Somerset Regional Council Highlights – 8 May 2026
Published on 08 May 2026
Council launches ‘Business Concierge’ at Somerset Business Breakfast
Queensland Small Business Month kicked off in Somerset with the annual Business Breakfast in Esk on Friday, 8 May.
Businesses across the region joined together at the Somerset Civic Centre to enjoy a bite, network, and hear from small business experts and leaders.
Somerset Regional Council Mayor Jason Wendt thanked the business community for their strong showing at the Somerset Business Breakfast.
“It was my pleasure to launch Queensland Small Business Month by announcing Council’s new Somerset Business Hub webpage and business concierge service,” Cr Wendt said.
“This service is a central, easy-to-use platform designed to connect businesses with the information, tools and support they need in one place.
“It brings together our existing services in a more coordinated, customer-focused interface, acting as a clear entry point into Council and helping streamline enquiries.”
Cr Wendt said the service was designed to make the process of doing business in Somerset simpler and more accessible.
“This is just one part of Somerset’s journey to becoming a Small Business Friendly Council,” Cr Wendt said.
Access the Business Hub on Council’s website: somerset.qld.gov.au/business-hub
For more Queensland Small Business Month events in Somerset, visit: somerset.qld.gov.au/QSBM
Help define ‘Good Growth’ for future planning in Somerset
Somerset Regional Council is seeking community input for its Growth Management Strategy, a significant project which will inform future planning and advocacy for housing, employment, transport and more.
The Growth Management Strategy (GMS) will assist in planning how the region will accommodate greater residential growth and facilitate further employment and industrial development.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the first step in developing the GMS was community consultation.
“We want to know what matters to residents and get an understanding of what ‘Good Growth’ would mean for Somerset,” Cr Wendt said.
“We have a survey and a series of workshops which invites residents to have their say on key issues like housing, employment, infrastructure, utilities, transport and the environment.”
Public consultation closes 5pm Friday, 29 May 2026.
The community is invited to register for one of three workshops:
- Esk Library - 12.30pm to 2.30pm Monday, 18 May
- Kilcoy Visitor Information Centre - 5pm to 7pm Monday, 18 May
- Fernvale Visitor Information Centre - 5pm to 7pm Thursday, 21 May
To register for a workshop and to complete the survey, visit somerset.qld.gov.au/GMS
Streetscape newsletters out now
Somerset Regional Council has released its latest newsletters for the Kilcoy Streetscape Revitalisation and Lowood Futures Strategy.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the two major projects were a collaborative effort between Council and the communities of Kilcoy and Lowood.
"Keeping our residents informed and engaged is key to the success of these initiatives," Cr Wendt said.
"The newsletters will include project specific information including Council updates on funding and developments, progress on project designs and updates from advisory committee meetings.
"I encourage the Kilcoy and Lowood communities to grab a copy."
Read the newsletters online at somerset.qld.gov.au/Major-Projects
The Lowood Futures Newsletter is available at the Lowood Customer service Centre on 1 Michel Street and at the Fernvale Visitor Information Centre on 1483 Brisbane Valley Highway.
The Kilcoy Streetscape Newsletter is available at the Kilcoy Customer Service Centre on 15 Kennedy Street and at the Kilcoy Visitor Information Centre on 41 Hope Street.
Temporary Somerset Libraries closures
Somerset Libraries will be closed for a short time in late May for team training and refurbishments.
All libraries in Kilcoy, Lowood and Toogoolawah will be closed on Friday, 22 May for team training.
Esk Library will be closed from 21 May to 25 May for upgrade works.
Somerset Regional Council Arts, Culture and Heritage Advisory Committee Chair, Councillor Sally Jess, said the libraries were improving services following the Somerset Libraries Community Feedback Survey.
“We had great feedback through the survey earlier this year, and it’s exciting to see improvements already underway in our libraries,” Cr Jess said.
“In Esk, we’ll be upgrading the library to include new work and study spaces, a larger children’s area and new seating.
“To allow this transformation, Esk Library will be closed from 12pm Thursday, 21 May to 12pm Monday, 25 May.”
What would you do with the Linville Railway Station?
Somerset Regional Council is seeking expressions of interest from the community for a Licence to Occupy the Linville Railway Station Building on George Street, Linville.
This is an exciting opportunity for an individual or community group to find a new purpose for the historic building.
Expressions of interest close 5pm Friday, 22 May 2026.
To apply, visit somerset.qld.gov.au/LRSB-EOI