Happy Holidays from Somerset Regional Council

Somerset Regional Council will close its offices and some services over the Christmas and New Year period.

For closure information relating to Customer Service Centres, Libraries, Visitor Information Centres, pools, gyms and refuse and recycling centres, visit Council’s website: Council holiday closures – Christmas and New Year 2024-2025 – Somerset Regional Council

Kerbside collection will continue as normal over the public holidays, however there may be changes in service times.

To make sure your bin is collected, residents are encouraged to place their bins kerbside the night before.

Council will have crews on standby for urgent and hazardous road maintenance issues to ensure Somerset roads remain safe.

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said Council’s parks and garden team would continue to work through the holiday.

“Councill will ensure parks are maintained and mowed during this time and public amenities will continue to be serviced,” Cr Wendt said.

“We are working closely with contractors to manage grass growth, but due to wet weather and high temperatures there may be service delays.

“Council will also have crews on standby for urgent and hazardous road maintenance issues to keep our roads safe.”

Cr Wendt wished the community a safe and happy holiday.

“Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to the wonderful people of Somerset,” Cr Wendt said.

“We look forward to a productive and prosperous 2025.”

Major project newsletters out now

Somerset Regional Council has launched two new quarterly newsletters to keep the community informed about major projects in the region.

The first issues of the Kilcoy Streetscape Newsletter and Lowood Futures Newsletter are available now.

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the two major projects were a collaborative effort between Council and the communities of Kilcoy and Lowood.

“Keeping our residents informed and engaged is key to the success of these initiatives,” Cr Wendt said.

“The newsletters will include project specific information including Council updates on funding and developments, progress on project designs and updates from advisory committee meetings.

“I encourage the Kilcoy and Lowood communities to grab a copy.”

Read the newsletters online at somerset.qld.gov.au/major-projects

The Lowood Futures Newsletter is available at the Lowood Customer service Centre, 1 Michel Street, Lowood.

The Kilcoy Streetscape Newsletter is available at the Kilcoy Customer Service Centre, 15 Kennedy Street, Kilcoy.

Council calls on artists’ expressions of interest

Somerset Regional Council wants to strengthen its ties with artists living within the region and is encouraging expressions of interest from the community.

Council is seeking artists with a strong connection to Somerset who are experienced in delivering large scale public artwork such as murals, sculptures, light art and projections.

Interested artists should supply a copy of their professional biography and examples of public artwork commissions completed in the last five years.

Email Council’s Arts and Culture Manager at mail@somerset.qld.gov.au

For more information phone 5424 4000.

Celebrate Australia Day in Somerset

Join Somerset Regional Council in celebrating Australia Day with the annual Citizenship and Awards Ceremony, and Pool Parties in Kilcoy, Lowood and Toogoolawah.

Somerset Celebrates Australia Day 2025 will be held on Friday, 24 January instead of Sunday, 26 January, so the community can enjoy its long weekend without missing out on the fun.

The event will kick off at 9am with the Citizenship Ceremony and awards, followed by a free morning tea, live music and wildlife encounters until 12pm.

Book online at trybooking.com

Australia Day Pool Parties will be held on 26 January from 10am to 4pm at Lowood Swimming Pool, Toogoolawah Swimming Pool and Kilcoy Aquatic Centre.

Entry to the pool parties is free and all are welcome.

Check your dog registration details

Are your dog registration details up to date?

Somerset Regional Council introduced a three-year dog registration period from 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2026.

Council offers a discount for future registration periods if your dog is desexed and you can provide a certificate.

If your address or phone number has changed since the last registration renewal, phone Council on 5424 4000 or email mail@somerset.qld.gov.au

Stay prepared, stay safe this storm season

Storm season is here and Somerset Regional Council has several tools to ensure you and your family are prepared for a disaster.

Somerset Mayor and Local Disaster Management Group Chair Jason Wendt said it was everyone’s responsibility to stay up-to-date on natural disasters.

“You can visit Council’s Disaster Dashboard for real-time updates on severe weather warnings, power outages, and even images from flood cameras,” Cr Wendt said.

“You can even download a flood certificate to better understand the flood risk of your property.”

Visit disaster.somerset.qld.gov.au

Cr Wendt also urged residents to sign up for the Somerset Early Warning Network (EWN).

“By signing up for the EWN you can receive timely alerts for severe weather in your area,” Cr Wendt said.

“It's free, quick and easy and could make all the difference in an emergency.

“Don't wait until it's too late, make sure you're prepared with the information you need to stay safe.”

Register online at Sign up to the Early Warning Network – Somerset Regional Council