Somerset Regional Council Meeting Highlights – 10 June 2026
Published on 11 June 2026
Member for Lockyer Jim McDonald met with Somerset Councillors after their Ordinary Meeting on Wednesday, 10 June to discuss regional concerns.
Queensland Mack Muster sets sights on Archer Falls
A truck convoy and ‘show and shine’ event is coming to Archer Falls Airfield on 12 September 2026.
Somerset Regional Council approved the event application for the Queensland Mack Muster from Woodford Lions Club at its Wednesday, 10 June Ordinary Meeting.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said around up to 400 trucks were expected to be on display.
“The event will include a convoy of Mack trucks travelling to Somerset and a show and shine display at Archer Falls Airfield, raising funds for both the Jackson Hepner Foundation and Get Yourself Checked,” Cr Wendt said.
“In addition, the muster will have food vendors, market stalls, trade and industry displays, family activities, a trophy presentation and a live band.
“This will be a great event for the trucking community and the wider Somerset community, and we’re excited to welcome the convoy later this year.”
Member for Lockyer stops in at Esk
Somerset Regional Council welcomed Member for Lockyer Jim McDonald into its chambers to discuss highway upgrades, waste and health following its Ordinary Meeting on 10 June.
Councillors continued their advocacy with the State Member, seeking to create a united plan between Council and the Queensland Government to secure long-term funding for the Brisbane Valley Highway.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt thanked Mr McDonald for stopping in at Esk.
“It’s always great to catch up with Jim, and we’re glad he could lend his ear to our concerns,” Cr Wendt said.
“We discussed upgrading the Brisbane Valley Highway and our goals for a long-term Brisbane Valley Highway Safety and Productivity Strategic Plan, supported by an agreed funding plan, to ensure the BVH meets the needs of the community now and into the future.
“We raised concerns about the State’s waste levy, which places a growing cost burden on Council and ratepayers.
“We want to work with the State to improve health outcomes for Somerset, with regional communities like ours having limited access to healthcare professionals.
“We’re grateful to Jim McDonald and the State Government’s support as we work together to address the unique challenges we face in Somerset.”
Jim McDonald MP, Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt and Deputy Mayor Helen Brieschke.
Updated Operational Plan reflects Council’s new vision for Somerset
Following the adoption of its Corporate Plan 2026-2031 in May, Somerset Regional Council now turns its attention to its Operational Plan for 2026-2027.
Council CEO Andrew Johnson explained that the Corporate Plan was a five-year roadmap, while the Operational Plan was an action plan for the next 12 months.
“Our Operational Plan identifies the strategic actions we will undertake this coming financial year to deliver on our vision: ‘Thriving communities – country lifestyle’,” Mr Johnson said.
“We are taking a deliberate approach to focus on strategic outcomes rather than just business as usual activities, with a focus on key initiatives which will shape Somerset’s future.”
The Operational Plan includes a range of projects for enhancing liveability and wellbeing, protection of the environment and enhancing natural assets, supporting local business and encouraging investment, planning and delivering infrastructure, and ensuring Council remains well governed, efficient and future ready.
Council supports Somerset race clubs
Somerset Regional Council will continue supporting country racing in the region with sponsorship support to local race clubs.
Council will provide $1,000 in sponsorship each to the Esk Jockey Club and Kilcoy Race Club through its tourism promotional budget.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said country racing was a huge tourism drawcard for the region.
“We’re proud to continue sponsoring the Esk Jockey Club and Kilcoy Race Club,” Cr Wendt said.
“Their race days attract visitors from across South East Queensland to Somerset and support local business and employment opportunities.”
Seven sport stars receive Excellence Bursaries
Somerset Regional Council has awarded seven Excellence Bursaries to Somerset athletes.
Lucy Bennet was selected for the Queensland Under 18s Women’s softball team, attending the School Sport Australia 13-18 years Softball National Championships at Blacktown, New South Wales over 25-29 May.
Ayden Wait joined the Queensland Athletics Team attending the Australian Athletics Junior Championships at the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre in Brisbane on 15 April.
Aaron and Jessica Martin will represent the state at the Special Olympics National Games in Melbourne from 19 to 23 October 2026, with Aaron competing in shot put, long jump, turbo javelin and 50 metre run for the Queensland Athletics Team, and Jessica competing for the Queensland Ten Pin Bowling Team.
Baseballers Lachlan Walk and Rylan Wagner competed with Brisbane West Wolves Division 1 at the Queensland State Titles at Redcliffe over 16-19 April.
Golfer Ryder Cochran will join the Sunshine Coast School Sport Regional Golf Team attending the QRSS State Championships at Rockhampton and Yeppoon over 14-17 June.
The athletes were eligible for $500 in support for competing at state levels and $250 in support for competing at regional levels.
Excellence Bursaries are open year-round to the community – for more information and to apply visit somerset.qld.gov.au/Grants
Next Somerset Regional Council Meeting
Somerset Regional Council will hold its next Ordinary Council Meeting at 9am on Wednesday, 24 June 2026 in the Simeon Lord Room at Esk Library, followed by its Special Budget Meeting at 11am.
The community is asked to contact Council and provide 24 hours’ notice if they plan to attend council meetings.
Meeting agendas, minutes and livestreams are available on Council’s website, visit somerset.qld.gov.au/Council-Meetings
NB: Somerset Regional Council held its Ordinary Meeting on Wednesday, 10 June 2026.