Somerset Regional Council Meeting Highlights – 8 April 2026
Published on 09 April 2026
Somerset Regional Council has awarded the design tender for the Kilcoy Streetscape Revitalisation project.
Kilcoy Streetscape progresses to detailed design phase
The Kilcoy Streetscape Revitalisation, a major project being delivered by Somerset Regional Council, will now move forward with detailed design and construction plans.
At its Ordinary Meeting on Wednesday, 8 April, Council awarded the project’s design tender to Zone Landscape Architecture.
The Kilcoy Streetscape Revitalisation Masterplan, adopted late 2023, is Council’s blueprint for the town centre of Kilcoy, and was developed with a focus on priorities for redevelopment, public area enhancements and infrastructure upgrades to create an attractive place which strengthens the town’s economy.
Kilcoy Streetscape Advisory Committee Chair, Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt, said the project could now transition from blueprints and ideas to detailed designs and construction plans.
“We’re excited to get this project moving, supported by $1,250,000 from Queensland Hydro to assist with construction and planning works,” Cr Wendt said.
“The design process will include community consultation, ensuring Kilcoy residents and businesses can have their say on the proposed plans.
“We look forward to advancing this project and building a better, more connected and prosperous Kilcoy.”
To learn more about the Kilcoy Streetscape Revitalisation project, visit somerset.qld.gov.au/Major-Projects
Council urges State to reconsider e-mobility bill for BVRT users
Somerset Regional Council is urging the State Government to reconsider a wide-sweeping bill aimed at cracking down on e-mobility usage.
Council will make a submission to the State Development, Infrastructure and Works Committee on the Transport and Other Legislation (Managing E-Mobility Use and Protecting Our Communities) Amendment Bill 2026.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the bill, in its current form, would have significant impacts on recreational activities in Somerset especially for users of Australia’s longest recreational rail trail - the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail (BVRT).
“We recognise the importance of the bill for urban areas, however, we are concerned by some recommendations within the amendment for us in a rural setting,” Cr Wendt said.
“Specifically, it proposes e-bikes and personal mobility devices (PMDs) can only be ridden by people 16 years and older, and riders of e-bikes and PMDs must hold, at least, a Queensland Class C learner licence.
“We’re concerned about this recommendation’s application in regional, off-road recreational environments like the BVRT, which is specifically designed to provide a low-risk, vehicle-free environment for walking, cycling and e-bike use.”
On Tuesday, 7 April Cr Wendt joined Member for Lockyer Jim McDonald and members of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Users Association for an e-bike ride from Lowood to Lockyer Creek Bridge.
“This was a good opportunity to get our feet on the pedals and talk about these issues on the ground,” Cr Wendt said.
Cr Wendt said the BVRT was a key tourism and economic driver for the region, supporting local businesses and jobs.
“The BVRT attracts visitors from across Queensland and beyond, many of whom rely on e-bikes to access and enjoy the trail,” Cr Wendt said.
“Local cafes, accommodation providers and tourism operators have grown around this visitation, and any restrictions that reduce accessibility risk having a direct impact on these small businesses and the broader Somerset economy.”
Cr Wendt said Council’s other major concern was the practicality and cost of enforcing new laws within Somerset.
“The BVRT stretches most of our region’s length, and the cost of enforcing these recommendations in Somerset would have a significant impact on our budget,” Cr Wendt said.
“We implore the State Government to apply a common-sense approach for recreational e-mobility devices in regional areas.”
Somerset softball and netball stars receive Excellence Bursaries
Somerset Regional Council has awarded three Excellence Bursaries to Somerset athletes.
Two softballers were selected to compete in the U14 Boys SQI State Championships in Toowoomba over 10-12 April.
Rylan Wagner was selected for the Redcliffe team and Fletcher Goff was selected for the Caboolture team.
Netballer Ella Gillies was selected for the U15 Ipswich Green team attending the Netball Queensland Senior State Age at the Townsville City Netball Association over 11-14 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
Next Somerset Regional Council Meeting
Somerset Regional Council will hold its next Ordinary Council Meeting at 9am on Wednesday, 22 April 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, 8 April 2026.