SIGNIFICANT growth in the Somerset region has spurred the local government authority to go out to tender for a private school to set up a college in Fernvale.

Somerset Regional Council first raised the idea in June 2023 calling for expressions of interest in establishing a school on 5.2 hectares of land at the Brouff Road site.

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said five expressions of interest were received by Council which confirms there is demand and sufficient interest.

“We were excited to receive strong interest from private school operators demonstrating the present educational gap in Somerset,” Cr Wendt said.  

“Council will soon go out to tender for the lease of the school site at Fernvale and will contribute 50 per cent of the total external infrastructure costs or $5 million (whichever is less), subject to the successful education provider entering into an infrastructure agreement with Council."

“The Fernvale - Lowood growth corridor of the Somerset region has seen significant development in recent years with nearby schools at, or close to capacity."

“This is a significant development for Somerset and council is not only being proactive but strategically doing its bit to cater for the continued growth of our region.”

Cr Wendt said the region boasts great public schools but it was well known that many young people are travelling outside of the region for private school education choices especially in the southern end of the region.

“This development will provide more opportunities for families and provide more educational choices here in Somerset – a growth corridor of South East Queensland,” Cr Wendt said.

Somerset Regional Council’s Planning Director, Luke Hannan, said the region had significant potential.

“While the population of the Somerset region is 26,391, given its proximity to Brisbane City and other major centres, the region has a workforce catchment of 1.2 million people (within a one hour’s drive) making it a very attractive region for development,” Mr Hannan said.

“In addition, the Economic Development Strategy that Council adopted in 2022 highlights a significant surge in population and economic activity for Somerset over the next decade and we as a council and region need to be able to cater for that growth.”