Before the QLD State Government elections on 26 October 2024, Council proactively campaigned to have six key areas of concern addressed by the political parties. To find out more about these asks, read below:

"Somerset Regional Council needs a State Government who will invest in our region and will commit to making changes for a stronger future that prioritises our community.”

Brisbane Valley Highway investment to improve road safety

The challenge: The Brisbane Valley Highway is in disrepair and unable to handle increased traffic, including heavy vehicles. It ranks among RACQ’s most Unroadworthy Roads due to poor conditions, design limitations and lack of overtaking lanes.

Investing $84 Million over 4 years to enhance road safety, improve surfacing and pavement, and improve the freight and transport links across Somerset, South Burnett, Darling Downs and the Warrego Highway.  Partnering with Council and the Federal Government to release a portion of the SEQ City Deal funding to develop a long-term plan to upgrade of the Brisbane Valley Highway.

Seqwater investment in recreation and sporting assets

The challenge: Lake Wivenhoe is a major community asset to SEQ with inadequate investment in complementary recreational and sporting opportunities, which are crucial as we approach the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The opportunity: Somerset Regional Council calls on the State Government to review and invest in  strategic recreational, sporting and tourism opportunities  at Lake Wivenhoe ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Resources to fight Fire Ants in Somerset

The challenge: The Fire Ant Response Plan 2023-2027 requires additional resources beyond normal operations. This is challenging for Somerset, the largest local government area in South East Queensland, with the smallest population of about 26,000 residents.

The opportunity: Somerset Regional Council requests $300,000 annually for 4 years from the State Government to support on-ground resources for effective fire ant suppression.

Improved public safety in the Mid-Brisbane River

The challenge: The State Government-managed Mid-Brisbane River is a critical water source for SEQ and faces ongoing issues like illegal 4WDing, camping, rubbish and antisocial behaviour, threatening its environmental value, water quality and public safety.

The opportunity: Somerset Regional Council seeks a partnership with the State Government to increase investment in protecting the Mid-Brisbane River’s environmental values, water quality and managing antisocial behaviour.

Commit to the Lockyer Valley and Somerset Water Collaborative

The challenge: The Lockyer Valley and Somerset are highly productive farming areas hindered by unreliable water supply. Reliable water is crucial for confident planning and investment in agriculture and related industries. A business case by Jacobs Australia highlights substantial economic benefits, including: $209.8 million additional annual agricultural production; 373 jobs during construction; and 1923 permanent jobs in agriculture and supporting industries.

The opportunity: Somerset Regional Council calls on the State Government to activate the Western Corridor Recycled Water Scheme to provide additional affordable water to support and grow agriculture and industry in the region.

Waste Investment for Somerset

The challenge: The State Government’s Waste Levy proceeds are not assisting smaller regional communities where existing transfer facilities require significant upgrades to divert waste from landfill.

The opportunity: Somerset Regional Council calls upon the State Government to provide Council $6.2M over 3 years of State waste levy proceeds to upgrade existing regional waste transfer stations and to fast-track diversion away from landfill.