Toogoolawah Swimming Pool upgrade proceeds with tender

Somerset Regional Council has appointed a builder to complete the Toogoolawah Swimming Pool upgrade.

Somerset Deputy Mayor Helen Brieschke said the project was one step closer to becoming a reality.

“This upgrade is going to be a huge win for the Somerset community,” Cr Brieschke said.

“It’s an important project, and we want to get it right.”

The tender includes demolition of the existing pool, wading pool and other structures, and the construction of a new concrete tiled 25 metre eight-lane pool with a disability access ramp, balance tank, filtration plant, heating plant and sanitation system.

The upgrade will also include a new equipment room and driveway, new shade infrastructure, and stairway and ramp access to the gym.

Cr Brieschke said council received four tender submissions.

“Our panel determined the tender from Murphy Builders QLD Pty Ltd, totalling $4.2 million, represented the best value for money.”

Council received $2.64 million from the Queensland Government through the 2024-27 South East Queensland Community Stimulus Program towards the project.

Tuckshop money granted to Mount Kilcoy State School P&C

Somerset Regional Council has awarded a Community Assistance Grant to Mount Kilcoy State School P&C Association.

Somerset Councillor Tiara Hurley said the P&C received $1,900 to assist with the purchase of four kitchen items.

“These purchases will streamline the school’s tuckshop service,” Cr Tiara Hurley said.

“Tuckshops are so important in our small schools and our P&C groups do amazing work.”

To find out more about council’s Community Assistance Grants program and how to apply visit somerset.qld.gov.au

Somerset Council meeting changes

Somerset Regional Council has changed its meeting schedule for 2025 to enable elected members to advocate for the region through attendance at local government conferences.

Council’s ordinary meeting originally scheduled for Wednesday, 12 March will be moved to Friday, 14 March.

Council’s 2025/2026 Budget will be adopted on Wednesday, 18 June alongside its ordinary meeting which were originally scheduled for 11 June.

Council’s ordinary meeting on Wednesday, 25 June has been cancelled.

Council’s ordinary meeting originally scheduled for Wednesday, 22 October will be moved to Wednesday, 29 October.

Councillors to attend conferences to advocate for Somerset

Somerset Regional Council’s elected members will continue to advocate for the region at several state and national conferences in 2025.

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt and various Councillors will attend the following events:

• Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) Civic Leaders Summit on 12 and 13 March.
• Invasive Species Queensland Pest, Animal and Weed Symposium (PAWS) from 19 to 22 May.
• Small Business Friendly Conference on 29 May.
• Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) National General Assembly from 24 to 27 June.
• LGAQ 129th Annual Conference from 20 to 22 October.

Somerset Deputy Mayor Helen Brieschke said it was important for Councillors to represent the region at state and national levels.

“We have just welcomed a new state government and we are about to have a federal election,” Cr Brieschke said.

“As a local government, it’s important we work harmoniously with all levels of government while advocating for Somerset’s best interests.”

Next Somerset Council Meeting

Somerset Regional Council will hold its next ordinary council meeting on Wednesday, 26 February in Esk.

NB: Somerset Regional Council held its ordinary meeting in the Simeon Lord Room at the Esk Library on Wednesday, 12 February 2025 at 9am.