QFES levy boundary change to impact some Winya and Woolmar businesses

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) has advised that it will expand the urban fire district boundary for the State Government Emergency Management Levy for properties around Kilcoy from 1 July 2024.

Somerset Rural Fire Local Area Finance Committee member Councillor Brett Freese said these changes would impact residents in somerset.

“QFES have confirmed that they will move the boundary between rural and urban fire areas near Kilcoy as of 1 July 2024 and this may impact the State Government Emergency Management Levy payable by some businesses in Winya and Woolmar like Kilcoy Global Foods,” Cr Freese said.

“We understand that QFES is contacting affected businesses directly to advise them of the change.”

“Council is only involved because councils are required to collect State Government Emergency Management Levies via rate notices and pass on the proceeds to the QFES.

“We are essentially the middle-man in this arrangement.”

More information about the new State Government Emergency Management Levy district boundaries are available at https://www.qfes.qld.gov.au/planning-and-compliance/em-levy/kilcoy-levy-district.  

Get to know your Somerset councillors

Somerset residents who want to know more about their seven elected members can visit council’s website to learn more.

In March, seven councillors were elected by Somerset residents to represent them at a strategic level for the next four years.

Somerset Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Johnson, encouraged residents to visit council’s website to learn more about the councillors and also their role as elected members.

“The Local Government Act 2009 details extensively the roles and responsibilities of local members,” Mr Johnson said.

“The Act states, amongst many things, that a Councillor must represent the current and future interests of the residents of the local government area.”

For more information visit: www.somerset.qld.gov.au/your-council/councillors

Somerset libraries a hive of activity

Library branches across the Somerset region are a hive of activity with plenty of free interactive programs on offer.

From tech workshops to learning about family history, story time for children under five, author visits and more, you will find something on offer at Somerset Regional Council’s library branches in Esk, Lowood, Kilcoy and Toogoolawah.

Each month a variety of workshops are held across the region.

To find out more and take advantage of this community service visit your nearest library branch, www.somerset.qld.gov.au or phone Council on 5424 4000.

Somerset Council Meeting

The next Somerset Regional Council ordinary meeting will be held in Esk on Wednesday, 29 May.

The meeting will start at 9am and be held in the Simeon Lord Room at the Esk Library.

Community members are welcome to attend meetings and are encouraged to provide at least 24 hours’ notice of attendance via email to mail@somerset.qld.gov.au or by phoning council on 5424 4000.

Audio from Council meetings are streamed live onto Council’s corporate facebook page, increasing the opportunity for the public to be informed of decision making. 

New exhibition featuring Somerset residents on now

Somerset Regional Council’s regional art gallery, The Condensery, in Toogoolawah is now showcasing an exhibition featuring Ipswich-based artist Deb Mostert and 26 Somerset artists.

A Sketchbook Practice features lead artist Deb Mostert who shares pages from over ninety sketchbooks dating back twenty years.

The exhibition is supported by a collection of community sketchbook displays.

For more information on the exhibition or workshops visit www.thecondensery.com.au.