Somerset’s $114 million budget delivers for the future

Published on 18 June 2025

Somerset Regional Council has delivered a $114 million budget for 2025-2026. Pictured: Deputy Mayor Helen Brieschke, Councillors Kylee Isidro and Michael Bishop, Mayor Jason Wendt, Councillors Brett Freese, Sally Jess and Tiara Hurley.

SOMERSET Regional Council has adopted its $114 million 2025-2026 Budget, providing essential services and infrastructure while ensuring financial and operational sustainability.

In the 2025-2026 financial year, Council will advance significant infrastructure and road projects and provide the quality services residents have come to expect, all while keeping rates at a competitive and affordable level.

To ease the pressure on ratepayers, the Budget is boosted by $39 million in grants from the State and Federal Governments.

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the region was growing rapidly, making it essential to address the community’s future needs by investing in infrastructure, roads and facilities.

“We have many major, multi-year projects underway,” Cr Wendt said.

“Thanks to funding from the Australian Government’s Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program, we are delivering two major road projects over 2025-2026 in the Lester Kropp Bridge Replacement in Villeneuve and the road strengthening, sealing and widening of Muckerts and McCulkins Lanes south of Fernvale.

“With funding support from the Australian Government’s Thriving Suburbs Program, Council will make significant progress on the Mount Glen Rock Hiking Trails Project in Esk and the construction of the Toogoolawah Library and Cultural Centre.

“We are investing in sporting infrastructure with the Toogoolawah Swimming Pool Upgrades and Kilcoy Indoor Sports Centre Expansion, both proudly funded by the Queensland Government’s South East Queensland (SEQ) Community Stimulus Program in association with Somerset Regional Council.

“Thanks to the SEQ Liveability Fund, we will advance the Lowood Futures Strategy with the construction of the new Station Street carpark and detailed design of the Green Botanic Core in Clock Park, as well as the Kilcoy Streetscape project with the construction of the Aston Park Precinct.

“These two projects are funded by the Australian Government, Queensland Government and Somerset Regional Council and form part of the SEQ City Deal.”

Cr Wendt said these grants helped address the rising construction costs while keeping the financial burden off ratepayers.

“One of the biggest escalating costs for Council is the Queensland Government’s waste levy, increasing by 9% in 2025-2026,” Cr Wendt said.

“Construction costs have also increased significantly over the last five years, putting pressure on Council’s finances.

“Despite these challenges, Council has produced a budget which delivers for our community while continuing to keep the total cost of our rates as low as possible.”

From 1 July 2025 the general rate will increase by 3.5%.

“This means an owner-occupier of an urban residential home on the minimum general rate will experience a rate increase of about $48 for the year and, combined with utilities and levies, have a total increase of about $93 for the year,” Cr Wendt said.

“This is a small but reasonable increase which supports our region’s growing needs for services and infrastructure.

“Further, we are offering a generous 10% discount for early payment, with a 42-day payment period.”

Cr Wendt said the 2025-2026 Budget would deliver a small operating surplus of $0.9 million.

“We have prioritised containing operating costs and returning the budget to a small surplus to ensure our long-term sustainability,” Cr Wendt said.

“We will support our region by employing and buying locally, with 60% of total rates and charges revenue anticipated to remain within the region.

“Last financial year we spent almost $150,000 on donations and sponsorship, and we will continue supporting community groups, charities and local initiatives in 2025-2026.

Cr Wendt acknowledge his fellow Councillors and the senior management team for their efforts in delivering the budget.

“I would like to give special thanks to our Finance Department, our CFO, and to our CEO for his support, leadership and oversight,” Cr Wendt said.

“We are committed to developing a stronger, more vibrant, unified and prosperous Somerset, and we will deliver on this promise through our 2025-2026 Budget.”

For more information about Somerset Regional Council’s 2025-2026 Budget, visit somerset.qld.gov.au/budget.