Somerset Regional Council Highlights – 14 August 2026
Published on 14 August 2026
Somerset will be included in the 2027 land valuation program.
Councillors congratulate Somerset’s Ekka stars
Somerset Councillors celebrated the achievements of the region’s producers and representatives competing at the 2026 Royal Queensland Show (Ekka).
Councillor Brett Freese congratulated Hannah Johnson for her success in the Queensland Country Life Showgirl awards.
“Hannah Johnson, who represented the Toogoolawah Show Society and the West Moreton Brisbane Valley Sub Chamber, was awarded the State winner on Friday, 7 August,” Cr Freese said.
“We couldn’t be prouder as we have seen Hannah develop, grow and mature after the regional finals held in Lowood, last year.
“She has become a confident, calm and extremely well-spoken woman and will become a great leader in that role.”
Cr Freese also congratulated Somerset’s Rural Ambassadors.
“We had two representatives at the Rural Ambassador awards, with Matthew Lukritz representing the Toogoolawah Show Society and the West Moreton Brisbane Valley Sub Chamber and Hannah Retschlag representing the Kilcoy Show Society and the Near North Coast Sub Chamber,” Cr Freese said.
“These two are outstanding representatives for our region and they did a wonderful job.”
Councillor Stephanie Laycock congratulated all Somerset producers who competed at the Ekka.
“Congratulations to Clancie Dull who was runner up in the Young Stud Beef Paraders state finals,” Cr Laycock said.
“It was great to see so many local producers representing our region, including Kilcoy Global Foods which supplied food for the Royal Queensland Steakhouse.”
Somerset land to be valued in 2027
On 5 August, the Queensland Valuer-General announced that Somerset Regional Council would be included in the 2027 land valuation program.
The valuation process is independent of Council. The new valuations will take effect from 30 June 2027 and will be used by Council when calculating general rates for the 2027–28 financial year.
Changes in land valuations do not translate directly into the same percentage change in general rates. Council will consider the new valuations when setting rates through its annual budget process and seek to manage the impact on ratepayers.
For more information and to enquire about land valuations visit qld.gov.au/environment/land/title/valuation/2027-land-valuations
Somerset rounds out fourth quarter on a high note
Somerset Regional Council has received the fourth quarter report of its Operational Plan 2025-2026, with a substantial program of work delivered in the past 12 months.
Council CEO Andrew Johnson said 2025-2026 was a year of change, transition, and significant delivery.
“We have completed major community infrastructure including the Toogoolawah Swimming Pool and Community Gym, Station Street Carpark in Lowood and Aston Park Precinct in Kilcoy and progressed major projects like the Fernvale South Productivity Link, Lester Kropp Bridge Replacement, Toogoolawah Library and Cultural Centre, Kilcoy Indoor Sports Centre and more,” Mr Johnson said.
“We have attracted significant external investment with almost 60% of our budgeted capital works program supported by grant funding. This will continue into 2026-2027 with external investment supporting future upgrades to sporting facilities, showgrounds, and resource recovery.
“This year, we have prepared Somerset for future growth with the Major Planning Scheme Amendment 2, progress on the Growth Management Strategy, and the adoption of our Corporate Plan 2026-2031.”
Mr Johnson said the Operational Report closed the 2021-2026 planning cycle.
“Our new Corporate Plan sets us up with a strong foundation for the next five years, with a new vision to guide us: Thriving communities – country lifestyle.”
Next Somerset Regional Council Meeting
Somerset Regional Council will hold its next Ordinary Council Meeting at 9am on Wednesday, 26 August 2026 in the Simeon Lord Room at Esk Library.
The community is asked to contact Council and provide 24 hours’ notice if they plan to attend council meetings.
Meeting agendas, minutes and livestreams are available on Council’s website, visit somerset.qld.gov.au/Council-Meetings