Somerset Regional Council Meeting Highlights - 10 September 2025
Published on 11 September 2025
The Kilcoy Streetscape Advisory Committee is just one of the many committees guiding Somerset Regional Council’s projects and decision-making process.
Council approves 14 Community Assistance Grants
Somerset Regional Council approved 14 eligible rate remission applications through Round 1 of the 2025-2026 Community Assistance Grants program.
Somerset Deputy Mayor Helen Brieschke said the program was designed to support community organisations to deliver services or projects, or through rate remissions.
“We’re glad to see so many groups taking up this program, because any kind of funding support allows them to better service their members and their community,” Cr Brieschke said.
“Round 2 for 2025-2026 will open on 26 January 2026.”
Successful applicants are as follows: Brisbane Valley Pony and Hack Club, Esk RSL, Folk Art Co-Operative, Glamorgan Vale Tennis Club, Hopetoun Freemason Lodge No-172, Linville Progress Association, Lions Camp Duckadang, Lowood and District Golf Club, Lowood and District Memorial Bowls Club, Lowood Masonic Lodge, Lowood RSL, Moore Soldiers Memorial Hall Association, St John Biarra Masonic Lodge and Toogoolawah RSL.
For more information on grant opportunities in Somerset, visit somerset.qld.gov.au/Grants
Advisory committees make headway in August
Somerset Regional Council held six advisory committee meetings across the region in August.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said Council was committed to engaging with residents, community groups, businesses and other stakeholders through its many committees.
“Early in the month, we met with user groups for the Fernvale Recreation Grounds and Esk Recreation Grounds advisory committees to discuss ongoing and potential future improvements to our community recreation infrastructure,” Cr Wendt said.
“On 30 August, we met with the Fernvale Sports Park Advisory Committee, which supports sports such as football, cricket, and netball.
The Fernvale Sports Park is just one example of the many quality community sports fields across Somerset.
“Our Council is proud of its steadfast commitment to providing first-class facilities for our residents, whether it be in Kilcoy, Esk, Lowood, Fernvale, or elsewhere in the region,” Cr Wendt said.
“These facilities play a vital role in supporting healthy, active lifestyles and strengthening community connections, and we will continue to prioritise their development and improvement.”
Three further committee meetings were held during August.
“The Economic Development and Tourism Advisory Committee met on 19 August and received an overview of the Mount Glen Rock project,” Cr Wendt said.
“The Kilcoy Streetscape Advisory Committee had a special meeting on 21 August where Queensland Hydro announced $550,000 in funding for the Town Entry works through its Community Benefits Program.
“Lastly, our Arts, Culture and Heritage Advisory Committee progressed The Brisbane Valley Arts Pathway to support local artist engagement activities at its meeting on 25 August.”
Cr Wendt said Council was impressed with the community members’ commitment to improving the region.
“We have incredibly passionate people on these committees, providing valuable feedback to Council and guiding our decision-making processes,” Cr Wendt said.
Council gives green light to light up Yowie Park for Christmas
Somerset Regional Council has approved an application from the Kilcoy District Progress Alliance Inc. (KDPA) to hold a community barbecue for ‘Turning on the Christmas lights in Yowie Park’.
The event will be held on Sunday, 30 November 2025 from 5.30pm to 7pm as part of the Kilcoy Christmas Tree.
The KDPA plans to erect the Christmas tree, install coloured solar lights on three barbecue shelters in Yowie Park and wrap solar lights around trees along the front of the park.
Council will further support the event by providing access to power and water, and five community bins to assist with waste.
Next Council Community Meeting booked for Fernvale
Somerset Regional Council is trialling Council Community Meetings in 2025-2026 with the second to occur on 24 September at the Fernvale Visitor Information Centre.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the Council Community Meetings would foster community engagement, improve transparency and provide residents with greater access to Councillors and senior staff.
“Our first meeting was held in Kilcoy in July, and it was great to see residents and community leaders coming in and engaging with the decision-making process,” Cr Wendt said.
“All other council meetings will continue to be held in the Simeon Lord Room in Esk Library, which the community is also welcome to attend.
“We ask the community to contact council and provide 24 hours’ notice if they plan to attend council meetings.”
The 24 September ordinary meeting will start at 11am.
NB: Somerset Regional Council held its Ordinary Meeting on Wednesday, 10 September 2025.