Somerset Regional Council Meeting Highlights – 20 May 2026
Published on 22 May 2026
Somerset Councillors Sally Jess and Michael Bishop will judge the 2026 Somerset Garden Competition, alongside former Esk entrant and gardening expert Michele Rowse.
Planning scheme amendments move to final stages
Somerset Regional Council has adopted the proposed Somerset Region Planning Scheme Major Amendment 2 (MA2).
Council received approval to proceed the planning scheme amendment from the Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning and Minister for Industrial Relations, Jarrod Bleijie, in late April.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the MA2 would make it easier for residents and developers to build, invest and contribute to Somerset’s future.
“These amendments are about streamlining processes and providing greater certainty, while protecting the things that make Somerset special which is our open spaces, rural lifestyle and sense of community,” Cr Wendt said.
“These amendments give residents and businesses clearer, fairer rules that balance opportunity with environmental and community values.
“They make it easier to deliver projects that enhance Somerset’s appeal as a place to live, visit and invest.”
The amended planning scheme, Somerset Region Planning Scheme Version 5.0, will come into effect on Thursday, 4 June 2026.
Council approves 180 lots for development across Woolmar and Fernvale
Somerset Regional Council has approved five separate development applications in Woolmar and Fernvale to support the creation of 180 new residential lots.
Council approved 92 residential lots over two stages between Graham Road and Bolingbroke Street East in Fernvale, and 88 residential lots to be delivered through stages 12, 13 and 14 of the Hedley Park Estate in Woolmar.
Somerset Councillor Brett Freese said Council welcomed the new developments.
“It’s great that we’re getting more housing relief, especially in Woolmar and the Kilcoy district because we know it has been a tight market for renters and buyers,” Cr Freese said.
“These developments will really make a difference.
“The developers are proposing the majority of blocks will be 600 to 1,000 square metres, which is ideal for the country lifestyle we envision for Somerset.”
Green thumbs, get ready for the 2026 Somerset Garden Competition
The Somerset Garden Competition is celebrating ten years with a new ‘Bloomin’ Best’ category introduced to celebrate longstanding entrants and multiple award winners.
Somerset Councillors Sally Jess and Michael Bishop will judge the September competition, alongside former Esk entrant and gardening expert Michele Rowse.
Cr Bishop said the ‘Bloomin’ Best’ award would celebrate the Somerset residents who have championed the garden competition for the past decade.
“We’re so grateful for the community’s support for this competition and we would like to give special recognition to the residents who have made it such a success,” Cr Bishop said.
“New and returning entrants should begin preparing their gardens with entries opening mid-July and judging set for mid-September.
“There’s still plenty of time to put your gloves on and spruce up your garden.
“We have categories for Best Urban, Best Rural, Best Tiny Garden and Best First Time Entrant, plus bonus categories for Best Sustainable, Best Habitat, Best Floral and Best Repurposed/Upcycled Garden.”
Somerset Regional Council acknowledges Searles Garden Products for sponsoring the 2026 Somerset Garden Competition.
Councillors thank Somerset volunteers
Somerset Councillors shared words of thanks to the hundreds of volunteers which have contributed to the region at their meeting on Wednesday, 20 May.
National Volunteer Week, held 18 to 24 May, is Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteers.
Councillor Stephanie Laycock said many things people took for granted would not be possible without the tireless efforts of volunteers.
“Somerset’s agricultural show season is kicking off in Esk during National Volunteers Week, and throughout Queensland there’s over 13,500 volunteers volunteering every year to keep our ag shows running,” Cr Laycock said.
“We would like to thank everyone in the community who volunteers at our sporting and art groups, community assistance organisations, wildlife groups and countless other organisations across Somerset.
“You make our region stronger through your dedication and generosity.”
Somerset Regional Council Social Plan Advisory Committee Chair, Councillor Michael Bishop, said Somerset volunteers were incredibly generous with their time.
“As Councillors we see so many volunteers in our region and we’re really grateful for all of their work, it makes a really big difference,” Cr Bishop said.
“That said, there’s always room for more volunteers.
“There’s so many reasons to volunteer – you get to meet new people, learn new things and obtain valuable skills while making a difference in your community.”
Council sponsors Festival of Cycling
Somerset Regional Council will sponsor the 2026 Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Festival of Cycling with $3,300 cash and in-kind support.
The event will be held on Saturday, 1 August and participants can choose to complete three different distances.
Starting locations are Wulkuraka, (161km), Toogoolawah (75km) and Moore (50km) with all participants finishing the event in Yarraman in South Burnett.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said supporting the event was part of Council’s strategy to boost tourism and events in the region.
“We want to proactively encourage the development of new events and encourage the community to access the wide range of sport and recreational pursuits available in Somerset,” Cr Wendt said.
“The Festival of Cycling also raises the profile of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, the longest rail trail in Australia.
“This is a great event and it brings a lot of people to the region, which our Council is always happy to support.”
Next Somerset Regional Council Meeting
Somerset Regional Council will hold its next Ordinary Council Meeting at 9am on Wednesday, 10 June 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-Meeting
NB: Somerset Regional Council held its Ordinary Meeting on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.