Somerset Regional Council Meeting Highlights 28 May 2025

Published on 29 May 2025

The BVRT canvas is ready for public art.

Somerset Regional Council is submitting an application to the South East Queensland (SEQ) City Deal Public Art Initiative to create artworks along the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail.

The City Deal initiative aims to enhance and promote a more liveable SEQ through public art and architecture, and Somerset Regional Council is confirmed to receive $400,000 pending a successful application.

Arts, Culture and Heritage Advisory Committee Chair, Councillor Kylee Isidro, said the Committee selected the strongest candidates from Council’s expressions of interest process, as well as artwork sites and a project name.

“We proposed the ‘Brisbane Valley Rail Trail – Art Pathways’ project will feature the work of three artists across the length of the trail in Somerset,” Cr Isidro said.

“We have selected Phoebe Paradise to deliver a landmark piece near the skatepark in Toogoolawah, complementing the beauty of the towns’ streets, architecture, history and community.

“In Lowood, near Lungfish Park, artist Christopher Bassi’s place marker piece will create an identity message which engages visitors with the cultural and natural environment.

“Lastly, Chantel Frazer will deliver stencil-based ground plane artworks positioned at trail heads within each community hub along the BVRT, incorporating Somerset artists’ pieces through workshops.”

Cr Isidro said she was proud of the work of the committee and the quality of the applicants.

“This is just the tip of the public art iceberg, and it will enhance the existing art on the BVRT,” Cr Isidro said.

“These artworks are going to be a huge tourism drawcard for Somerset, and we look forward to hearing from the Queensland Government on the outcome of our application.”

Guiding principles set for Mount Glen Rock Hiking Trails Project

Somerset Regional Council has endorsed the guiding principles put forward by the Mount Glen Rock Steering Committee at the ordinary meeting on Wednesday, 28 May.

Mount Glen Rock Steering Committee Chair, Mayor Jason Wendt, said the six principles would guide the future development of the Mount Glen Rock Hiking Trails Project.

“This project is moving forward following a successful grant application through the Australian Government Thriving Suburbs Program and we want to deliver something the community can be proud of,” Cr Wendt said.

“We want to deliver positive outcomes for the Somerset region.

“We want the project to complement the Esk township.

“We want it to highlight and protect environmental and cultural values.

“We want to deliver outcomes for the community.

“We want to deliver a unique recreational experience.

“Lastly, we want a high quality, sustainably developed hiking trail network.

The project includes about 6km of class 3 and 4 hiking trails and a small lookout, plus wayfinding, safety, ecological and cultural heritage signage.

Cr Wendt said the Cultural Survey and Trail Detail Design were now underway.

“We expect to begin developing wayfinding and other signage from July, and to issue a construction package by November,” Cr Wendt said.

Council advises State Government on renewable energy facilities

Somerset Regional Council has written a submission to the Queensland Government regarding the social impact of renewable energy facilities.

The State Development, Infrastructure and Works Committee sought feedback on the Planning (Social Impact and Community Benefit) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025, regarding the proposed framework for the assessment of renewable energy facilities.

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the region has, like many other local governments, experienced a rise in interest for the development of such facilities.

“We see the State-wide assessment benchmarks for renewables as a positive step forward, however we had some feedback for the Queensland Government,” Cr Wendt said.

“While not generating power, large scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are a key feature of renewable energy infrastructure and, like large scale solar or wind farms, they have significant social impacts on communities.

“Currently, stand-alone BESS facilities are not subject to the proposed assessment process.

“We would like to see this amended.”

Cr Wendt said Council supported the introduction of a Community Benefit Agreement (CBA).

“However, we recommend the CBA framework be amended to occur after the planning assessment has been completed and project impacts have been identified and mitigated.

“Lastly, we want to ensure local planning schemes are considered as part of the assessment process with councils acting as referral agencies.”

Cr Wendt said the recommendations were made with the interest of the Somerset community front of mind.

“We do not want to halt the progress of renewable energy, but we also do not want to see our communities negatively impacted by large scale developments,” Cr Wendt said.

Somerset ag businesses take on tourism mentors

Somerset Regional Council has approved nine agricultural businesses for its Agritourism Mentoring Program.

Economic Development and Tourism Advisory Committee Chair, Mayor Jason Wendt, said the program received nine submissions during the expression of interest process in April.

“Each of the candidates identified an agritourism idea they wanted to investigate on their property and showed willingness to learn from the program,” Cr Wendt said.

“These farmers are looking to diversify their properties through a tourism lens by offering accommodation, events, and on-farm experiences.

“The participants will work with mentors over an eight week period to discover if agritourism is the right fit for their property.”

Cr Wendt thanked Somerset’s farming community for their strong interest and support for the program.

“These businesses are on the forefront of a compelling new identity for agriculture in Somerset,” Cr Wendt said.

“We look forward to seeing the outcomes of this program.”

Community Development Conference coming December 2025

To support community groups in increasing their resilience and capacity, Somerset Regional Council will host a Community Development Conference at the end of 2025.

Somerset Social Plan Advisory Committee Chair, Councillor Michael Bishop, said the Committee discussed the potential benefits of the conference.

“The conference would cover topics like governance, budgeting, administration and how to attract and keep volunteers,” Cr Bishop said.

“We are also planning an awards component, allowing our region to celebrate excellence among Somerset’s community development organisations.”

Cr Bishop said the conference would welcome QCWAs, Church guilds, progress associations, Men’s Sheds, recreational and sporting groups and more.

“We plan to deliver this event for free in collaboration with community organisations,” Cr Bishop said.

“The event, scheduled for Saturday, 6 December, would align with International Volunteers Day on 5 December.

Council commits to supporting community

Somerset Regional Council approved several community funding initiatives at its ordinary meeting on Wednesday, 28 May.

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said Council finalised dates for the 2025-2026 Community Assistance Grants.

“Round one of the grants will open on Friday, 1 August and close Wednesday, 27 August, with round two to be held between January and February 2026,” Cr Wendt said.

“More information on the funding rounds will be shared closer to the date, so stay tuned if you would like to apply.

“We have also approved funding to continue for the Somerset Regional Council All-Rounder Award, which is appointed to a year 10 student from each of our high schools in Kilcoy, Lowood and Toogoolawah.

“This annual award includes a $500 bursary to assist with the student’s education fees and has been running for 10 years.

“Our Council wants to support young, talented people in our community, so we have decided to continue this program for a further 10 years.”

Cr Wendt said Council also approved funding support for three major community events.

“We are supporting the Toogoolawah Show with a $2,000 Community Assistance Grant,” Cr Wendt said.

“We’re also supporting the Esk Jockey Club and Kilcoy Race Club for upcoming country race meets with $1,000 each through our tourism promotional budget.”

Council recommits to Small Business Friendly Charter

As Queensland Small Business Month neared its end, Somerset Regional Council has recommitted to its membership with the Small Business Friendly (SBF) Program.

Economic Development and Tourism Advisory Committee Chair Jason Wendt said the decision was informed by Council’s commitment to supporting Somerset businesses.

“The day before our ordinary meeting we had Small Business Commissioner Dominique Lamb presenting at our annual Somerset Business Breakfast,” Cr Wendt said.

“It was great to hear from the Commissioner and to see local business owners networking at the Somerset Civic Centre.

“Being a SBF Council means we can collaborate with other councils and participate in the annual conference.

“The program holds our Council accountable to deliver assistance to small businesses, including implementing our Small Business Action Plan.

“We look forward to working with the program to deliver better outcomes for our community and economy.”

Next Somerset Regional Council Meeting

Somerset Regional Council will hold its next ordinary council meeting at 9am followed by a special budget meeting at 11am on Wednesday, 18 June in the Simeon Lord Room at the Esk Library.

Council asks the community to contact council and provide 24 hours’ notice if they plan to attend council meetings.

NB: Somerset Regional Council held its ordinary meeting Wednesday, 28 May 2025.