to which people could subscribe. In October 2000, the council began erecting cast brass plaques at significant heritage sites. The Greater Ipswich Scheme of 1916 On 13 October 1916, a rationalisation of the local government areas in and around Ipswich was implemented. It involved the abolition of five shires: Brassall Bundanba Lowood Purga Walloon resulting in: an enlarged City of Ipswich by including part of the Shire of Brassall and part of the Shire of Bundanba a new Shire of Ipswich by amalgamating part of the Shire of Brassall, part of the Shire of Bundanba, part of the Shire of Walloon and all of the Shire of Purga an enlarged Shire of Rosewood by including part of the Shire of Walloon an enlarged Shire of Esk by including all of the Shire of Lowood Greater Ipswich Scheme of 1949 On 29 January 1949, a new Local Government Act was enacted to further amalgamate local government in the Ipswich area, abolishing the Shire of Normanby and the Shire of Rosewood. The City of Ipswich was enlarged (from 12¼ square miles to 30 square miles) to include the more urban parts of the Shire of Moreton (formerly known as the Shire of Ipswich). The Shire of Moreton was then enlarged by the inclusion of the northern part of the Shire of Normanby and all the Shire of Rosewood. The southern part of the Shire of Normanby was transferred to an enlarged Shire of Boonah. Further enlargement The Shire of Moreton was amalgamated into the City of Ipswich on 11 March 1995. Loss of rural areas In March 2000, Ipswich ceded some rural territory in Mount Walker, Mutdapilly, Rosevale and Warrill View to the neighbouring Shire of Boonah. Following the major reforms of local government in Queensland, on 15 March 2008, Ipswich lost the largely rural areas of Harrisville and Peak Crossing in its southeast to the new Scenic Rim Region. On 31 October 2012, a groundbreaking ceremony for the Ecco Ripley housing development project was conducted by then Ipswich mayor Paul Pisasale and Sekisui House. Divisions The local government has 10 Councillors each representing one division (or ward). Each Councillor serves a four-year term. The Mayor is directly elected by the people every 4 years. Elected mayor of 2016, Paul Pisasale, resigned on 6 June 2017 citing health concerns (specifically multiple sclerosis). Division 7 Councillor Andrew Antoniolli and Deputy Mayor Paul Tully