Council visits Wivenhoe and Somerset dams

Somerset Regional Council joined Seqwater on Thursday, 30 January for a tour of Wivenhoe Dam and Somerset Dam.

Seqwater officers provided Councillors and Directors with valuable insight into the dams’ operations and upgrades to be realised over coming years.

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt thanked the Seqwater team for the guided tour.

“It was great to meet with Seqwater and learn about the Somerset Dam Improvement Project,” Cr Wendt said.

“This is going to be a huge project with early works expected to commence on-site this year. Seqwater have assured Council they would work closely with us and the community as they progress their plans.

“The improvement project will upgrade the dam to meet modern design and engineering standards, ensuring it will continue to operate safely and provide water security and flood mitigation benefits into the future.”

Nesting season puts mowing on hold at Minden park

Somerset Regional Council mowing crews have found nesting birds at Jesse Wickman Park, Minden.

Eastern Cattle Egrets are currently nesting, with young birds likely to remain in the park until late April.

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said it was not possible for the mowing team to carry out ordinary works at this time.

“We are committed to maintaining Jesse Wickman Park,” Cr Wendt said.

“However, we don’t want to disturb or cause harm to the nesting birds or their chicks.

“We encourage the community to be mindful of wildlife when visiting the park and we thank you for your understanding.”

Council urges community to put out bins the night before collection

Somerset Regional Council is reminding residents to put out their bins the night before collection.

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said waste could be collected anytime from 6am.

“Collection times can vary depending on our contractor’s availability and resources,” Cr Wendt said.

“Nobody wants their bins to be missed, so we recommend playing it safe and putting them out the night before collection.

“If you do miss out, we encourage residents to phone Council on 5424 4000.”

For up-to-date information on waste services, download the Somerset Bin App.

Say hello to your Somerset Councillors

Somerset Councillors are hosting several ‘Come and Chat’ sessions in February and March across the region.

This is an opportunity for residents to speak directly with elected representatives and learn about Council’s projects and plans.

Come and Chat sessions will be held on the following dates:

• Wednesday, 19 February, 10am-12pm at Yowie Park, Kilcoy
• Wednesday, 5 March, 9am-11am at Ditchman Park, Linville
• Wednesday, 19 March, 9am-11am at Minden Park, Minden

Opera Soirée coming to Somerset Civic Centre

Acclaimed soprano Rebecca Cassidy is taking centre stage in Esk to perform some of the greatest love arias from the world of opera.

‘That’s Amore: A Valentine’s Opera Soirée!’, is the first event on the Somerset Civic Centre’s calendar for 2025 and promises a magical atmosphere, timeless melodies and passionate performances.

Rebecca Cassidy will be joined by the talented Esk Community Choir for a captivating afternoon of love and music.

‘That’s Amore’ will be held Sunday, 16 February at 2pm at the Somerset Civic Centre, 25 Esk Hampton Road, Esk.

Tickets are available online, visit: somersetciviccentre.com.au

Join Coominya Capers for boards games with good company

Somerset Regional Council will launch Coominya Capers as part of its senior connection program, In Good Company.

Coominya Capers starts Wednesday, 19 February at the Coominya Public Hall from 9am to 11am.

The event will be held on the first and third Wednesday each month until the end of June.

Social Plan Advisory Committee Chair and Somerset Councillor Michael Bishop said Coominya Capers was an opportunity for seniors to connect and socialise.

“Come along for a free morning tea and games like quoits, cornhole, Connect Four, darts and other board games,” Cr Bishop said.

“This event compliments our other In Good Company programs like Midday Movies, held on the first Sunday each month at the Kilcoy Visitor Information Centre.”

For more information contact Council at mail@somerset.qld.gov.au or 5424 4000.

Movement to Music returns to Toogoolawah

Somerset Regional Council’s Movement to Music program is back in 2025 with its first session on Tuesday, 18 February.

Every Tuesday for nine weeks leading up to Easter, seniors are invited to join Somerset Regional Council at the Alexandria Hall in Toogoolawah for a light workout to classics from the 60s and 70s.

Somerset Deputy Mayor Helen Brieschke said the activity helped with balance and coordination.

“This is a great social activity for our senior residents and promotes healthy and active lifestyles,” Cr Brieschke said.

“Participants should wear comfortable clothing, suitable shoes, and bring a water bottle.

“Sessions start 8.45am and last 45 minutes, including a warm-up and cool-down.”

Registration for the nine-week program is $45, to be paid on the first day in cash.

For more information and to register, phone Council on 5424 4000.

Community Assistance Grants Round 2 now open

Round 2 of Somerset Regional Council’s Community Assistance Grants 2024 – 2025 is now open.

Council assists the community by allocating a set amount of funds to be distributed to community groups and individuals each financial year through its Community Assistance Grants.

Community groups are invited to apply for a grant to assist with costs associated with projects, events or services within Somerset.

The latest round opened Monday, 27 January and will close at 5pm Thursday, 20 February 2025.

Projects must not have a start date prior to Friday, 28 March 2025.

The application form is available at somerset.qld.gov.au

For more information contact Council at mail@somerset.qld.gov.au or 5424 4000.