Wildlife avoidance program coming to Fernvale

Somerset dog owners are invited to a free training session with a wildlife avoidance program on Saturday, 18 January in Fernvale.

The Leave It program, an initiative of Griffith University and supported by Somerset Regional Council, promotes keeping dogs and native wildlife safe.

Attendees and their four-legged friends will learn two important skills for wildlife avoidance, recall and leave it.

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said Council was proud to support the initiative.

“We love our dogs in Somerset, but we also love our native animals,” Cr Wendt said.

“This program is all about educating dog owners on how to keep their pets away from wildlife so our rural communities can live in harmony with our natural environment.”

The session will be held at Honeywood Park, Fernvale from 8am to 9.30am.

As the event will have numerous dogs present, the Leave It program recommends only attending if your dog is friendly towards other dogs.

Registration is essential, visit: bit.ly/4a4kGQ0

Reseal program underway in northern Somerset

Somerset Regional Council will start its bitumen reseal program from Mount Kilcoy and Sandy Creek roads on Monday, 13 January.

The program, to be undertaken by RPQ Group, delivers on Council’s commitment to provide high quality infrastructure.

The following roads will be resealed, weather permitting, between January and early February: Arnolds Road North, Beaconsfield Road, Freewood Drive, Kerrs Lane, McCauleys Lane, Serafini Drive, Traves Road and Wunulla Lane.

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the work was a preventative road maintenance technique.

“This work will increase road surface texture for better tyre friction, prevent potholes from forming, prevent oxidisation and generally create good driving conditions,” Cr Wendt said.

“Fixing roads and potholes is costly and time-consuming, which can be negated by good maintenance practices like resealing.”

Cr Wendt said the reseal work would create some loose material on the roads for a few weeks while the surface settles.

“Please drive to the road conditions and reduce your speed when approaching other road users,” Cr Wendt said.

Workshop to empower Somerset clubs

Somerset Regional Council will host a free Sport and Community Clubs Workshop on Wednesday, 29 January.

The Department of Tourism and Sport will introduce the State Government’s Club IQ program to support and develop Somerset’s clubs.

The presentation will cover finance, safety, volunteer management, natural disaster guidance and more.

The workshop is an opportunity for clubs to stay in the know, but also to network and share ideas.

The event will be held 5pm to 7.30pm on 29 January at Lowood Bowls Club with free catering.

Bookings essential, RSVP by Monday, 27 January by contacting 5424 4000 or mail@somerset.qld.gov.au

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