayed in the Council administration building for the entire consultation period
• 1,500 recipients were notified through a Shape Your Ipswich (SYI) campaign
• the UDIA independently issued a policy alert encouraging members to review the amendment package
• dedicated phone number and email address was made available for the project for the entire consultation period

Submission outcomes

As part of the public consultation activities, the following submissions were received:

• One objection to the listing of 81 East Street, Ipswich
• Six submissions supporting the listing of 81 East Street, Ipswich
• One proposed minor changes to the wording of the listing for 16 Wharf Street, Ipswich

The Public Consultation Report outlines the council consideration of the submissions received, and provides a summary of the key issues raised and the proposed actions.

Based on the consultation feedback, minor wording changes were made in response to the submissions. Council was required to remove the listing for 81 East Street, Ipswich in accordance with the State condition received on 11 February 2026. It was also resolved council to seek further clarification from DSDIP based on the submissions received to reinforce the heritage values of 81 East Street, Ipswich.

Some additional minor amendments were undertaken and provided to the State as outlined in the Post Public Consultation Change Report.