Council
3 August, 2025
Council urges State to reinstate funding
SOMERSET Regional Council is calling for the Queensland Government to commit to funding the South East Queensland Community Stimulus Program (SEQCSP).
The Queensland State Budget confirmed the SEQCSP would not be continued beyond the current funding period, due to end 30 June 2027.
While the SEQCSP is not being extended, the State Government has committed to making the Works for Queensland (WFQ) program permanent.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said Somerset would not be eligible for WFQ funding, despite similarities to other regional councils.
“The SEQCSP has been a critical source of revenue for our Council, with an allocation of $4.69 million for capital works and an additional $5.5 million in competitive funding secured for the Toogoolawah Swimming Pool Upgrade Project and the Kilcoy Indoor Sports Centre Upgrade,” Cr Wendt said.
“It’s vital this funding continues for our region, so we are submitting a motion to the 2025 Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) Annual Conference calling for the SEQCSP’s continuation.
“We have liaised with Lockyer Valley Regional Council, which is also preparing a similar motion.”
Cr Wendt said the program’s end posed a risk to Council’s future capital works planning.
“We will advocate heavily with the LGAQ, State Government and our fellow councils to see this program continue,” Cr Wendt said.
