Council continues its campaign to the state on key issues

Somerset Regional Council is continuing its campaign to the State Government seeking support for two key areas impacting the community.

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said council will put forward two motions for consideration at the 2024 Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) annual conference that have a direct impact on Somerset as well as most local governments in Queensland.

“Council is firstly seeking that LGAQ lobby the State Government to provide $300,000 annually to each council to support the shift of red imported fire ant suppression, management and treatment costs under the Queensland Government’s Fire Ant Suppression Taskforce Plan 2022-23 to 2025-26,” Cr Wendt said.

“We’re also asking the state to exempt councils with limited revenue or smaller capital programs from mandatory upgrades of culverts replaced like for like following disaster recovery works and establish a state-funded program to assist councils in funding the necessary upgrades to culvert crossings, particularly around high value water courses.”

Lantana chemical subsidy program opens 1 August 2023

Somerset Regional Council’s popular Lantana Chemical Subsidy Program for the new financial year opens on 1 August 2024.

Approved landholders, through the program, are able to apply for a 50 per cent subsidy to purchase approved chemicals from a business operating within the Somerset region.

Pest Management Working Group member and Somerset Deputy Mayor Helen Brieschke said Council had allocated $100,000 to the program which is aimed at helping the community manage pest species.

“By making this program available to landholders, Council is assisting them to manage the negative impacts of lantana on agriculture production and increase farm profitability,” Cr Brieschke said.

“Landholders also have an obligation to meet general conditions of the Biosecurity Act 2014, and the subsidy program helps them to meet those conditions.

“This program is always heavily subscribed, so anyone interested in participating should submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) as soon as possible.”

A program factsheet and EOI form will be available on Council’s website from 1 August until the round closes or when funds have been exhausted.

For information and to download the EOI form visit somerset.qld.gov.au or phone Council on 5424 4000.

 Excellence Bursaries awarded to Somerset sport stars

Somerset Regional Council awarded seven excellence Bursaries to residents recognised in sporting activities at a regional, state or international level.

The bursary recipients are Caitlin King, Ellena Papadopoulos, Nicole Bennett, Hanna Shearer, Florence Hamilton, Anita Brown and Annette Dunstan.

Hanna Shearer received a $1000 bursary to help fund her representation as part of the Wynnum Wolves Girls Under 17 Soccer Team to attend Germany's Bundesliga Borussia Dortmund in Germany come September.

The funds have been awarded through Council’s Community Assistance Grants program which provides financial support to Somerset residents whose pursuit of excellence results in a higher-level participation of their chosen activity.

The bursaries aim to help offset some of the costs associated with competing at events, particularly those outside the region and include representation across sporting and academic achievements.

Somerset Councillor Brett Freese congratulated all the bursary recipients.

“What a fantastic achievement for each of these bursary recipients for representing Somerset on the bigger stage,” Cr Freese said.

“We wish them all well in their sporting endeavours.”

Attendance record at Fernvale Gym

PCYC who manage the Fernvale Indoor Sports Centre on behalf of Somerset Regional Council facility have broken an attendance record.

For the financial year ending June 2024, almost 50,000 people used the facility.

The facility offers the Somerset community, an air-conditioned 24/7 Gym and Fitness Centre, Court sports for hire and a successful gymnastics program.

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said it was fantastic to see so many people living active and healthy lifestyles in Somerset and making the most of the facilities on offer.

Changes to Somerset Community Assistance Grants

Somerset Regional Council has made changes to its Community Assistance Grants program, increasing the monetary support it awards to eligible community groups.

Somerset Councillor Michael Bishop said the program was all about supporting community groups in the region.

“It’s well known that community groups are doing it tough and are also experiencing an increase in costs so this is just one way Council can help,” Cr Bishop said.

“Council acknowledged that a healthy increase in funding was required to enable community groups to provide an ongoing investment in our community.”

The next round of Community Assistance Grants open on 5 August.

For more information on the grants and apply visit www.somerset.qld.gov.au.

NB: Somerset Regional Council held its ordinary in the Simeon Lord room at the Esk Library on Wednesday, 24 July 2024 at 9am.