Somerset Regional Council Meeting Highlights 22 January 2025
Published on 23 January 2025
New housing estate approved in Lowood
Somerset Regional Council has approved a new housing estate in Lowood, allowing for 358 individual lots.
The vacant 42-hectare site on Forest Hill Fernvale Road, Lowood will be transformed. Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the development provided a variety of lot sizes and had the potential to create future development opportunities.
“The lots range from 450sq m to 850sq m with a small number of larger lots, including 16 dual occupancy lots,” Cr Wendt said.
“The layout also provides direct access to Forest Hill-Fernvale Road, a road connection to Williams Street and a pedestrian connection to Bray Street Park.
“This development is a logical extension of the existing residential land in Lowood, with easy access to facilities and our region’s road network.”
Cr Wendt said this development was specifically designed for land which would otherwise be unusable.
“Councils like ours are under pressure to step up in the housing crisis and developments like this are exactly what we need, because they enable families a variety of choices to try to get into the housing market,” Cr Wendt said.
“Whether they’re looking for a tree change or more affordable housing, more people are choosing to move to regional areas.
“We have tried to balance providing affordable housing options while maintaining a significant greenspace within the development to maintain our rural amenity.”
“We need to be able to accommodate the families looking to move to Somerset and developments like this tick all the right boxes for Council and our growing community.”
Somerset Regional Council has approved a new housing estate in Lowood, with a vacant 42-hectare site to be transformed into 358 individual lots.
Mayor Wendt takes to the skies with COMSEQ delegation
Somerset Regional Council Mayor Jason Wendt will join Council of Mayors South East Queensland (COMSEQ) in a delegation to former Olympic cities in February.
“I’ll be joining my fellow mayors on 4 February and we’re flying to Singapore, Manchester and Paris, looking for trade opportunities in South East Queensland and how we can create a lasting Olympic legacy,” Cr Wendt said.
“We want to learn what post-Olympic cities have done well and identify areas for improvement, using real-world examples to guide our approach.
“We’re dedicated to getting ahead of the game for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, and I look forward to bringing these valuable insights back to benefit our Region.”
These missions provide opportunities for the Mayors of South East Queensland to discuss regional priorities and develop relationships on an international level.
There’s no cost to Somerset ratepayers for this delegation as the costs are absorbed by COMSEQ.
New Urban Utilities reservoir approved for Vorpagel Road, Lowood
Somerset Regional Council has approved a development application for a new reservoir at Vorpagel Road in Lowood.
The Urban Utilities site has a three megalitre reservoir with water supplied by Seqwater’s Lowood Water Treatment Plant, which in turn supplies water to the Lockyer Valley.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said Urban Utilities identified the need for an additional reservoir.
“Under the current configuration, it is not possible to shut down the existing reservoir and carry out critical maintenance and repairs, which can take between three and six months,” Cr Wendt said.
“The additional reservoir will have a capacity of 2.6 megalitres and will enable this remedial work to occur while ensuring ongoing water supply to our neighbouring region.”
The new reservoir will be constructed partially within the road reserve, making it necessary to permanently close the existing road within the development site.
Council renews lease for Kilcoy District Tennis Association Inc
Somerset Regional Council will enter a new lease agreement with the Kilcoy District Tennis Association for land on Taylor Street, Kilcoy.
The Kilcoy District Tennis Association is a longstanding not-for-profit organisation which provides sport and recreation opportunities to the community.
Recognising the benefits the organisation brings to the Kilcoy community, Council will enter a new 10-year lease, which will apply from 1 March 2025 to 28 February 2035.
Council requests 24-hour access to doctors at Esk Hospital
Somerset Regional Council will write to the State Minister for Health and Ambulance Services to urge guaranteed access to an onsite doctor at Esk Hospital.
Somerset Councillor Michael Bishop raised the issue in the ordinary meeting on Wednesday, 22 January, noting the lack of service during the Christmas period.
“The Esk Hospital did not have any medical cover for several days over the Christmas holidays, and there was limited telehealth available,” Cr Bishop said.
“To compound the issue, the Esk general practice could not open due to ill health.
“We have excellent nursing care in Esk, but unfortunately several members of the community had to drive to Ipswich or the Sunshine Coast for care during this period.”
Cr Bishop moved a motion for Council to write to the Minister to express concern over the lack of medical coverage, highlighting the risk to community health and safety.
“The community expects a minimum of service and care at our hospitals, which includes 24-hour access to a doctor,” Cr Bishop said.
“We expect a prompt response from the Minister outlining steps to resolve this issue.”
Mayoral Gala Charity Ball steps to the next level for 2025
Somerset Regional Council is taking the fifth biennial Mayoral Gala Charity Ball to the next level with an exciting new theme and new sponsorship opportunities.
The 2025 event’s theme will be ‘Masquerade’, creating an air of mystery and sophistication for Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt’s first ball.
“We look forward to seeing attendees donning elegant attire and ornate masks,” Cr Wendt said.
“We will have themed décor and performances, creating an immersive atmosphere of glamour and intrigue.
“It will be a great night for all involved, and I look forward to seeing everyone on the dancefloor.”
The new sponsorship model will include platinum, gold and silver sponsor options, with the opportunity for platinum sponsors to attend a cocktail party prior to the official ball alongside the Mayor, Councillors and VIPs.
Cr Wendt said the Mayoral Gala Charity Ball raised profits to assist Somerset residents.
“The funds we have raised over the years have supported community groups which in turn support people facing homelessness, abuse, mental illness, food insecurity and disability,” Cr Wendt said.
“Through this event people can make a huge difference in our community, while enjoying a great night out.”
The 2025 Mayoral Gala Charity Ball will be held on Saturday, 13 September at the Somerset Civic Centre.
Young cricketer gets a hand-up from Somerset Regional Council
Junior Somerset cricketer Damon Wood was awarded $250 through Somerset Regional Council’s Excellence Bursary program.
Damon was selected as part of the Under 12 Darling Downs and South West Queensland team which attended the Ian Healy Cup in Brisbane on 6 to 10 January 2025.
Next Somerset Council Meeting
Somerset Regional Council will hold its next ordinary council meeting on Wednesday, 12 February in Esk.
NB: Somerset Regional Council held its ordinary meeting in the Simeon Lord Room at the Esk Library on Wednesday, 22 January 2025 at 9am.
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