Somerset Regional Council Meeting Highlights – 25 February 2026

Published on 27 February 2026

Somerset Regional Council is applying for funding to expand the Fernvale Sports Park Netball Courts (pictured) and upgrades to the Lowood Swimming Pool through the Australian Government’s Major and Local Community Infrastructure Program.

Somerset joins Lockyer Valley in fire ant advocacy

Somerset Regional Council has joined Lockyer Valley Regional Council (LVRC) in calling on the Australian Government to commit funding to the eradication of red imported fire ants.

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said Council would support LVRC’s motion to the Australian Local Government Association’s National General Assembly in Canberra this June.

“Red imported fire ants are a major pest for our agriculture industry and natural environment,” Cr Wendt said.

“We need the Federal Government to step up and provide urgent funding to match the Queensland Government’s $24 million over two years to the Fire Ant Suppression Taskforce for aerial treatment in the suppression zone.

“We also want to see a commitment to ongoing funding from 2027 to 2032 for the National Fire Ant Eradication Program.

“We are proud to support Lockyer Valley Regional Council by formally endorsing their motion to the National General Assembly.”

Planning scheme amendment progresses to Minister’s desk

Somerset Regional Council has approved changes to the Somerset Regional Planning Scheme Major Amendment 2 following public consultation in late 2025.

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said Major Amendment 2 received nine submissions from members of the public, landholders and developers.

“We thank everyone who took the time to consider the document and help shape and inform our planning scheme,” Cr Wendt said.

“Council has given careful consideration to those submissions, and the amended document will be made available on Council’s website.”

Cr Wendt said the amendment proposed updates to a range of policy matters and planning scheme provisions.

“This is a progressive package, taking in considerations from key learnings Council has had through court decisions and resolving a number of issues we have identified throughout the life of the planning scheme.

“Some of the changes focus on cutting red tape for new dwellings, small-scale tourist accommodation options, and micro food and beverage production centred areas.

“It also provides more certainty to Council and the community around developments.”

To progress the amendment, Council will now provide the document to Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jarrod Bleijie, for consideration.

A further report will be brought back to Council following the Minister’s consideration.

Council requests funds for Lowood and Fernvale fitness

Somerset Regional Council will submit funding applications to the Australian Government for upgrades to sport facilities in Lowood and Fernvale.

Council was invited to apply for non-competitive funding through the Major and Local Community Infrastructure Program following an election pledge from Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann MP in April 2025.

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said Council was promised $4.05 million towards Stage Two of the Lowood Swimming Pool Upgrade, and $1.6 million for the Fernvale Sports Park Netball Courts Expansion Project.

“These two facilities have been identified for significant upgrades to support the health and fitness of our rapidly growing community,” Cr Wendt said.

“The Lowood Swimming Pool upgrade includes the construction of an enclosed program pool with disabled access and a new multi-purpose facility.

“This upgrade is necessary to continue supporting increasing demand at the facility, allowing a greater scope of activities at the pool.

“In Fernvale, we are seeking to build four additional netball courts, doubling the facility’s current capacity.

“This will support the growth of the Somerset Storm Netball Club and facilitate a local netball competition held here in Somerset.”

Cr Wendt said Council was proud of its funding advocacy for these projects.

“Some people may think an election promise is just a cheque handover followed by construction, but there’s a lot of work which has to happen behind the scenes to prepare projects for funding opportunities,” Cr Wendt said.

“We’re grateful to Shayne Neumann MP and the Australian Government for this opportunity to improve our health and fitness facilities in Somerset.”

Council seeks State funding for footpaths and cycle network

Somerset Regional Council has applied for funding through the Queensland Government’s new Active Transport Grants Program for new footpaths and a Principal Cycle Network extension.

Council will make four applications, including the design and construction of a footpath along Lowood Minden Road from Russell Road, Lowood, to Tarampa State School for $1.62 million, if successful.

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the Lowood Minden Road footpath would provide greater connection between the Lowood and Tarampa townships.

“Through the Active Transport Grants Program, Council will be able to construct a new footpath creating a safer walking route for Tarampa State School students travelling to and from residential areas north of town,” Cr Wendt said.

In addition, Council identified a further three projects for funding application:

• route assessment for a Principal Cycle Network extension from Twin Bridges to the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail in Fernvale for $75,000;
• footpath, kerb and channel design along Middle Street in Esk from the Brisbane Valley Highway to Esk Kindergarten on South Street for $60,000;
• and footpath design along Kennedy Street in Kilcoy from Taylor Street to Pine Tree Estate on Kennedy Street for $65,000.

Triathlon and softball athletes receive Excellence Bursaries

Somerset Regional Council awarded three Excellence Bursaries to Somerset athletes between January and February 2026.

Benjamin and Grace Jardine were selected for the Darling Downs School Sport 13-19 Years Triathlon team which attended the Queensland Representative School Sport State Championships held at Hervey Bay over 4-7 February.

Softballer Tristan Bagby has been selected for the Caboolture Sports Softball Association Under 14s Boys Rep team attending the SQI State Championships at Toowoomba over 10-12 April.

The athletes were eligible for $250 in support for competing at regional events.

Excellence Bursaries are open year-round to the community – for more information and to apply, visit somerset.qld.gov.au/Grants

Dates set for 2026-2027 Community Assistance Grants

Somerset Regional Council has approved dates for two funding rounds of Community Assistance Grants in 2026-2027.

Round one will open Friday, 31 July 2026 and close Wednesday, 26 August 2026.

Round two will open Friday, 29 January 2027 and close Thursday, 25 February 2027.

For more information on Council grant opportunities, 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, 11 March 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 Wednesday, 25 February 2026.