News
23 October, 2025
Lowood has a new vision
THE Lowood and wider Somerset community is invited to review Somerset Council’s plans for the Lowood Botanic Core with community consultation running between September and November 2025.
The Lowood Botanic Core is a key project in the delivery of Somerset Regional Council’s Lowood Futures Strategy, a multi-phase streetscape project intended to promote outcomes with social, economic and development benefits for Lowood.
The project encompasses Lowood’s central park and surrounding streets, creating an extension of the town centre through activated spaces within the park, and an injection of planting and shade within the streetscapes.
Detailed designs have been prepared for the Lowood Botanic Core by AECOM Australia based on the Lowood Futures Strategy Master Plan.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the community consultation period was an opportunity for Lowood residents, the wider Somerset community and visitors to the region to provide feedback on design plans and themes.
“We are so proud to share these plans with the community and we believe Lowood residents will be pleasantly surprised with what we have in stall,” he said.
“We have some exciting imagery of the plans, including a 3D video flythrough of the Lowood Botanic Core from different angles.”
Cr Wendt said the plans were guided by four key Design Principles: Safe & Inclusive, Shade & Comfort, Place Identity, and Vibrant & Activated.
“These principles have informed every aspect of the project – every tree placement, every parking space, and every new recreational feature,” he said.
“Of note, the plans include an amphitheatre-style celebration lawn, memorial plaza, improved amenities block, playground, skate park, pump track, learn-to-ride track, dog park, cyclist and horse rest areas on the rail trail, more shaded spaces and intuitive wayfinding and signage which strengthens the park’s connection to local character and community pride.”
Cr Wendt said Council planned to construct 104 additional car parks through the project.
“While some car parks will be lost in the closure of Central Carpark, many more will be gained, including 36 new parking spaces at the Station Street Carpark, which started construction on 22 September 2025,” Cr Wendt said.
Cr Wendt encouraged the community to carefully consider the Lowood Botanic Core Landscape Concept Design Report before providing feedback to Council.
“We want to get this project right, and we will take all constructive feedback on board as we advance the Lowood Futures Strategy,” Cr Wendt said.
“Until Friday, November 21, Council’s Place Project Manager will be on site at the Lowood Customer Service Centre, 1 Michel Street, to answer questions.
“Consultation is now open with an online survey, and printed surveys will be available at the Lowood Customer Service Centre.”
To view the plans and provide feedback, visit somerset.qld.gov.au/lowoodbotaniccore.
