SRC Annual Report 2023-2024 reflects resilience and innovation

Somerset Regional Council adopted the Annual Report 2023-2024 at the ordinary meeting on Wednesday, 13 October.

Mayor Jason Wendt said Council faced various challenges in 2023-2024 including the fallout of Covid, and navigating the 2022 flood recovery amidst a cost-of-living crisis.

“Despite said challenges, Council has been successful in securing many significant grants which will allow the continuation of key infrastructure projects around the region,” Cr Wendt said.

“Engagement and wellness were a priority for Council in 2023-2024.

“We adopted the Somerset Social Plan in July 2023, we have enhanced our sport and recreation facilities, and our Libraries, Visitor Information Centres and The Condensery have grown in visitor numbers.

“This is wonderful news and shows our region is bouncing back strongly.”

Council Chief Executive Officer Andrew Johnson said the previous financial year was pivotal for Council, highlighted by the March local government elections.

“We bid farewell to former Mayor Graeme Lehmann and welcomed a new team of Councillors, including Mayor Jason Wendt,” Mr Johnson said.

“Reflecting on our initiatives, I’m proud of our resilience and innovation.

“Our strategic focus has been on infrastructure recovery, sustainable development, and community engagement.”

First meeting of Lowood and Kilcoy advisory committees

Kilcoy and Lowood advisory committees have had their first meetings to discuss the masterplans which will shape their towns’ futures.

The Lowood Futures Advisory Committee held their meeting on Thursday, 3 October, and the Kilcoy Streetscape Advisory Committee held their meeting on Thursday, 10 October.

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said Council was proud to present the projects to the committees.

“There are many moving parts and considerations to make when town planning,” Cr Wendt said.

“These are big jobs, and we want to get them right.

“Council is very grateful to the committee members in Lowood and Kilcoy who are taking time to plan for their town’s future and prosperity.

“We have noted members’ concerns and will continue to work alongside the committees to ensure the projects meet the growing needs of the community.”

For more information, visit somerset.qld.gov.au/major-projects

Two-year Somerset plant hire tender features Somerset suppliers

Somerset Regional Council has adopted a new two-year wet hire plant tender, applicable December 2024 to November 2026.

Councillor Brett Freese said more than 90% of the tenders were won by suppliers based in Somerset.

“The tender reaffirms Council’s commitment to economic growth in Somerset, with a 10% local preference weighting favouring local suppliers when assessing the tender,” Cr Freese said.

The tender has 154 different categories for the combination of plant types and localities.

“This is one of our largest tenders and a great deal of expenditure with 37 suppliers in total submitting offers to be on the panel.”

“Council actively aims to buy local to support Somerset businesses and residents.

“This is demonstrated by the record $36.5 million spent by Somerset Regional Council with local businesses and suppliers in the 2023-2024 financial year,” Cr Freese said.

Councillors Bishop and Freese to take Somerset Christmas lights tour

Somerset Councillors Michael Bishop and Brett Freese have been appointed as judges for the 2024 Somerset Christmas Lights Competition.

The Councillors will join Glamorgan Vale Christmas lights expert Jason Beattie in touring the region between 25 November and 4 December.

Councillor Bishop said it would be difficult to choose winners for the fiercely festive competition.

“Somerset has amazing Christmas lights every year, and it is very exciting to see how residents will step up their displays for 2024,” Cr Bishop said.

Councillor Freese said it was a privilege to judge the lights alongside Mr Beattie.

“Mr Beattie is a real Christmas lights connoisseur, and we are very grateful he has come on board for Council’s competition once again,” Cr Freese said.

The competition is open to residents, community groups and businesses with a wide range of prize categories.

Entries are open until 4pm Friday, 22 November, visit somerset.qld.gov.au

Mayoral Gala Charity Ball Fund supports charities with $14,000

Somerset Regional Council has approved $14,000 in funding to two community charities through round one of the Mayoral Gala Charity Ball Fund (MGCB), 2024 – 2025.

The MGCB Fund supports charities which assist people suffering from disability, homelessness, trauma, abuse or neglect in Somerset.

Anglican Parish of Kilcoy and Woodford will receive $8,000 to assist with the ongoing costs of running St Mary’s Pantry in Kilcoy.

Lowood Mercy Community will receive $6,000 to assist in operating the Lowood Community Pantry.

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the pantries were worthy recipients.

“St Mary’s Pantry has helped local families including residents from Jimna and Benarkin, victims of domestic violence, homeless people and migrant workers,” Cr Wendt said.

“Since the Kilcoy pantry in October 2023 the need for help has only grown.

“Lowood Community Pantry has offered a safe space for all community members to access free non-perishable food items and toiletries in times of need since it opened in 2018.”

Round two of the MGCB Fund will open on 17 March 2025 and close 14 April 2025.

Kilcoy and Linville groups receive assistance grants

Somerset Regional Councill will provide more than $1,600 to progress associations in Linville and Kilcoy through Community Assistance Grants.

Linville Progress Association will receive $1,164 to assist with the purchase and installation of satellite internet at the Linville Hall, which has been approved as a place of refuge during emergency events.

Kilcoy District Progress Alliance will receive $495 to support hosting a community sausage sizzle for the Kilcoy Christmas Tree.

Next Somerset Council Meeting

Somerset Regional Council will hold its next ordinary council meeting on Wednesday, 27 November in Esk.

NB: Somerset Regional Council held its ordinary meeting in the Simeon Lord Room at the Esk Library on Wednesday, 13 November 2024 at 9am.