SOMERSET Regional Council has congratulated State Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington, and State Member for Lockyer, Jim McDonald, on their re-election, and Queensland’s new Premier David Crisafulli for forming a majority LNP government.

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said Council looked forward to working with Mrs Frecklington and Mr McDonald over the next four years.

“We congratulate our state members for retaining their seats and for a successful election campaign,” Cr Wendt said.

“We hope to work closely with Mrs Frecklington and Mr McDonald to address the issues facing Somerset.”

Council revealed its State Government Election Advocacy Plan in August, highlighting six key challenges in Somerset, including investment into Seqwater’s recreational and sporting assets ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, funding the fight against fire ants, protecting the Mid-Brisbane River, committing to water security through the Lockyer Valley and Somerset Water Collaborative, improving the Brisbane Valley Highway and supporting upgrades to regional waste transfer stations.

The most significant was Council’s plea for the State Government to invest $84 million into fixing the notorious Brisbane Valley Highway.

Cr Wendt said Council would continue to advocate these issues to the new team.

“We recognise and appreciate the promise from the LNP to commit a further $20 million towards fixing the Brisbane Valley Highway and welcome this funding with a hope of more funding as time progresses,” Cr Wendt said.

“We have already secured $40 m through the SEQ City Deal to fix this notorious highway and this additional $20m will be very welcome.

“Having served in opposition for a significant time, our state members should have a good sense of what matters to our community and can hit the ground running.

“We hope the newly elected State Government can listen and deliver for the people of Somerset.”

Somerset Regional Council will formally request a meeting with the state members representing the region to continue to advocate for the region.