SEQ City Deal funding puts Lowood Botanic Core plans into motion
Published on 27 November 2025
Somerset Regional Council Mayor Jason Wendt is excited to announce Council will receive $1.54 million in state funding through the Green Urban Infrastructure Initiative to deliver Stage One of the Lowood Botanic Core.
LOWOOD’S Central Park is set to be transformed into a cool, shaded hub for the community after the Queensland Government stumped up funding for projects that reduce local urban heat.
Somerset Regional Council will receive $1.54 million in state funding through the Green Urban Infrastructure Initiative (GUII) to deliver Stage One of the Lowood Botanic Core as part of the Lowood Futures Strategy.
GUII is a commitment under the South East Queensland (SEQ) City Deal – a $1.8 billion partnership between the Australian Government, Queensland Government and Council of Mayors (SEQ), which aims to support jobs, improve connectivity and preserve and enhance the region’s liveability.
The Lowood Futures Strategy Master Plan is a multi-phase streetscape project intended to promote outcomes with social, economic and development benefits for Lowood.
A key component of the Master Plan is the Lowood Botanic Core, a vision for the transformation of Lowood’s Central Park into a vibrant, inclusive and enduring public space.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the funding allowed Council to proceed with confidence in Lowood’s grand plans.
“Council has held community consultation on Lowood Botanic Core plans for the last two months, and we’ve been blown away by the considered and supportive feedback from our community,” Cr Wendt said.
“We received almost 200 online submissions and had more than 150 face-to-face interactions with the community at the Lowood Customer Service Centre.
“Additionally, Council had 39 meetings with Lowood businesses and recorded 130 attendees at community group consultation meetings.
“With the community’s guidance and this new funding from the Green Urban Infrastructure Initiative, we are excited to move forward with Stage One of the Lowood Botanic Core.”
The GUII is a $20 million initiative co-funded by the Queensland Government and successful local governments to promote council-led projects that reduce urban heat island effects, support healthy lifestyles and improve urban connectivity and biodiversity.
Michael McKee, Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, said successful GUII projects like the Lowood Botanic Core would benefit SEQ’s growing communities.
“Funded jointly by the Queensland Government under the SEQ City Deal, these council-led projects aim to promote sustainable development and reduce urban heat,” Mr McKee said.
“The urban heat island effect makes dense urban areas hotter, which impacts liveability, so initiatives like planting street trees and building cycleways will be essential as SEQ’s population grows.
“Projects like this make our communities better places to live, including encouraging active transport options, reducing urban heat, supporting healthy lifestyles, and boosting green spaces and biodiversity.”
Stage One of the Lowood Botanic Core has an estimated cost of $4.16 million, with Council making an equal contribution of $1.54 million and the balance provided through Council’s existing funding commitment for mature tree planting through the National Emergency Management Agency’s Disaster Ready Fund.
Cr Wendt said Council would finalise the scope of works for Stage One after reviewing public consultation and preparing construction drawings and cost estimates.
Early works will include upgrades to some existing facilities like the Lowood Railway Station building, skate park, Brisbane Valley Rail Trail and Jean Bray Place.
“We will create an entry statement on the corner of Prospect Street and Railway Street to invite people towards the town centre,” Cr Wendt said.
“This historic Lowood Railway Station will become a central gathering space for the community, designed to support events and activities within the park.
“Stage One also includes a new memorial plaza in the green common area on Main Street and an accessible play area with a discovery trail and gardens along Peace Street in Lowood.”
For more information on the Lowood Botanic Core, visit somerset.qld.gov.au/Lowood-Futures-Strategy