Setting course for 2031: 'Thriving communities – country lifestyle'

Published on 22 May 2026

Somerset Regional Council adopted its Corporate Plan 2026-2031 on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.

SOMERSET Regional Council has 2031 in its sights and a clear path forward.

Councillors adopted the Corporate Plan 2026-2031 on Wednesday, 20 May, setting a new strategic direction for the organisation.

The document lays out Council’s vision for the region and how it plans to get there.

The new vision is: ‘Thriving communities – country lifestyle.’

The new mission statement is: ‘Delivering great outcomes and services for our communities.’

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the new vision was designed to balance the growing population and economy in the region with the lifestyle and rural amenity residents cherish.

“Somerset is a beautiful place to live and work, and more people are choosing to call it home,” Cr Wendt said.

“We need to manage this growth in a way which preserves our country lifestyle, our rich heritage and the character of our townships.”

Cr Wendt said the next five years presented many challenges and opportunities.

“This is a crucial time for Somerset with our growing population, major capital projects underway and the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games just around the corner,” Cr Wendt said.

“The new Corporate Plan sets up our organisation, ready to pounce on any opportunities which come our way while standing firm and resilient in the face of adversity.”

Cr Wendt thanked the community for their feedback and support for the plan through the consultation phase.

“The community’s endorsement for the new vision provided Council with the confidence to set course on this new path,” Cr Wendt said.

“By working together, we can ensure Somerset continues to be a place where people choose to live, work, invest and belong.”

Council CEO Andrew Johnson said the Corporate Plan was more than just a legislative requirement for Council.

“Every decision Council makes over the next five years will tie back to the Corporate Plan, providing a clear roadmap for organisational excellence, disciplined decision-making and responsible leadership,” Mr Johnson said.

“The new plan articulates our progressive ideas for the region, while maintaining the country lifestyle valued by our communities.

“The vision and mission, together with our strategic directions, will guide the outcomes we want to achieve for our communities, our environment, our economy, our infrastructure and our organisation.”

Mr Johnson said the Corporate Plan sets out how Council will responsibly manage its financial position, assets and risks.

“This is being delivered in a period of increasing demand, cost pressures and organisational change,” Mr Johnson said.

“This plan is built on sound governance, prudent financial management and a commitment to continuous improvement.”

Somerset Regional Council is due to adopt its Operational Plan in June, which sets out specific strategic goals for Council to deliver on its Corporate Plan.

The Corporate Plan and Operational Plan are key strategic documents and guide Council’s annual budget, due to be adopted on 24 June 2026.

To read the Corporate Plan visit somerset.qld.gov.au/CorporatePlan