Queensland Hydro expands ties with Somerset region with new funding

Published on 03 February 2026

Progress from the Aston Park Carpark in Kilcoy, which previously received funding support Queensland Hydro in August 2025.

Residents and visitors to Kilcoy will benefit from further investment in local infrastructure, with Queensland Hydro today announcing an additional $700,000 through its Community Benefits Program to support streetscape upgrades.

The funding will enable Somerset Regional Council to complete concept designs for the Kilcoy Streetscape Revitalisation Master Plan. The funding will be delivered in next year’s budget.

Queensland Hydro Executive Chair Mark Irwin said the organisation remains committed to the region, even as it undertakes a renewed business case for the proposed Borumba Pumped Hydro Project.

“Kilcoy and the surrounding townships will play an important role as Queensland Hydro commences exploratory works for the Borumba Project in the coming months,” Mr Irwin said.

“This funding acknowledges the potential impacts on the community and ensures we leave a positive legacy behind.”

Kilcoy Streetscape Advisory Committee Chair, Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt, said the additional funding would allow Somerset Regional Council to progress its plans for improvement to Kilcoy’s town centre.

“The latest commitment follows $550,000 announced last August for upgrades to the Eastern Gateway and Town Entry, incorporating a car park and landscaping to Aston Park,” Cr Wendt said.

“We have made excellent progress on the Aston Park Precinct in the last few months, and we’re excited to rollout designs for future streetscape projects thanks to Queensland Hydro’s support.”

Queensland Hydro Executive Chair Mark Irwin, Somerset Regional Council Mayor Jason Wendt, Council CEO Andrew Johnson and Queensland Hydro EGM Delivery Geoff Scott in Kilcoy last August. Credit: Queensland Hydro.

Today’s announcement also coincided with the first meeting of Queensland Hydro’s new Kilcoy, Jimna & Surrounds Focus Group.

Nine community members met in Kilcoy to provide local insights into the development of the Borumba Project, with future discussions to focus on traffic and transport, business impacts, and tourism.

“Our Focus Groups, made up of highly engaged community members, ensure that we are not only aware of local concerns, but actively working with residents to find solutions that work,” Mr Irwin said.

“We’re delighted to be working with our new members to inform constructive conversations and leverage those insights to realise local benefits.” 

Community Grants Program now open

Community organisations in the Somerset and Gympie regions could receive up to $10,000 each for local initiatives in the latest round of Queensland Hydro’s Community Grants Program.

Opening Tuesday, 3 February 2026, the Community Grants Program is designed to support initiatives that are meaningful to local communities around the Borumba Pumped Hydro Project, delivering real benefits now and for years to come.

Community organisations looking to apply are invited to attend an information session on Tuesday, 10 February 2026. Details can be found on the Queensland Hydro website.

Applications close on Monday, 2 March 2026.