Somerset Regional Council Meeting Highlights – 18 December 2025
Published on 19 December 2025
Somerset Regional Council held a suite of business workshops across the region in 2025, including the Tourism Development Workshop in April.
Somerset Regional Council adopts its 2024-2025 Annual Report
Somerset Regional Council was proud to adopt its 2024-2025 Annual Report at its final meeting of 2025 on Thursday, 18 December.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the 2024-2025 financial year was one of purposeful progress and community strength.
“While our organisation has continued to deliver important services and major projects, what stands out most is the spirit of collaboration between Council, community, businesses and our regional partners that continues to guide our growth and shape our future,” Cr Wendt said.
“Council advanced several significant planning initiatives throughout the year, reflecting our long-term commitment to sustainable development.
“As we look ahead, our focus remains clear: to build a thriving, connected region that honours our heritage while embracing new opportunities.”
The Annual Report details all of Council’s operational activities and how funds have been managed in the 2024-2025 period.
The report can be accessed online, visit somerset.qld.gov.au/annual-reports
Council awards Mayoral Gala Charity Ball Fund applicants
Somerset Regional Council has awarded $20,500 to charitable organisations in Kilcoy and Lowood in the latest round of the Mayoral Gala Charity Ball Fund.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the Kilcoy – Woodford Anglican Parish, Mercy Community Lowood and Kilcoy QCWA were doing important work to support people in need in Somerset.
“The Mayoral Gala Charity Ball Fund is available to support charities that assist people suffering from disability, homelessness, trauma, abuse or neglect in the Somerset region,” Cr Wendt said.
“The Kilcoy – Woodford Anglican Parish will receive $10,000 to continue supplying nonperishable foods and hygiene items from the St Mary’s Pantry, located in the church hall.
“Mercy Community Lowood will receive $8,000 for nonperishable foods, toiletries and food vouchers.
“Lastly, the Kilcoy QCWA will receive $2,500 to purchase nappies, hygiene items, and frozen and long life foods for their community pantry.”
The next round of funding will be open from 16 March to 10 April 2026.
For more information, visit somerset.qld.gov.au/Grants
Vale Kirsten Moriarty
Somerset Regional Council was saddened to learn of the passing of former Councillor Kirsten Moriarty.
Kirsten worked as an employee of Somerset Regional Council for one year and as a Somerset Councillor between 2012 and 2016.
Somerset Deputy Mayor Helen Brieschke served alongside Kirsten.
“Throughout her time on Council, Kirsten demonstrated commitment and enthusiasm in her role,” Cr Brieschke said.
“Kirsten approached her position with genuine passion and a deep love for the community, which had supported her during her recovery from a skydiving accident. “She enjoyed attending the many community events as part of the responsibilities of a Councillor and always made time to connect and speak with residents from across the region.”
Cr Brieschke said Kirsten was deeply passionate about representing residents’ concerns.
“She was known for her willingness to engage in thoughtful debate, always striving to ensure that the voices of the community were heard,” Cr Brieschke said.
“Kirsten’s contributions to Council have left a lasting impression, and she is remembered with respect and gratitude by our community.
“On behalf of Council, I extend our sincere condolences to Kirsten’s family and friends during this difficult time.”
High marks for Somerset’s economic development scorecard
Somerset Regional Council has received top marks for its Economic Development Strategy 2025 scorecard.
The annual action plan outlines Council’s strategic directions and scores Council’s progress using a traffic light system.
Economic Development and Tourism Advisory Committee Chair, Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt, said Council has performed well in the business advocacy space in 2025.
“Our shop local campaign, Support Our Somerset, has championed small businesses by sharing their stories and encouraging residents to reconsider where and how they spend their money,” Cr Wendt said.
“We’ve done significant advocacy for our region, planned for Somerset’s future and secured community infrastructure to improve liveability.
“We’ve also held a suite of business workshops across the region, supporting our diverse economy and connecting small business owners with Council resources.
“We look forward to an even more prosperous 2026 in Somerset.”
Multiple residential developments approved in final meeting of 2025
Somerset Regional Council has approved multiple development applications to reconfigure lots by subdivision, making way for 76 new residential allotments between Fernvale, Lowood and Vernor.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said Council approved three applications for future residential development on 47 Taree Road in Vernor, 55 Limosa Road in Lowood, and 81 Fernvale Road, Fernvale.
“Between these three new applications, we will see 55 new residential lots between 450 sqm and 800 sqm, and 21 new park residential lots around 4,000 sqm,” Cr Wendt said.
“It’s encouraging to see more developers choosing to invest in Somerset.
“Excitingly, we have also approved a new wedding venue and function facility with cabins for short-term accommodation on Freeses Road in Glamorgan Vale.”
Lowood Botanic Core plan gets thumbs up
The Lowood community has given Somerset Regional Council a big thumbs up for its plans for the town’s future.
Council held community consultation for the Lowood Botanic Core between September and November 2025, with almost 10% of the town’s residents sharing feedback.
The Lowood Botanic Core encompasses the town’s Central Park and surrounding streetscapes, creating an extension of the town centre through activated spaces within the park and an injection of planting and shade.
It is a key project in the Lowood Futures Strategy Master Plan, a multi-phase streetscape project intended to promote outcomes with social, economic and development benefits for Lowood.
Lowood Futures Strategy Advisory Committee Chair, Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt, said the community provided overwhelmingly positive feedback to Council.
“Residents gave considered and supportive feedback, identifying minor changes and improvements for consideration,” Cr Wendt said.
“Suggestions included safety improvements to BVRT crossing points, lighting for the skate park and proposed pump track, and CCTV, lighting and barbecues at shelters within the park.”
Council will now make refinements to the Lowood Botanic Core Final Concept Design.
For more information, visit somerset.qld.gov.au/Lowood-Futures-Strategy
Revised Procurement Policy puts local businesses first
Somerset Regional Council re-adopted its Procurement Policy with key changes expanding and strengthening support for local businesses.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the Procurement Policy had a new contemporary format, and included a weighting of up to 10% for tenders which include local benefits.
“We want to make it easier for Somerset businesses to connect with and provide services to Council, as part of our ongoing efforts to support economic development in our region,” Cr Wendt said.
“This 10% weighting could be applied to suppliers which have offices, branches or depots located in Somerset, suppliers which use local materials and services to deliver tendered works, and suppliers which directly employ Somerset residents.
“We have also simplified thresholds to streamline procurement processes for suppliers and Council staff.”
Busy November for advisory committees
Somerset Regional Council hosted a range of advisory committees in November 2025.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said Council was committed to engaging with residents, community groups, businesses and other stakeholders through its many committees.
“In November, our Council held advisory committee meetings for Arts, Culture and Heritage, Economic Development and Tourism, Esk Recreation Grounds, Lowood Futures Strategy and the Somerset Social Plan,” Cr Wendt said.
“We also held a Traffic and Safety Advisory Committee at the beginning of December.
“These meetings inform Council decision-making and allow us to share information with other stakeholders to build a stronger, more connected region.
“We look forward to continuing these strong relationships with our advisory committees in 2026.”
Golfer and farmer receive Excellence Bursaries
Somerset Regional Council has awarded Excellence Bursaries to a young golfer and a young farmer between October and November 2025.
Golfer Ryder Cochran received $750 for being selected to compete at a national level as part of the World Stars NZ Open team competing at Windross Farm in Auckland, New Zealand over 22 and 23 January 2026.
Farmer Tom Beattie received $250 for being selected as part of the team attending the Australian Future Farmers Exchange Tour in North East Victoria from 11 to 18 April 2026.
For more information on Excellence Bursaries, 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, 28 January 2026 in the Simeon Lord Room at Esk Library.
Council asks the community 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 Thursday, 18 December 2025.