New Somerset Energy Saving Projects

Somerset Regional Council is working with local contractors to deliver energy saving projects across the region.

Council has rooftop solar works scheduled for the Esk works depot and more LED lighting projects are underway.

Somerset Mayor Graeme Lehmann said Council was seeing cost-savings in other areas where solar or LED lights had been installed.

“Council appointed LV Electrical of Fernvale to do their third solar installation for us and electricians from Clarendon and Toogoolawah will install LED lights are several other facilities,” Cr Lehmann said.

“The projects will lighten our annual power bills enough to pay for themselves within six years.”

Somerset Council Meeting this Week

Somerset Regional Council will hold its next meeting on Wednesday, 27 February at Esk.

The meeting starts at 9am in the Simeon Lord Room at the Esk Library in Heap Street.

Meetings are open to the public. Agendas are available from www.somerset.qld.gov.au.

Cuppa and Chat at Esk

The Esk Community Connection Point will be holding a Cuppa and Chat session on Friday, 1 March. 

The free event is open to everyone and forms part of Somerset Regional Council’s social inclusion activities.

The morning tea starts at 10.30am and finishes at midday.

This month’s Cuppa and Chat will also include a visit from Police Officer Senior Sergeant Karlene Trezise who will talk about road safety and security in Esk.

Council hosts the Cuppa and Chat morning teas at 9 Heap Street on the first Friday of each month. Bookings are not required.

For more information phone Somerset Regional Council on 5424 4000.

Plenty on Offer at Somerset Libraries

Somerset residents can take advantage of a range of free activities and workshops being held at the region’s libraries in March 2019.

On 5 March, the Esk Library will be offering a Tea, Cake and Technology workshop from 10.30am to midday where you can learn about robots such as the Sphero over a cup of tea and cake.

Alternatively, you can visit the Lowood Library on 8 March between 10.30am and midday to learn about crystals and the different benefits they can bring to your life.

On 21 March, the Kilcoy library will host the same Power of Crystals workshop between 2pm and 3.30pm.

On 30 March, residents can learn the art of basket weaving at the Kilcoy Library between 10.30am and midday.

All workshops are free however bookings are essential.

Visit your nearest Somerset library branch to secure your spot or phone Somerset Regional Council on 5424 4000.

Free Children’s Activities Available at the Toogoolawah Art Gallery

Visit the Somerset Regional Art Gallery – The Condensery in Toogoolawah and get creative with free children’s activities on offer until 30 April 2019.

Children can participate in the free Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art (APT9) Kids on Tour activities developed by The Queensland Art Gallery, Gallery of Modern Art’s Children’s Art Centre and selected APT9 artists.

The program will run concurrently with The Queensland Art Gallery, Gallery of Modern Art’s (QAGOMA) exhibition ‘The 9th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art’ (APT9) and APT9 Kids.

School and group bookings of more than eight children can be accommodated by phoning the gallery in advance on 54231036.

The APT9 Kids on Tour Activities will be available at the gallery at 29 Factory Road, Toogoolawah Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm and Saturday and Sunday, 10am – 4pm.

2032 Olympic Games in South East Queensland feasible, says study   

A feasibility study commissioned by the Council of Mayors (SEQ) to assess South East Queensland’s (SEQ) ability to successfully host the 2032 Olympic Games has indicated the region has the potential to mount a competitive bid based on the use of existing and planned facilities to keep costs at a minimum.

Launched in Brisbane on Friday, 22 February, a feasibility study has shown that SEQ could host an Olympic Games relying on venues that are existing, planned for development or have been identified as community facilities needed to cater for the anticipated growth of the region.

Somerset Regional Council Mayor Graeme Lehmann attended the launch and said South East Queensland could reap the economic and social benefits of hosting a Games.

The 2032 SEQ Olympic and Paralympic Games Feasibility Study, FAQs and more information is available at seqmayors.qld.gov.au.

Wivenhoe Pocket Land Auction Scheduled

Somerset Regional Council has scheduled a rate arrears auction for a 6.4 hectare vacant lot on the Brisbane Valley Highway at Wivenhoe Pocket.

The auction will be held at the Simeon Lord Room at Esk library, 2 Redbank Street, Esk at 11am on Tuesday, 12 March 2019.

Somerset Mayor Graeme Lehmann said auctioning land for overdue rates is a last resort for Council.

“Unfortunately, sometimes there is no other option,” he said.

“We only start these sale actions where people have more than three years of rates owing.”

“This is a great property, almost across the road from the magnificent Cormorant Bay parkland on Wivenhoe Dam and I encourage buyers to contact Council for more information.”

For more information on the property phone Council on 5424 4000.