Budget planning in final stretch for Somerset Regional Council
Published on 22 May 2026
Councillors toured the region in late April to inspect project sites as they prepare to deliver Somerset Regional Council’s 2026-2027 Budget. Pictured: Councillors at the Fernvale South Productivity Link on Muckerts Lane.
SOMERSET Regional Council is carefully crunching the numbers for a 2026-2027 Budget which maintains valuable services for residents in the midst of an uncertain and volatile economic environment.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the Council had to make tough decisions for its upcoming budget.
“Our Council has deliberated over this budget for several months, seeking to balance the needs of our residents against unprecedented rising costs for fuel, materials and labour which are outpacing revenue,” Cr Wendt said.
“The current economic climate is a difficult environment in which to plan a budget, whether you’re an individual, a family, a business owner or a government organisation.
“Money is on everyone’s mind and, just like our residents, Council must make responsible and forward-thinking decisions to best position our organisation.
“Our 2026-2027 Budget will reflect the necessary financial management required to deliver our services in the face of real-world cost pressures, while keeping Somerset as one of the most competitively rated councils in South East Queensland.”
In late April, as part of their budget deliberations, Somerset Councillors toured the region to inspect major project sites.
“We have made great progress over 2025-2026 with some projects nearing completion, including the Fernvale South Productivity Link and the Aston Park Precinct in Kilcoy,” Cr Wendt said.
“Other projects are set to make strong headway into 2026-2027 including the Kilcoy Indoor Sports Centre, Toogoolawah Library and Cultural Centre and the Lester Kropp Bridge Replacement in Villeneuve,” Cr Wendt said.
“We are proud of all the new and improved services we progressed in the past financial year, and we’re excited to see many projects complete construction over the next 12 months.
“However, in 2026-2027 we know we must tailor spending on capital works in order to weather the storm of this uncertain and volatile global economic climate.”
Somerset Regional Council will adopt its 2026-2027 Budget on Wednesday, 24 June 2026.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt and Deputy Mayor Helen Brieschke at the construction site of the new Aston Park Precinct in Kilcoy.