Esk amenities block upgrade

Somerset Regional Council is building a new amenities block in Pipeliner Park, Esk.

The former amenities blocks have been demolished and temporary toilets are available nearby.

Council will be building new facilities to modern standards, increasing the number of public toilets, and including one unisex accessible toilet.

It is anticipated all work will be completed, weather permitting, by the end of November.

Council thanks residents for their patience and understanding as it builds a new amenities block.

Fred From interpretive sign unveiled

Wednesday, 9 October 2024 marked the 40th anniversary of the passing of Somerset resident, Dr William Robert ‘Fred’ From.

Fred died during an attempt to climb Mount Everest on 9 October 1984.

He was born to parents Frederick and Jessie From and raised on a farm at Coominya, later earning a degree as a physicist. 

Fred was an accomplished climber who set out to summit the world’s highest peak, Mt Everest, when he died on his 28th birthday, not far from reaching the summit.

On Thursday morning, 24 October, Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt unveiled a new interpretive sign at the Coominya Railway Station along the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail.

“Council has installed this plaque to recognise Fred From’s connection to Somerset and his short but accomplished career,” Cr Wendt said.

“This is one of a dozen interpretive signs along the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, creating educational outdoor experiences for trail users.”

Celebrating Seniors Month

Senior Somerset residents celebrated Queensland Seniors Month on Friday, 25 October at the Somerset Civic Centre.

Somerset Regional Council’s event included a morning tea, lunch, live entertainment, a game of Scattegories, services expo and an emergency preparedness workshop.

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt welcomed the region’s seniors to the celebrations.

“It was fantastic to see so many of our senior residents coming to the Civic Centre and making the most of this event,” Cr Wendt said.

“Thank you to all of the stallholders for sharing such valuable resources with our residents.”

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Spooky Somerset on in Lowood

Get ready for a Spooky Somerset event coming to Lowood’s Clock Park on Thursday, 31 October.

Hosted by Somerset Regional Council this free event is open to all ages and will kick off at 3pm and wrap up by 8pm.

There will be plenty of arts and craft activities, face painting, llamas, DJ Bex, outdoor games and a free barbecue.

Finish up the night with a screening of FrankenWeenie.

Fernvale Free Tree Day success

Somerset Regional Council gave away more than 8,000 plants to landholders at its first of three Free Tree Days.

The Fernvale Community Hall was well attended on Saturday, 19 October with the Fernvale and Lowood Lions serving 500 sausages and drinks in record time.

Council was joined by West Moreton Landcare, Griffith University promoting koala awareness, and Geckoes Wildlife’s show proving a hit with families.

There are two more opportunities for Somerset ratepayers to collect their native plants, between 8am and 11am at:

Esk - Somerset Civic Centre: Saturday, 2 November

Kilcoy - Kilcoy Memorial Hall: Saturday, 16 November

Somerset ratepayers need to bring their free tree voucher (attached to their Somerset rates notice) to redeem 10 flowering, bird-attracting plants. Properties over eight hectares can get an additional 10 larger native trees.

Wild Dog Control Program

To control wild dog numbers, Somerset Regional Council will hold a wild dog baiting day on Monday, 11 November.

Council will assist with the preparation of 1080 poison baits at four sites.

The first sessions will be held 7:30am-9am at the Kilcoy Showground and at Middle Creek, corner of Tooloorum Road and Wivenhoe-Somerset Road, Bryden.

The second set of sessions will be held 10:30am-12pm at the Fernvale Showground and at the Moore Pony Club Grounds on Station Street.

For enquiries or bookings phone Council on 5424 4000.

Rail Trails Conference in Somerset

Somerset Regional Council will be delivering a Rail Trails and Tourism Conference at the Somerset Civic Centre on 6 and 7 November.

This event will highlight the great tourism opportunities available along the BVRT and facilitate discussion between operators about how they can enhance their offerings.

The conference will be delivered in partnership with Bicycling Queensland with the support of the Queensland Government.

For more information on the conference visit experiencesomerset.com.au

Australia Day award nominations now open for Somerset

Somerset residents are being encouraged to nominate an outstanding citizen for one of six Australia Day Award categories.

Each year, Somerset Regional Council proudly hosts an Australia Day Awards Ceremony recognising the outstanding contributions of many Somerset residents.

Award categories include Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Arts and Culture Award, Sports Award, Community Group of the Year and Event of the Year.

Nominations are open now and close 1 December 2024.

Award winners will be announced in a special presentation on Friday, 24 January at the Somerset Civic Centre in Esk.

To download a nomination form visit somerset.qld.gov.au

Sign up for the Garage Sale Trail

Somerset residents are being encouraged to sign up for the Garage Sale Trail when it returns to the region in November.

Held over two big weekends on the 9-10 and 16-17 November, the trail offers savings for savvy shoppers and helps divert items from landfill.

Somerset Regional Council is backing the nation-wide initiative for another year.

Somerset residents are invited to host their own sale or join a group sale in their

neighbourhood, and can take part over one day or do more across both

weekends.

Register your sale for free at garagesaletrail.com.au