Rates notices to be issued 18 February

Somerset Regional Council rate notices for the period ending 30 June 2025 will be issued on Tuesday, 18 February.

The rates notice due date is Tuesday, 1 April 2025.

The February rate notice will include two general waste vouchers and an information sheet and consent form for emailed rate notices.

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

Somerset SES team supporting Far North Queensland

Seven State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers from Somerset have flown to Far North Queensland to support communities impacted by floods.

The crew joined more than 60 SES personnel from across South East Queensland flying from Brisbane on Monday, 3 February.

Somerset Regional Council Mayor Jason Wendt thanked the Somerset Region SES Unit members for going above and beyond to help those in need.

“Our SES volunteers are always ready to support our community in Somerset, but their dedication to helping people isn’t limited by our region’s borders,” Cr Wendt said.

“They are highly skilled individuals, and we are proud to have them representing Somerset.”

The unit members were tasked with assisting the management of evacuation centres among other duties.

Join Somerset’s buy local campaign

Somerset Regional Council is running an exciting 'buy local' marketing campaign called ‘Support Our Somerset’, aimed at boosting the economy by encouraging residents and visitors to spend in the region.

Somerset Councillor Sally Jess encouraged businesses in the community to engage with the campaign.

“We would love to feature more Somerset small businesses in Support Our Somerset,” Cr Jess said.

“This is an exciting opportunity to share your business’ story and why shopping local is important in your community.

“Your involvement will contribute to the success of our campaign and the prosperity of businesses in Somerset.”

If you are interested in participating, contact Council at mail@somerset.qld.gov.au or 5424 4000.

For more information, visit somerset.qld.gov.au/support-our-somerset

Lantana treatment continues in Somerset

Somerset Regional Council’s Pest Management spray crews are methodically treating lantana across the region.

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said crews were treating to reduce infestation of the invasive weed species.

“The teams are currently revisiting areas treated last year, controlling regeneration from the seed banks,” Cr Wendt said.

“Treatment will be held along main roads and local roads, so please be mindful of your speed as you pass our Pest Management teams.

“We thank the community for their understanding and support as we work to reduce the impacts of lantana in Somerset.”

Seniors flock to Kilcoy theatre for classic film

Somerset Regional Council’s inaugural Midday Movies was held on Sunday, 2 February with 30 people attending the Kilcoy Visitor Information Centre for a screening of The Magnificent Seven (1960).

Midday Movies is part of Council’s In Good Company program, which aims to engage Somerset seniors and create spaces for community connections.

Social Plan Advisory Committee Chair and Somerset Councillor Michael Bishop said the first event was a huge success.

“Attendees said they had a lovely time out and it was nice to see the theatre facility being utilised,” Cr Bishop said.

“Our next session will be held on Sunday, 2 March from 11am with a screening of the 1952 classic musical, Singin’ in the Rain.

Bookings are essential, contact Council.

Another recurring In Good Company event, Coominya Capers, will launch on Wednesday, 19 February at the Coominya Public Hall from 9am to 11am.

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

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

Due to other commitments, not all Councillors will attend each Come and Chat session.

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 Alexandra Hall in Toogoolawah for a light workout to classics from the 60s and 70s.

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 now open

Somerset Regional Council’s Community Assistance Grants are 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 current round of grants 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

Fire ant eradication is everyone’s responsibility

Somerset residents are reminded to be vigilant in the fight against fire ants and report any suspected nests to the National Fire Ant Eradication Program (NFAEP).

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said if fire ants are not eradicated, they will have significant financial, social and environmental impacts on the Somerset Region and wider in the future.

“You can help stop the spread of fire ants by learning how to identify the invasive species, reporting suspect nests to the NFAEP so they can be eradicated, and not spreading fire ants by your actions.”

For training and compliance resources, and to report fire ants visit fireants.org.au