Motel development proposed for Kilcoy

Somerset Regional Council have approved a major development application with conditions in a council meeting held this week, highlighting the strength of the region’s tourism industry and Somerset’s economy.

Council’s Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Johnson said the development had been approved subject to a range of engineering, environmental, noise, water and waste conditions.

“We are pleased that we are able to support applications for exciting development opportunities that support our broader tourism strategy and contribute to the growth and development of our region’s businesses,” said Mr Johnson.

The development includes reconfiguring two lots in to three lots on William Street in Kilcoy, at the site of the current Exchange Hotel, Kilcoy Caravan Park and Ray White building.

The development will include a new two storey motel, with twenty units, reception, bin storage and twenty-two parking spaces.

Two of the ground storey units will be accessible units, with accessible parking spaces.

For more information on current and past development applications, visit https://www.somerset.qld.gov.au/our-services/development-applications

Council’s operational plan on track for success

Somerset Regional Council reported sound progress in their second quarter review of their 2023-24 operational plan, with a focus on key projects and priorities aligned to the council budget.

The second quarter review of the 2023-24 operational plan confirmed that all ongoing operational matters are currently being effectively managed and progressing as planned.

Council adopts an operational plan and annual budget for every financial year, identifying service delivery and project priorities balanced with available resources outlined in the budget for that financial year.

The operational plan is subject to a quarterly review to check progress towards achieving the objectives of council’s Corporate Plan 2021-26.

Somerset’s operational plan is aligned to the key themes of the Corporate Plan 2021­26, including:

• Natural Somerset
• Vibrant Somerset
• Prosperous Somerset
• Well Planned Somerset
• United Somerset.

Somerset Regional Council’s corporate and operational plans can be found on their website, https://www.somerset.qld.gov.au/your-council/our-vision-and-mission.

Temporary closure of Lowood’s Walter Street carpark

In a council meeting this week, Somerset Regional Council approved the temporary partial closure of the Walters Street carpark in Lowood, from 6am to 2pm on Wednesday 3 April 2024.

The temporary closure of the carpark will allow council to host the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, a community event aimed at families with young children.

The carpark will provide additional space required for more than twenty stalls, entertainment and a free community barbecue.

The carpark was temporarily closed for the previous two tea parties and caused no disruption to surrounding businesses.

For more information on upcoming events in the Somerset region, visit https://www.somerset.qld.gov.au/src-events.

Moreton Bay Expo winners set for a Somerset Esk-cape

Somerset Regional Council’s tourism team were out in force for the Moreton Bay Expo last week, promoting everything the Somerset region has to offer, as well as running a competition to win a ‘Somerset Esk-cape’.

Council hosted a popular Experience Somerset stall, attracting almost 1700 entries to their Somerset Esk-cape competition and handing out over 1300 Experience Somerset visitor guides.

The Esk-cape for two prize was valued at $1000 and included a two-night luxury glamping staycation at the Esk Caravan Park, the finest country cuisine at the Esk Grand Hotel, a caffeine recharge at the Brisbane Valley Roasters, farm fresh flavours at a country café and a guided llama walk with Ottaba Llamas.

The Moreton Bay Expo is one of Queensland’s largest exhibitions of outdoor adventure companies in Queensland.