Council signs off on permit for Calvert festival

Published on 29 October 2025

Ipswich City Council has granted a Temporary Entertainment Event Licence (TEEL) to organisers of the Sexfest event at a private property at Calvert next month, with conditions.

Planning and Regulatory Services General Manager Brett Davey said conditions attached to the approval included a range of limitations and operational requirements to address concerns raised by the community, as well as the requirements of council’s local laws.

“The event has been relocated to the middle of the property, increasing separation from nearby residents and also taking advantage of existing vegetation to screen the area from the public,” Mr Davey said.

“The TEEL sign off requires organisers to address issues around management of risk to public safety, peace and order, and the environment, including impacts on land and water, noise pollution, waste management, traffic and natural disasters.

“The event has also been limited such that a maximum of 300 patrons can attend.

“Council cannot consider the subject matter of an event in assessing a TEEL application.

“Matters relating to public sexual activity, alcohol consumption or concerns about any potential criminal activity such as drug use are the responsibility of the State Government and Queensland Police to regulate.”

Mr Davey said council had been in contact with government agencies regarding this event.

“Permit conditions are enforceable by council compliance officers. Non-compliance with the TEEL may lead to compliance action, including penalty infringement notices,” Mr Davey said.

“Council officers will be actively monitoring and will address any issues of non-compliance with conditions outlined in the TEEL, should they be raised during the event.

“Events such as Sexfest are regulated under local laws, which include specific requirements for events in the form of permits.

“Decisions on permits can only be made based on the requirements of local laws and cannot consider grounds that are not included in a local law.

“In this case, there was no provision of any local law, or in Queensland law, for a refusal to be made because the event may not meet undefined community standards.”