For 15 months, the North Ipswich Free Shop has stood as a simple, community-run act of dignity, respect and neighbour-to-neighbour care. Attached to a fence, and maintained daily by volunteers, it provides free clothing, free food, books, children’s toys, whitegoods and essentials to anyone in need—no judgement, no shame, no bureaucracy.

Hundreds of local families have relied on the Free Shop through cost-of-living pressure, DV escapes, emergency situations, homelessness, and unexpected hardship. It is monitored, cleaned, organised, and supported by the neighbourhood. It does not obstruct the footpath or road, does not pose safety risks, and is not a “dump site”. It is a community asset.

Despite this, Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has issued a notice to demolish the Free Shop under legislation that does not accurately apply to its purpose or operation. The items are not “waste”, are not abandoned, and do not obstruct the road network. This notice disregards Queensland law and community principles that explicitly support social inclusion, civic participation, and neighbourhood-led initiatives.

Ipswich City Council’s Community Development Strategy 2021–2026 commits to “strengthen our community for a resilient future that is inclusive, welcoming, connected and healthy”.

The Local Government Act 2009 requires councils to uphold “social inclusion and meaningful community engagement”.

The Human Rights Act 2019 protects the right to community participation and association.
The Free Shop fulfils all these obligations.

We, the undersigned residents of Ipswich and broader Queensland, call on:

• Minister for Transport and Main Roads

• Ipswich City Council

• Member for Blair Shayne Neumann MP

• Member for Ipswich Jennifer Howard MP

• Councillor David Martin

to intervene immediately to:

1. Halt the demolition order issued by TMR.
2. Formally recognise the North Ipswich Free Shop as a legitimate, resident-led mutual-aid community facility.
3. Protect this space under relevant community development, human rights

WE NEED COMMUNITY SPACES, NOT BULLIES.

Please help protect the Free Shop — call or email today:

Simon Denny – TMR (planning the demolition)
📞 3066 6758
📧 Metropolitan_corridor_management@tmr.qld.gov.au

Cr David Martin – Ipswich Council
📞 3810 6163
📧 david.martin@ipswich.qld.gov.au

Shayne Neumann MP – Federal Member for Blair
📞 3201 5300
📧 Shayne.Neumann.MP@aph.gov.au

Jennifer Howard MP – State Member for Ipswich
📞 3447 2100
📧 Ipswich@parliament.qld.gov.au