Somerset Regional Council Highlights – 7 August 2026

Published on 07 August 2026

Somerset Regional Council’s Lantana Chemical Subsidy Program is open for expressions of interest.

Lantana Chemical Subsidy Program now open

Somerset Regional Council’s 2026-2027 Lantana Chemical Subsidy Program is now open.

Somerset Pest Management Working Group Chair, Mayor Jason Wendt, said the program’s objective was to support communities in managing the negative impacts of lantana on agriculture and the environment.

“Our Council has funded a 50% chemical subsidy for the control of lantana throughout Somerset,” Cr Wendt said.

“This helps landholders meet their general biosecurity obligation under the Biosecurity Act 2014, and also generally increases farm profitability.”

The subsidy is available until allocated funds are expended in the 2026-2027 financial year, with payments to any landholder or entity limited to $5,000.

The expression of interest form can be found here: somerset.qld.gov.au/Pest-Management

For more information phone Council on 5424 4000.

Small business workshop coming to Esk

Somerset Regional Council has partnered with Small Business Financial Counselling Service (SBFCS) Southern Queensland to deliver a free, practical workshop for improving profitability in Esk.

The workshop, held 9am-11am on Wednesday, 19 August at Esk Library, is designed for small business owners looking to take the guesswork out of their finances.

Led by Small Business Financial Counsellor Nicholas Hess, the session will help you understand your business performance, identify opportunities for improvement and build your confidence in managing your business’s finances.

To register, visit bit.ly/3STgIp2

Rates notices to be issued 18 August

Somerset Regional Council’s rates notices for the period ending 31 December 2026 will be issued on Tuesday, 18 August 2026.

Payment is due by Tuesday, 29 September 2026.

This August notice will include a free trees voucher, highlights from the 2026–2027 Budget, and the 2026–2027 Rating Category Statement.

Ratepayers can opt to receive future notices by email using the eNotices Reference Number provided on their rates notice.

For information on rates, payment options and the State Government Pensioner Rates Subsidy visit somerset.qld.gov.au/rates

Make your current postal address is up to date by contacting 5424 4000 or mail@somerset.qld.gov.au

Somerset Spotlight July-August edition now online

The second edition of the Somerset Spotlight newsletter is now online, with physical copies available at Somerset Regional Council facilities from Thursday, 13 August.

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt encouraged residents to subscribe to receive the newsletter directly to their email inbox.

“We know not everyone uses social media, not everyone reads the newspaper, and some have never even visited our website,” Cr Wendt said.

“The Somerset Spotlight newsletter is another way we can reach more people in the community, forge new connections with our residents, and share Somerset news.”

Read the newsletter online, find pick-up locations and subscribe for future editions: somerset.qld.gov.au/Spotlight

Community Assistance Grants program open

Somerset Regional Council’s Community Assistance Grants program is open.

Not for profit community organisations can apply for financial assistance for projects, activities or events that deliver a benefit to the wider community.

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt encouraged eligible community organisations to apply.

“As a general guide, Council will typically fund successful applications up to $5,500,” Cr Wendt said.

“Funding of up to $10,000 may be considered where an organisation can demonstrate exceptional circumstances, such as a larger scale project, an extended delivery timeframe or significant community benefit.

“Council expects applicants to contribute about 50 per cent of the project cost through a financial or in-kind contribution. However, a lower contribution may be considered based on the merit of the application, the organisation’s capacity to contribute or the significance of the community outcome.

“To simplify the application process, Council has created an online form on our website. Grants officers are also available to assist with enquiries.”

Community organisations can submit one grant application per funding round, with two funding rounds available each financial year. Applicants must have satisfied the acquittal requirements for any previous Council grants before the new round opens.

In addition to ordinary grant applications, round one applicants can apply for rates remissions and Christmas projects and events.

The round closes 5pm Wednesday, 26 August. Projects must not have a start date before Friday, 25 September 2026.

To apply visit somerset.qld.gov.au/Grants