Queensland Hydro Interim CEO Mark Irwin, Somerset Regional Council Mayor Jason Wendt, Council CEO Andrew Johnson and Queensland Hydro EGM Delivery Geoff Scott.
- Somerset Regional Council will receive up to $550,000 in 2025-2026 from Queensland Hydro’s Community Benefits Program.
- The funding will support the Kilcoy Streetscape Revitalisation Master Plan, specifically the Eastern Gateway and Town Entry upgrade master plan components.
- Queensland Hydro’s Community Benefits Program is designed to deliver lasting positive legacies for regional communities near the proposed Borumba Pumped Hydro Project.
- Kilcoy town centre will be transformed to be more attractive, deliver benefits for pedestrians and new community spaces through the Kilcoy Streetscape Revitalisation Master Plan.
Somerset Regional Council will receive $550,000 in funding in 2025-2026 to support the Kilcoy Streetscape Revitalisation Master Plan thanks to Queensland Hydro’s Community Benefits Program.
Somerset Regional Council will use the funding to deliver the Eastern Gateway and Town Entry upgrade projects to promote a sense of arrival to Kilcoy.
Members of Council’s Kilcoy Streetscape Advisory Committee attended the announcement to discuss the projects with Council and Queensland Hydro.
The funding announcement is the latest update from Queensland Hydro’s Community Benefits Program, designed to deliver positive outcomes for communities around the proposed Borumba Pumped Hydro Project through targeted funding of strategic initiatives.
The investment will help transform the identity, character and quality of the Kilcoy township, provide business and tourism opportunities and leave a lasting positive legacy for the Somerset community.
Separately, community groups in the region can apply for funding for initiatives or events via Queensland Hydro’s Community Grants Program. More than $100,000 has been distributed to date, including funding delivered to the Jimna Community Development Association to facilitate essential first aid training. Information about the Community Grants Program is available on Queensland Hydro’s website.
Somerset Regional Council’s Kilcoy Streetscape Advisory Committee received the good from Queensland Hydro at their meeting on Thursday, 21 August.
Quotes attributable to Queensland Hydro Interim CEO, Mark Irwin
“We recognise Somerset Regional Council and the Kilcoy community as vital stakeholders in the proposed Borumba Pumped Hydro Project.
“Queensland Hydro’s Community Benefits funding demonstrates the importance we place on working in close partnership with local communities to deliver local benefits.”
Quotes attributable to Somerset Regional Council Mayor, Cr Jason Wendt
“Somerset Regional Council is incredibly grateful to Queensland Hydro for their support through their Community Benefits Program. Advancing the Kilcoy Streetscape Revitalisation Master Plan is only possible with funding commitments and we’re proud to partner with Queensland Hydro to deliver this major project.
“Kilcoy is a great place to visit and won bronze in the Queensland Tourism Industry Council’s 2025 Top Tourism Town Awards for Top Small Town. This streetscape project is about making Kilcoy an even more attractive place to visit and giving people more reasons to stop, stay and enjoy this gem of a town. Upgrading our town entry is an important step in forging a transforming the identity and character of Kilcoy.
“This upgrade is just one component in the master plan. Moving forward, we will be seeking funding to complete concept designs for the town centre to provide shady, green and safe connections designed with the community in mind.
“We’re so excited to see this project take a major step forward with thanks to Queensland Hydro.”