New trees planted in Yowie Park

Somerset Regional Council has planted three fully grown trees in Yowie Park, Kilcoy as a replacement for the recently removed invasive Cadaghi trees.

Council began removing the Cadaghis (corymbia torelliana) in October 2024 because they are regarded as an environmental weed in southeast Queensland, causing infrastructure damage, competing with endemic species and producing a sticky resin.

The replacement trees, two Maple Silkwoods (flindersia pimenteliana) about 8m tall and one Coolwyn Gloss (magnolia grandiflora) about 5m tall, were planted on Tuesday, 14 January in Yowie Park.

The Coolwyn Gloss was selected as a feature tree for the park, complimenting the Maple Silkwoods.

A Coolwyn Gloss was also planted in Pipeliner Park, Esk on the same day.

Experience Somerset and Luvya Lockyer joining forces for Moreton Bay Expo

Somerset Regional Council and Lockyer Valley Regional Council’s tourism brands, Experience Somerset and Luvya Lockyer, are joining forces to showcase the holiday experiences on offer in our beautiful patch of southeast Queensland.

As part of the ‘Feel the Freedom’ campaign, both Councils will exhibit at the Moreton Bay Expo, one of Queensland’s largest exhibitions for outdoor adventures.

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the region was one of the state’s top caravan and camping spots.

“Our tourism team is working hard to bring people to Somerset, and collaborating with Lockyer Valley Regional Council allows cross promotion of our two wonderful regions,” Cr Wendt said.

“This is a great opportunity to learn about holiday destinations from our tourism teams, and you can enter the draw to win an incredible Feel the Freedom Escape, valued at $2,370.

“The prize pack includes several camping experiences and dining vouchers in Somerset and the Lockyer Valley and will be drawn on the last day of the Moreton Bay Expo.”

Lockyer Valley Mayor Tanya Milligan said Council was excited for expo-goers to learn about the Lockyer Valley and Somerset’s plentiful offerings.
“Fresh air, country hospitality, bucket list experiences, farm-fresh produce and charming villages await just an hour’s drive from Brisbane, Toowoomba and the Sunshine Coast,” she said.
“It is the perfect getaway to discover and explore the stunning great outdoors.”

The expo is on Friday to Sunday, 14 to 16 February at the Redcliffe Showgrounds.

Buy tickets online at bayexpo.com.au

In Good Company with The Magnificent Seven

Somerset seniors are invited to come together and reminisce over classic movies.

Somerset Regional Council’s new program, In Good Company, provides a space for seniors over 60 to connect in a relaxed environment.

The program includes several events including Midday Movies, card games and information sessions.

In Good Company launches with a screening of ‘The Magnificent Seven’ at Kilcoy Visitor Information Centre at 11am Sunday, 2 February.

Somerset Councillor and Social Plan Advisory Committee Chair Michael Bishop encouraged the senior community to get involved with the program.

“This is a great opportunity to catch up and bond over some great cinema,” Cr Bishop said.

“We will have a classic movie screening on the first Sunday of every month with films such as Singin’ in the Rain and In the Heat of the Night on the schedule.

“We’re proud to deliver this program and look forward to fostering more community connection in 2025.”

Bookings essential, phone 5424 4000 or email mail@somerset.qld.gov.au

This program is funded by the Queensland Government Department of Child Safety, Seniors and Disability Services.

Esk amenities block now complete

The new Esk amenities block is now open and includes three male, three female and one unisex accessible toilet, ensuring our public spaces are welcoming and inclusive.

Somerset Regional Council has now started construction on the new amenities block along with footpath and pavement rehabilitation upgrades in Coominya.

This project is proudly funded by the Queensland Government’s South East Queensland Community Stimulus Program in association with Somerset Regional Council.

Minister for Local Government and Water Ann Leahy said, "It’s great to see Somerset Regional Council continuing to deliver improved public spaces for their communities with Queensland Government support. Works for this next project in Coominya builds on these efforts and will provide locals with better essential infrastructure in the places where they live, work and play.”

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.