SOMERSET Regional Council is calling on the State Government to improve public safety in the Mid-Brisbane River following years of anti-social behaviour.

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the Somerset community needs a State Government who will listen and act on the concerns of regional communities.

“Council has been asking for years for the State Government to make a commitment to managing the Mid-Brisbane River and our requests have been ignored or pushed to various departments,” Cr Wendt said.

“The reality is that the Mid-Brisbane River is State Government managed but little has been done by them to clean it up and stop the anti-social behaviour.

“The 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.

“As well as protecting the environmental value of the river, it’s an important and popular recreational playground for our residents and tourist and we want it preserved for today and future generations to enjoy.”

Council launched its 2024 State Government Advocacy Plan in August, ahead of the October elections, calling on the State Government to address six key challenges impacting the Somerset region.

Cr Wendt said improving public safety on the Mid-Brisbane River ranked fourth on Council’s advocacy list.

“What we are asking for is a partnership with the State Government to increase investment in protecting the Mid-Brisbane River’s environmental values, water quality and managing antisocial behaviour,” he said.

“Almost four years ago, Council, out of a duty of care, felt the need to install hundreds of bollards, signage, and security cameras along the Mid-Brisbane River to try and curb anti-social behaviour. This came at a significant cost to our ratepayers, despite it not being our responsibility," Cr Wendt said.

"This is yet another example of the State Government cost-shifting onto local communities. It’s not good enough, and the State Government must take responsibility for managing the river and protecting public safety."

Cr Wendt said Somerset needs a State Government who will invest in the region.

“We need a State Government who will commit to making changes for a stronger future that prioritises our community,” he said.

“It’s time the State Government listened.”

To find out more about the State Government Election Advocacy Roadmap Plan 2024 visit somerset.qld.gov.au/advocacy