The Somerset region has a lot to offer businesses and investors looking for expansion opportunities.
Our region is close but not too close…
The Somerset region neighbours major population centres of Brisbane, Ipswich, Moreton Bay and the Sunshine Coast. Our proximity to these areas provides easy access to specialist services, major transport infrastructure, such as the Brisbane International Airport and the Port of Brisbane, as well as a major consumer market. However, we are removed from the hustle and bustle of these areas, providing access to clean air and open spaces.
While the population of the Somerset region is just 26,391, given its proximity to other major cities, the region has a workforce catchment of 1.2 million people (within a 1 hour’s drive) .
AGRICULTURE
The Somerset region has a long tradition of agriculture that continues today. While cattle and poultry have been staples and will continue to be so, turf, nurseries and other individual vegetable and fruit crops have grown over the last 5 years. The region has good soils and availability of water. The Somerset Lockyer Water Collaborative will provide further water security to the region, which will support the further expansion of agriculture in the region.
There are agricultural opportunities in the region for:
- Horticulture
- Intensive crops
- Unique/niche crops
- Cattle, chickens and quails
FOOD AND BEVERAGE PRODUCTION
Food and beverage production already contributes over 20% of the region economy and over 16% of all jobs. The region has three major production facilities including Kilcoy Global Foods and the Greenmountain Group and Brisbane Valley Farm Direct, both located in Coominya.
Given the strength of the local agricultural sector and the proximity to a major consumer market and export infrastructure, the Somerset region is an ideal location for future food and beverage production.
TOURISM
The Somerset region has proven to be a popular tourism destination for South East Queensland, providing a range of attractions including Lake Somerset, the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail as well as numerous charming small towns. Prior to COVID-19, over 700,000 visitors came to the Somerset region and visitation was growing at an average annual rate of over 14% per year. Three quarters of visitors are day trippers and with just under 100 commercial overnight rooms, there is a tremendous opportunity for new visitor accommodation. Future visitor accommodation could include:
- Traditional hotel/motel
- Eco resort
- Farm stay
- Other unique accommodation
At the same time, given the strong growth in visitor figures, new experiences and attractions are required, as well as a more expansive food and beverage offering.
PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS SERVICES
As highlighted by the Regional Australia Institute (RAI), people are continuing to move out of capital cities and chose regional destinations that offer a better lifestyle. Over the last year (to September 2022), migration from capital cities to regional areas is over 15% higher than pre-pandemic periods.
With more affordable housing and a multitude of country living opportunities, the Somerset region is an attractive tree-change destination for those in capital cities seeking a better lifestyle and amenity. The proximity to Brisbane ensures that ‘big city’ services are not too far away.
The Somerset region is the perfect location for people working in professional business services that do not have to be located in the city and wish to gain increased access to our region’s amenity and landscapes.
Council’s Economic Development Strategy outlines a clear path for future economic growth and prosperity. Council seeks to support businesses and investors seeking expansion opportunities in the region and can provide the following services:
- Provision of a dedicated case manager to prospective investors
- Provision of information and data about the region
- Identification of potential sites for investments
- Introductions to the planning department and support with development applications
- Introductions to local businesses and state or commonwealth governments
The Economic Development Plan and Tourism Strategy are implemented and monitored in consultation with Somerset Economic Development and Tourism Advisory Committee (EDTAC).
