POLITICAL allegiances will be tested again during today’s Council Ordinary Meeting, where councillors are set to decide whether to grant permanent free parking to the Ipswich Trades Hall and Labour Day Committee.
At the centre of the dispute is a request for five car parks at no cost, with the committee arguing it retains an entitlement dating back to Ipswich CBD redevelopment arrangements in the 1980s.
But a detailed Council report has firmly rejected that claim, stating the original “Kern licence” underpinning the arrangement was extinguished decades ago when ownership of the land changed.
Council officers have warned that approving the request would not only lack legal basis, but risk setting a dangerous precedent by granting preferential treatment outside established policy.
The issue is further complicated by the current use of the land, now tied to an exclusive arrangement associated with the Commonwealth Hotel.
During last week’s Finance and Governance Council Meeting, debate became heated when councillors weighed up two options, either reject the request outright or offer up to five spaces.
The latter alternative comes at a cost, with Council estimating it at around $625 a week in revenue, equating to roughly $325,000 over 10 years.
Cr Jacob Madsen declared a conflict of interest and left the chamber, while Marnie Doyle was absent.
Repeated attempts by Cr Paul Tully and Cr Andrew Antoniolli to move the matter behind closed doors were knocked back by Mayor Teresa Harding, who insisted the discussion remain transparent and in line with meeting policy.
Mayor Harding did not hold back, labelling the proposal “a freebie at the cost of Ipswich ratepayers” and warning it would undermine efforts to unwind legacy preferential arrangements or “special deals” under previous councils.
Cr Antoniolli, who moved a motion to approve the request, argued the Council faced an unenviable choice.
“The fact we are here and having to make this decision now is not a pretty outcome,” he said.
“The decision will ensure that it appeases Trades Hall and ensures they can continue to operate.”
In the end, the committee voted to refer the matter to a full Council meeting, with Mayor Harding the sole vote against, while Deputy Mayor Nicole Jonic abstained.
