Rabbit Control Measures Continue in Somerset

Landholders in Somerset are being encouraged to continue working with local government authorities to control rabbit populations.

Somerset Regional Council will be participating in the Darling Downs-Moreton Rabbit Board (DDMRD) Project with the aim of optimising rabbit biocontrol.

This will involve getting a better understanding of rabbit populations through on the ground surveys to help with improved control measures.

Council staff will join various other agencies to undertake a survey of rabbit populations using new technology over the coming weeks.

Mayor Graeme Lehmann said the partnership was a natural progression to try and manage rabbit infestations.

“Council has been actively promoting the need to manage rabbit infestations for the protection of prime agricultural land for several years now,” Cr Lehmann said.

“Landholders take a proactive step to manage known rabbit populations on their own properties, which is fantastic, and they report these infestations to Council so our officers can assist, where possible.

“What we need, is to better understand rabbit populations, more broadly, to improve biocontrol measures.”

 

Council Supports Additional Recreational Trails in Somerset

Somerset Regional Council is supporting the development of an additional bicycle and hiking trail in the southern end of the region.

The concept was raised at a Brisbane Valley Rail Trail stakeholder workshop last year which identified there may be economic benefit to Somerset from linking the rail trail to a tourism development at Coominya and also connecting it with existing trails at Wivenhoe Hill.

The proposal includes developing a publicly accessible cycle link from Brisbane Valley Protein Precinct through to Seqwater’s Wivenhoe Hills Trail.

Council will support the project through concept design assistance and temporary closure of a road to allow safe construction of the trail.

 

Council Cements Commitment to Deliver More Social Activities

Somerset Regional Council will continue to seek funding to deliver meaningful social activities across the region following on from two successful events held in the past six months.

Council supported a female farmers day-out event in January and an all-inclusive farmers dinner in November to support the farming community through times of drought.

Council was able to deliver both programs through grant funding made available through the Community Drought Support Package from the State Government.

 

Council has agreed to support additional small scale social and information sessions, subject to funding, to support various initiatives that support and build communities across Somerset throughout the year.

 

Council Supports Lowood Art-Cultural Festival

Somerset Regional Council has granted a temporary event approval for the Lowood Art-Cultural Festival to be held at Clock Park in Lowood on Saturday, 27 April.

The festival will be held between 10am and 3pm and will include live entertainment, market stalls, various food stalls and more.

Somerset Mayor Graeme Lehmann said it was great to see various events being held in Somerset and attracting people from outside of the region.

 

New Cycle Path Coming for Lowood

Somerset Regional Council will soon build a multi-use concrete cycle and pedestrian path at Lowood.

Council has engaged the services of Somerset business, A&M Civil, to facilitate the project which has been evenly funded by Council and the State Government through its Principal Cycle Network program.

Construction of the path on Forest-Hill Fernvale Road from Peregrine Drive to Sea Eagle Drive at Lowood will start in March 2019 and will take about two months.

 

NB: Somerset Regional Council held its meeting in the Simeon Lord Room at the Esk Library on Wednesday, 13 February at 9am.