Former mayor Paul Pisasale back in court on fresh fraud charges

Former Ipswich mayor Paul Pisasale has appeared in court on fresh fraud charges, including allegations he received gifts of household goods, including cookware, speakers, a barbecue and garden lights.

Mr Pisasale, who had already been charged by the Crime and Corruption Commission as part of its investigation into the southeast Queensland council, appeared in Brisbane Magistrates Court today.

He was facing eight new counts of fraud and one count of corruption.

The 66-year-old stands accused of defrauding council by using ratepayers' funds for personal use and interstate travel.

The long list of items Mr Pisasale is alleged to have defrauded the council of also includes whiskey, artwork, a replica truck, electrical appliances, sporting memorabilia and a ceramic craft item.

The additional charges were laid by the corruption watchdog on Friday.

The latest corruption charge relates to a project in Ipswich's west.

Mr Pisasale is accused of having "agreed to champion the Yamanto project for himself on account of influencing Ipswich City Council employees and private contractors", court documents claim.

The case was adjourned to align the matter with other charges Mr Pisasale is facing.

As he left court, Mr Pisasale told reporters he had put his heart and soul, and a lot of hard work, into the city of Ipswich and its people.

Mr Pisasale stepped down from his role as Mayor last year citing medical reasons.

Days later he was charged with several offences relating to a crime and corruption commotion investigation over an attempt to travel from Melbourne carrying $50 this and dollars in cash.

A wide spread investigation has seen 15 people charged connected to the CCC investigation into Ipswich Council on 86 charges.

The CCC expects to release its public report into governance failures and cultural issues within the Ipswich City Council this week.

Today’s charges bring Mr Pisasale’s total charges to 23.

He is already on conditional bail and will return to court on September 7 for a further mention.

-          With AAP