Council briefing on proposed development

Somerset Regional Council received a briefing from Enervest, prior to its council meeting on Wednesday, 29 May, regarding a proposed battery energy storage facility at Hazeldean.

The purpose of the briefing was to inform elected members and senior officers of council about the proposal.

Council’s Director of Planning and Development, Luke Hannan, said a decision on the development application (DA) is yet to be considered by council.

“Council officers will consider submissions received and complete the assessment of the development application in accordance with the requirements prescribed in Council’s planning scheme and the State Government’s Planning Act 2016,” However, submitters and residents should be aware that developments of this scale can take some time to assess, Mr Hannan said.

“Public safety and environmental management are key parts of Council’s assessment and consideration.”

For more information on the development application visit: Development Application Results (somerset.qld.gov.au)

Childcare facility approved for Lowood

Somerset Regional Council has conditionally approved a childcare centre for 90 places in Lowood.

The proposed facility will be built at 31 and 33 Prospect Street, Lowood adjoining the town’s primary school.

The centre will be built on a site of about 2000 sqm and include six separate rooms, two outdoor play areas.  

Councillor Tiara Hurley supported the development application saying there was a real need to cater for more families in Somerset.

“It’s wonderful to have more options for working families in Somerset,” Cr Hurley said.

In the same meeting, Cr Brieschke said “It would be fantastic to see another childcare facility built around Toogoolawah and Esk where there is a desperate need.” Council requested officers prepare a report to look at opportunities to attract childcare providers to our region.

Council supports country racing

Somerset Regional Council is supporting rural race meets by sponsoring the Esk and Kilcoy races.

Council will award the Kilcoy Race Club and Esk Jockey Club $1000 each.

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said investing in these two key events was about supporting tourism in the region.

“Our investment in sponsoring the July race meets aligns with Council’s commitment to promoting and supporting economic development initiatives within Somerset,” Cr Wendt said.

Concerns over withdrawal of community transport service

Able Australia will stop its transport services funded by the Australian Government in Somerset due to inadequate funding.

Able Australia has been providing services through the Commonwealth Home Support Program to the West Moreton Region, which encompasses Somerset, for the past decade and delivered about 1200 trips monthly.

Somerset Deputy Mayor Helen Brieschke said the withdrawal of the service from Somerset was “incredibly disappointing”.

“It is estimated that Able Australia currently provide transport for 75 older persons and have 30 more on their wait list for this council region,” Cr Brieschke said.

“Most clients use the service weekly for shopping and/or to attend local medical appointments.”

Services in Somerset will significantly reduce from 1 October 2024.

“Clients are understandably distressed, as community transport enables them to stay in their own homes and access important services,” Cr Brieschke said.

“In addition more than a dozen employees will lose their jobs come October and they will close their Lowood office.”

Council will write to the Minister for Health and Aged Care to express its concern regarding the loss of community transport within Somerset and request urgent additional resources to support community transport in Somerset.

In addition, Council will seek a deputation with the Minister in July 2024.

Council extends support to various community groups

Somerset Regional Council has extended or re-entered into several arrangements with various community groups to support their work in delivering valuable programs to residents.

Somerset Assist Inc has been given the green light to continue using council facilities at 9 Heap Street in Esk until April 2025 for the purpose of providing services to the elderly.

Mercy Community Services who operate from two council owned facilities in Lowood have had their lease extended until June 2027.

C&K Association at Kilcoy have had their lease over 65 Taylor Street extended by 10 years. 

The Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Users Association has been given approval to use the site of a former gym at McConnel Park in Toogoolawah for the next two years for storage.

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said these arrangements highlighted council’s commitment to supporting community groups wherever possible.

NB: Somerset Regional Council held its ordinary in the Simeon Lord room at the Esk Library on Wednesday, 29 May 2024 at 9am.