Major Planning amendments support growth, tourism and rural lifestyle
Published on 03 November 2025
SOMERSET Regional Council is proposing significant updates to its planning scheme under Major Amendment 2, aimed at cutting red tape, encouraging sustainable development, and supporting local tourism and business growth while maintaining Somerset’s rural character.
Mayor Jason Wendt said the proposed changes would make it easier for residents and developers to build, invest and contribute to the future of Somerset.
“These amendments are about streamlining processes and providing greater certainty, while still protecting the things that make Somerset special which is our open spaces, rural lifestyle and sense of community,” Mayor Wendt said.
“We’re supporting sustainable growth in the right places, making it easier to do business, and encouraging the kind of tourism and small-scale development that helps Somerset thrive.”
Key proposed changes include new provisions for holiday houses to be accepted development in anticipated zones, improvements to facilitate small-scale tourist parks and short-stay accommodation in the rural zone and improved clarity on subdivision provisions.
Mayor Wendt said the proposed changes reinforce Council’s focus on tourism, sustainability and well-managed growth.
“Somerset is a key growth corridor with a strong tourism brand through Experience Somerset,” he 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 amendments are designed to ensure future development continues to respect Somerset’s rural amenity, while embracing innovation, sustainable tourism, and small-scale enterprise.
Public consultation on the proposed new changes will open on Tuesday, 4 November and close on 5 December.
The proposed amendment and supporting information can be viewed online at somerset.qld.gov.au/ma2 or in person at Council’s Customer Service Centres in Esk, Kilcoy, and Lowood.
A series of factsheets detailing each of the major proposed amendments will also be available on council’s website and council planners will be accessible to talk to residents regarding the changes.
Submissions can be lodged online, by email to mail@somerset.qld.gov.au or by post to PO Box 117, Esk QLD 4312 before midnight 5 December.