Councillors celebrate one year with Somerset Regional Council

Somerset Councillors celebrated one year in office at the ordinary meeting on Wednesday, 26 March 2025.

On Thursday, 28 March 2024, Mayor Jason Wendt, Deputy Mayor Helen Brieschke and Councillors Michael Bishop, Kylee Isidro, Tiara Hurley, Brett Freese and Sally Jess were sworn into office in Somerset Regional Council.

Mayor Jason Wendt said it had been a huge year for the team of Councillors.

“My fellow Councillors and I have worked hard to inform and connect with our community,” Cr Wendt said.

“Our advocacy and commitment to improving the Brisbane Valley Highway has secured state and federal commitments over the last year.

“There are some big projects on the books for the next three years and we look forward to progressing the Kilcoy Streetscape, Lowood Futures Strategy, Mount Glen Rock Hiking Trails, Toogoolawah Gateway Centre and the replacement of Lester Kropp Bridge.

“The next three years will be transformative for Somerset, and we thank the community for supporting council in this journey.”

Kilcoy and Lowood newsletters answer FAQs

Somerset Regional Council held advisory committee meetings for the Kilcoy Streetscape Revitalisation project and Lowood Futures Strategy in February 2025.

The committee meetings provided community representatives with insight into project progress and the opportunity to give council feedback.

After approving the meeting minutes, council will distribute the second issue of the Kilcoy Streetscape Newsletter and Lowood Futures Strategy Newsletter.

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the newsletters were an important part of council’s engagement with the Kilcoy and Lowood communities.

“The newest editions of our newsletters are tackling the frequently asked questions council is encountering,” Cr Wendt said.

“Whether it be parking changes or the loss of green space and facilities, there’s a lot of uncertainty and misinformation about these projects which we are directly addressing in these newsletters.

“These projects are a collaboration between council and the community, and an informed and engaged community is key to their success.”

The newsletters can be obtained at the Kilcoy Customer Service Centre, 15 Kennedy Street, and Lowood Customer Service Centre, 1 Michel Street, or on council’s website: somerset.qld.gov.au/major-projects

Somerset Rail Trail Classic 2025 and 2026 beneficiaries announced

Somerset Regional Council has selected Lowood and Fernvale sporting groups as the beneficiaries of the 2025 and 2026 Somerset Rail Trail Classic (SRTC).

Lowood Recreational Complex stakeholders – the Lowood Tarampa Stags Rugby League Club and the Brisbane Valley Soccer Club – will be the recipients of the 22nd annual Somerset Rail Trail Classic in 2025.

Fernvale Sports Park stakeholders – Brisbane Valley Rattlers AFL Club, Somerset Storm Netball Club and Thunder Cricket Club – will be the recipients for the 2026 event.

Lowood Recreational Complex Association council representative and Fernvale Sports Park Advisory Committee Chair, Councillor Brett Freese, said the clubs were all worthy beneficiaries.

“These clubs provide training and competition matches in a safe and structured environment for the Somerset community,” Cr Freese said.

“It’s great to be able to support organisations which promote active and healthy lifestyles, which itself is a core foundation of the SRTC.

“Council will donate $2 from every paid entry for the SRTC to Lowood Recreational Complex stakeholders in 2025 and Fernvale Sports Park stakeholders in 2026.

“We look forward to seeing everyone at the Somerset Rail Trail Classic on Sunday, 13 July.”

Early bird tickets go on sale on Thursday, 27 March.

Visit somersetrailtrailclassic.com.au

Council to trial community meetings

Somerset Regional Council will trial Council Community Meetings in 2025/26 with the first to occur on 23 July in Kilcoy.

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the Council Community Meetings would foster community engagement, improve transparency and provide residents with greater access to Councillors and senior staff.

“These meetings would include a morning tea and the opportunity for the community to speak with council in a casual environment,” Cr Wendt said.

“We are going to trial three Council Community Meetings in 2025/26, with the first to be held on Wednesday, 23 July 2025 in Kilcoy.

“All other council meetings will continue to be held in the Simeon Lord Room in Esk Library, which the community is also welcome to attend.

“We ask the community to contact council and provide 24 hours’ notice if they plan to attend council meetings.”

Young Somerset golfer competing at Hunter Valley

Somerset Regional Council awarded a $750 excellence bursary to young Somerset golfer Ryder Cochran for competing at a national level in April.

Ryder has been selected to attend the U.S. Kids Golf Australian Masters at Hunter Valley Golf Course in New South Wales on 22 and 23 April 2025.

Almost $50K in Community Assistance Grants awarded in 2024/25

Somerset Regional Council has awarded $49,964.21 to Somerset community groups for round two of the 2024-2025 Community Assistance Grants.

Grants have been approved for various purposes including the purchase of equipment and the cost of running community events.

The following groups were awarded grant funding: Brisbane Valley Bulls Junior Rugby League Football Club, Brisbane Valley Heritage Trails, Coominya Public Hall Committee Inc, Esk Campdraft Association Inc, Esk District Kindergarten Association Inc, Friends of Stonehouse, Glamorgan Vale Community Hall Association Inc, Jimna Community Development Association Inc, Kilcoy Bowls Club Inc, Kilcoy Campdraft Association Inc, Kilcoy District Historical Society Inc, Kilcoy PA&I Society Inc, Kilcoy Rodeo Committee Inc, Lowood RSL Sub Branch, Lowood Show Society Inc, Mt Stanley Muster Inc, Somerset and Wivenhoe Fish Stocking Association, Somerset Storm Netball Club, and Toogoolawah C&K Kindergarten,

Next Somerset Council Meeting

Somerset Regional Council will hold its next ordinary council meeting on Wednesday, 9 April in Esk.

NB: Somerset Regional Council held its ordinary meeting in the Simeon Lord Room at the Esk Library on Wednesday, 26 March 2025 at 9am.