Somerset Regional Council Highlights – 23 October 2026

Published on 23 October 2026

The Esk Bushwalking Group had a magical time at the Queensland Seniors Month Lunch in Esk.

Somerset Regional Council supports action on depreciation

Somerset Regional Council has welcomed the Queensland Government’s support for the recommendations of the Local Government Depreciation Taskforce.

The taskforce was established in 2025 to address the challenges Queensland councils face to effectively and accurately manage growing depreciation costs.

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the reforms recognise the unique financial challenges councils face as long-term custodians of significant community infrastructure.

“A road, bridge, park or other community asset built by Council needs to be maintained and ultimately renewed, regardless of whether it was originally funded by Council, through a government grant or delivered through development,” Cr Wendt said.

“The reforms change how maintenance and renewal of government-gifted assets are accounted for in financial forecasts.

“We support a balanced approach to depreciation which improves financial reporting while maintaining a strong focus on asset condition, renewal requirements and responsible long-term financial planning.

“In turn, this will support stronger decision-making and help councils like ours plan for the infrastructure and services our communities need.”

Cr Wendt said the taskforce started an important conversation about how local government financial sustainability is measured.

“This is good news for Queensland councils who have advocated for change for many years, but we still need further discussion about how local government infrastructure is sustainably funded,” Cr Wendt said.

“Changing the way depreciation is presented or considered in sustainability measures does not remove the responsibility to manage community infrastructure over the long term.”

	Warren Davies, also known as ‘The Unbreakable Farmer’, will speak at the Somerset Farmers Dinner on Thursday, 12 November.

Somerset producers invited to dine with ‘The Unbreakable Farmer’

Farmers across Somerset are invited to connect over a hearty meal at the Somerset Civic Centre in Esk on Thursday, 12 November.

The Somerset Farmers Dinner, organised by Somerset Regional Council, is a free event for the region’s producers and an opportunity to network and hear from Warren Davies, also known as ‘The Unbreakable Farmer’, one of Australia’s leading rural mental health speakers.

Attendees will also be treated to live music from country singer Tate Cole.

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt encouraged Somerset farmers to register.

“Warren Davies’ story is sure to resonate with Somerset’s farmers,” Cr Wendt said.

“His presentation draws on lived experience and years of work across rural communities, emergency response situations, and recovery settings.

“We look forward to hearing his story.”

The event opens at 5pm with networking, followed by a two course meal.

To register for the free event, phone Council on 5424 4000.

The Somerset Farmers Dinner is funded through the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal’s (FRRR) In a Good Place program and Queensland Health’s Tackling Regional Adversity Through Connected Communities (TRACC) program.

Register for 2026 Community Development Conference

Somerset community groups, sporting clubs and not-for-profit organisations are encouraged to register for the 2026 Community Development Conference, held Saturday, 7 November at the Somerset Civic Centre in Esk.

Somerset Regional Council Social Plan Advisory Committee Chair, Councillor Michael Bishop, said 25 self-assessments had been completed across three categories.

“Each participant will be recognised for their efforts in the fields of governance and compliance, child safety, and inclusivity and accessibility,” Cr Bishop said.

“This is an excellent result for the first year using the self-assessment format and shows there is great appetite in Somerset community groups for development and growth.

“We’re excited to see Somerset community groups at the conference, as well as returning guest speaker Steve Connolly from CPR Group.”

The conference includes hands-on practical workshops, access to industry experts and networking opportunities.

The conference will be held 9am-2pm on Saturday, 7 November 2026 at the Somerset Civic Centre, 35 Esk Hampton Road, Esk.

Community and service organisations and community-minded individuals are encouraged to attend.

To register visit somerset.qld.gov.au/CDC

Free Tree Days continue after strong Fernvale turnout

More than 7,500 free trees were distributed at Fernvale as Somerset Regional Council launched its 2026 Free Tree Days, with events in Kilcoy and Esk still to come.

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the first event drew a strong turnout at Fernvale Community Hall on Saturday, 17 October.

“Residents who missed out at Fernvale can still redeem their free trees by bringing vouchers attached to their August rates notices, at the remaining Free Tree Days in Kilcoy and Esk,” Cr Wendt said.

“There’s a range of native habitat, flowering and bird-attracting species available.”

Free Tree Days will be held from 8am to 11am at:

• Kilcoy Memorial Hall – Saturday, 31 October
• Somerset Civic Centre, Esk – Saturday, 14 November

Residential ratepayers can collect 10 native plants, while eligible larger acreage property owners can receive an additional 10 larger habitat tree species.

Residents can enjoy a sausage sizzle served on a ‘first come, first served’ basis.

There will be a wildlife show starting 8.30am at each Free Tree Day, and the Queensland Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation will have a koala information stall at each event.

Mentalist and hypnotist Dr Ace on stage with Eugenie Burkhardt.

Somerset lunch brings more than 130 seniors together

More than 130 seniors renewed friendships and made new connections at Somerset Regional Council’s Queensland Seniors Month Lunch in Esk on Friday, 23 October.

The free event at the Somerset Civic Centre celebrated Queensland Seniors Month, bringing local seniors together to strengthen community connections.

Guests shared lunch and enjoyed entertainment by Brisbane-based mentalist and hypnotist Dr Ace.

Council delivered the lunch through its seniors connections program, In Good Company, funded by the Queensland Government.

Wild Dog Control Program on soon in Somerset

To control wild dog numbers, Somerset Regional Council will hold a wild dog baiting day on Monday, 9 November.

Council will assist with the preparation of 1080 poison baits at two sites:

• Kilcoy Showgrounds, 7.30am-9am
• Middle Creek, Bryden, 10.30am-12pm

Landholders are required to supply fresh meat baits for a pest management officer to apply the 1080 poison.

For enquiries or bookings phone Council on 5424 4000.

To learn more about the program and other pest management services in Somerset visit somerset.qld.gov.au/Pest-Management

Esk to host final First Aid for Seniors session

Somerset Regional Council will join St John Ambulance Queensland to deliver its final First Aid for Seniors session in Esk on Wednesday, 11 November.

Council’s seniors connection program, In Good Company, supports the information session.

The session will run from 9am to 1pm at the Somerset Civic Centre.

Attendees will learn about specific health conditions and vulnerabilities experienced by seniors, equipping seniors and carers with practical skills and knowledge to manage common age-related emergencies.

From handling falls and managing chronic conditions to recognising signs of heart attack, stroke, or sudden illness, the training focuses on the scenarios seniors are most likely to encounter.

Places are limited and bookings essential, contact Council on 5424 4000 or mail@somerset.qld.gov.au

The In Good Company program is funded by the Queensland Government.

Come and Chat with your Somerset Councillors in Jimna

Somerset Councillors are hosting a morning ‘Come and Chat’ session in Jimna on Wednesday, 4 November.

The Come and Chat session will be held from 10am-12pm at the Jimna Base Camp.

Due to other commitments, not all Councillors may be in attendance.