Youth Engagement Strategy

Somerset Regional Council has adopted the Somerset Youth Engagement Strategy (October 2024), recognising the priorities and challenges of the region’s young people.

The region is home to more than 3,600 young people aged 12 to 24, comprising around 17% of the Local Government Area population.

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the Youth Engagement Strategy provided insight into the challenges facing young people.

“Engagement with youth in the community revealed the three most important issues were drugs and alcohol, a lack of things to do in the region, and crime,” Cr Wendt said.

“This Strategy is about addressing these issues and supporting young people in Somerset.

“We want to have safe and healthy young people with housing security and access to transportation.

“We want to make sure they have access to education, employment and training.

“We want our young people to have opportunities to be leaders and active citizens who can contribute to our community, arts, and public spaces.”

Council will use the strategy to guide and inform decisions involving youth in Somerset in addition to advocating to the State and Federal members on matters involving youth.

World Remembrance Day for Road Victims event

Somerset Regional Council has approved an application to hold an event in Fernvale as part of World Remembrance Day for Road Traffic Victims.

Fernvale PCYC is organising the event in collaboration with the Department of Transport and Main Roads and the Queensland Police Service.

The event will be held at Fernvale Memorial Park on Friday, 15 November from 2pm to 4pm.

Visitors can expect displays, community activities and a sausage sizzle.

A minute’s silence will also be observed in remembrance of road traffic victims.

Walking and cycling grants sought for Somerset

Somerset Regional Council will apply for $1.78 million of funding for cycling and walking projects under the Department of Transport and Main Roads, 2025/26 Cycle and Walking Network Local Government Grant program.

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said Council was seeking funding for three projects along the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail.

“We are looking to fund planning for a cycle network extension from Twin Bridges to the BVRT, with total fees estimated at $150,000 with Council to contribute 50% of this cost,” Cr Wendt said.

“Secondly, we are asking for funding for a causeway upgrade to the BVRT at Ferny Gully, with an estimated cost of $471,350 and a 50% contribution by Council.

“Lastly, we want a cycle network connection from Clive Street in Fernvale to the BVRT, estimated to cost $2.94 million with a 50% contribution from Council.”

Cr Wendt said Council was proactively looking for funding opportunities to enhance the BVRT.

“We need to be on the front foot and taking every opportunity to help our region grow,” Cr Wendt said.

“These projects will make the Rail Trail more accessible, and anything that’s good for the BVRT is good for our region’s tourism industry.”

More housing for Toogoolawah

Somerset Regional Council has approved nine new housing lots in Toogoolawah.

The proposed lots on Eskdale Road will each have an area of around 900m2.

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said he welcomed the housing development and looked forward to similar future applications.

“This is exactly the kind of development towns like Toogoolawah need to support their growth,” Cr Wendt said.

Short term accommodation in Esk

Somerset Regional Council welcomed a development application for short term accommodation on Mack Street in Esk.

Deputy Mayor Helen Brieschke said Council was always appreciative of properly made applications which support tourism in the region.

“Somerset desperately needs more short-term accommodation to support the many people visiting our small towns, especially for major events,” Cr Brieschke said.

“Unfortunately, some providers are operating without the correct applications, which exposes them to liability for insurance and other risks.

“Council strongly encourages the development of short-term accommodation in line with local government regulations.”

LGAQ conference wrap up

Somerset Councillors made the most of the 2024 Local Government Association of Queensland Conference, held 21-23 October in Brisbane.

The conference was a first for several Somerset Councillors, providing the opportunity to network with fellow Queensland councillors and address state-wide challenges.

This year’s theme, ‘Don't Leave Local Communities Behind’, focused on Queensland councils’ dedication to making their towns and regions great places to live.

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said it was a well-attended conference.

“It’s always an important opportunity to discuss the critical issues that affect us as local government and therefore our residents,” Cr Wendt said.

“We talked about infrastructure, roads, cost of living, and how it all impacts our communities.

“I had discussions with many councillors and mayors about the current problems with cost-shifting.”

Cr Wendt said it was exciting to hear from David Crisafulli, the newly elected Queensland Premier.

“Mr Crisafulli spoke about reducing some of the restrictions placed on local governments which inhibit their ability to function effectively,” Cr Wendt said.

“We’ll see what the future holds there, but I think there are exciting times ahead.”

Next Somerset Council Meeting

Somerset Regional Council will hold its next ordinary council meeting on Wednesday, 13 November in Esk.

NB: Somerset Regional Council held its ordinary meeting in the Simeon Lord Room at the Esk Library on Wednesday, 30 October 2024 at 9am.