Have your say – help shape Ipswich local laws

Published on 16 March 2026

Ipswich residents are being invited to share their thoughts on changes being considered to the city’s local laws.

Finance and Governance Committee Chairperson Councillor Paul Tully said council was undertaking a comprehensive review of local laws to ensure they remain current and fit for purpose.

“This review is the third and final stage of council’s Strategic Regulation Project, which has worked to deliver a strategic framework for council to manage regulation in a more contemporary and flexible way,” Cr Tully said.

“Council has already updated our regulation policy and the local law-making process. Now, we are in the final step of the project: creating a new suite of local laws.

“It’s important our local laws are not burdensome but instead support our residents, businesses and visitors to go about their lives with ease and confidence. The new laws will be easier to understand and navigate.

“Council is considering 17 key local law changes that aim to reduce red tape, revitalise public spaces, simplify licences for activities like busking, outdoor dining and events, and modernise parking and neighbourhood rules, along with other improvements.

“Together, these possible changes aim to make it easier for residents and local businesses to activate and enjoy the city.

“Local laws impact every resident, business and visitor, so we want to hear from the community on how these proposed changes might affect them, to ensure we understand any potential impacts before any decisions are made about them.”

Residents, businesses or visitors interested in providing feedback on local laws can complete a survey on council’s Shape Your Ipswich website between 16 March and 6 April 2026, or by attending a community drop-in session (details can be found on Shape Your Ipswich).