Somerset Regional Council Highlights – 9 October 2026
Published on 09 October 2026
Tom Lloyd and Rosi Trencher with Sonya Lukritz from the Somerset Libraries team at Council's Seniors Expo at Lowood and District Memorial Bowls Club.
Flood siren testing in Fernvale and Lowood
Somerset Regional Council will test its community flood early warning sirens on Thursday, 29 October, between 12pm and 1pm.
The audible testing will occur at the region’s two dedicated warning stations in Fernvale on Schmidt Road, and Lowood at the SES building on Lindemans Road.
CleanCo will also be conducting an audible test of its new emergency warning sirens on Wivenhoe Somerset Road, downstream of Splityard Creek Dam, from 12pm to 1pm on Thursday 29 October.
Somerset Local Disaster Management Group Chair, Mayor Jason Wendt, said there was no cause for alarm during the test.
“No action is required during the siren tests and evacuation and emergency protocols do not need to be followed,” Cr Wendt said.
“Residents and business owners in the surrounding areas may hear the sirens activate multiple times throughout the hour.
“This is a diagnostic test to ensure the system is fully operational ahead of the upcoming storm season.”
Council maintains these outdoor warning sirens as a critical layer of defence for low-lying areas, providing an audible alert in the event of severe, rapidly rising river flooding.
In a real flooding emergency, residents should not rely solely on the sirens.
The community is urged to download the Bureau of Meteorology App, monitor local radio including ABC 612 (AM) and River 94.9 (FM), and stay informed through Council’s Disaster Dashboard at disaster.somerset.qld.gov.au
Listen to the siren and learn more on Council’s website: somerset.qld.gov.au/FloodSirens
Queensland Seniors Month kicks off in Lowood
Somerset Seniors connected with service providers at the Seniors Information Expo held at the Lowood and District Memorial Bowls Club on Friday, 9 October.
The expo, organised by Somerset Regional Council, kicked off Queensland Seniors Month in the region.
More than 40 attendees enjoyed morning tea and access to range of service providers covering financial, legal and health services, community transport, carer support and support-at-home services.
The event was funded through the Queensland Government’s Neighbourhood Centre Initiative.
Coming up, Council will host the popular Queensland Seniors Month Lunch at the Somerset Civic Centre, 35 Esk Hampton Road, Esk.
The free lunch, held from 11.15am to 2pm on Friday, 23 October, includes entertainment with Brisbane-based mentalist and hypnotist Dr Ace.
Bookings are essential – phone Council on 5424 4000.
The Queensland Seniors Month Lunch is supported by Council’s seniors connections program, In Good Company, proudly funded by the Queensland Government.
David Lawson with Catherine Wilkes from Somerset Assist.
Enjoy Somerset's parks and reserves responsibly
Somerset Regional Council is encouraging residents and visitors to make the most of the region's parks, reserves and recreation facilities while helping protect the natural environment.
Mayor Jason Wendt said Somerset offered a range of recreational outdoor spaces, including sporting grounds, pools, skate parks, bike jump tracks and footpaths.
“As a Council we build and maintain these facilities to create safe spaces for the community to pursue active and healthy lifestyles,” Cr Wendt said.
"We want people to get outdoors, stay active and enjoy everything Somerset has to offer.
"Our parks and reserves provide opportunities for both recreation and connection with nature, and we all have a role to play in looking after them."
Cr Wendt said visitors were encouraged to use designated paths and recreation areas and avoid damaging vegetation.
"Many of our natural areas have benefited from years of restoration work by Council, volunteers, community groups and school students," he said.
"By respecting these spaces and using the facilities provided, we can protect important habitats and preserve the country lifestyle we value so much in Somerset."
The community is encouraged to report vandalism of Council property and public spaces directly to Council on 5424 4000 or mail@somerset.qld.gov.au
Mayoral Gala Charity Ball Fund closing soon
Charitable organisations are invited to apply for grants to assist in delivering programs or services to people suffering from disability, homelessness trauma, abuse or neglect within Somerset.
Applications for round one of the Somerset Mayoral Gala Charity Ball Fund close on Friday, 16 October 2026.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt encouraged the region’s charities to apply for funding support.
“The Mayoral Gala Charity Ball Fund allows Somerset charities to help those in the community who are facing adversity,” Cr Wendt said.
“The funds can be applied to any number of initiatives by charitable organisations, so long as they are directly supporting those in need.”
Application form and guidelines are available from somerset.qld.gov.au/Grants
For more information contact Council on 5424 4000 or mail@somerset.qld.gov.au
A sample of produce from Cumquats Australia, found in the Somerset region.
Take a tasty trail through Somerset with Backroads and Bites
Somerset residents and visitors are invited to take a tasty trail through Somerset on the weekend of 17 and 18 October.
Somerset Regional Council has launched ‘Backroads and Bites’, a tour through the villages, farms and backroads of the region.
Deputy Mayor Helen Brieschke said Backroads and Bites was an invitation to slow down, explore and discover the tastes of Somerset.
“Our local producers, markets, cafés, pubs and roadside treasures make this part of Queensland country so deliciously different,” Cr Brieschke said.
“Pack the Esky, bring your appetite and leave plenty of room for fresh food discoveries.
“Venture on to a working cumquat farm and distillery, taste signature dishes at local pubs and cafés, join a progressive lunch that will see you explore the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, pick up locally crafted sourdoughs, latte with a llama, wander the weekend’s markets and more.”
For more information on Backroads and Bites and to download the trail map visit experiencesomerset.com.au
Injury prevention workshop coming to Toogoolawah
Somerset Libraries are hosting physiotherapist Alwyn Blase for an informative session on injury prevention and healthy ageing in Toogoolawah on Wednesday, 21 October.
Somerset Regional Council Deputy Mayor Helen Brieschke encouraged Somerset seniors to attend the session.
“Maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle is important, especially for our ageing community,” Cr Brieschke said.
“Alwyn will share practical tips to help you maintain mobility, improve balance, reduce the risk of injury, and continue doing the activities you enjoy.”
The injury prevention workshop will be held at Alexandra Hall on 111 Cressbrook Street, Toogoolawah from 10am to 11am, Wednesday, 21 October.
Bookings essential, register through the Somerset On The Go app or contact Somerset Libraries on 5424 4000.
Spooky Somerset event is creeping closer
Join Somerset Regional Council, Somerset Blue Light and PCYC Fernvale for Spooky Somerset at the Fernvale Indoor Sports Centre on Thursday, 29 October.
The popular event has changed locations from Clock Park in Lowood to an indoor venue to ensure the fun can continue rain, hail or shine.
From 4pm on Thursday, 29 October, little monsters, wicked witches and scary skeletons will come together and show off their spooky costumes at Council’s free Halloween event.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said Spooky Somerset was a great evening for the community.
“We’ll have free activities including a photo booth, music, face painting, best dressed prizes, and information stalls with craft activities and give-aways,” Cr Wendt said.
“At 6.30pm we’ll put ‘Minions and Monsters’ (PG) up on the big screen, so make sure to bring your own chair and picnic blanket.”
For more information, contact Council on 5424 4000 or mail@somerset.qld.gov.au