Somerset Regional Council Meeting Highlights – 22 July 2026
Published on 24 July 2026
The Somerset Libraries Strategic Plan 2026-2032 will guide planning for libraries across the Somerset region, including the new Toogoolawah Library and Cultural Centre which is due to be completed mid-2027.
Budget increased for tree offset planting program
Somerset Regional Council will continue delivering on a successful tree planting program, supported by an increased budget, following a policy review.
The Council Capital Works Offset Policy, first introduced in 2019, demonstrates Council’s environmental responsibility and stewardship.
Somerset Deputy Mayor Helen Brieschke said the program had been successfully delivered since its inception.
“We’ve done really well as a small council to keep our region’s country amenity intact while delivering vital capital works since we started planting trees and since we instigated our Natural Resource Management program,” Cr Brieschke said.
“Plants have gone from costing $10 each to $15 each, so when you’re planting several hundred trees in a site, it can become an expensive service.
“To address this and other cost increases, the policy update reflects the increased baseline budget of $30,000 for planting and offset delivery in the 2026-2027 Budget.”
New strategic plan to guide Somerset Libraries
Somerset Libraries will enhance its services with the adoption of a new strategic plan.
The Somerset Libraries Strategic Plan 2026-2032 is a roadmap which will build upon high quality services while meeting the needs of a growing and geographically dispersed community.
A key action of the plan, adopted by Somerset Regional Council, is to investigate after-hours access and optimise opening hours across library facilities.
Somerset Deputy Mayor Helen Brieschke said Somerset Libraries had strong engagement with the community.
“For the 2024-2025 year there were almost 88,000 loans, and almost 84,000 visits to our libraries,” Cr Brieschke said.
“That is a big effort, and Somerset Libraries is one of the shining stars of our Council, they do a great job.”
Councillor Tiara Hurley congratulated the Somerset Libraries team for their services.
“I love our libraries, I take my children to the libraries quite often and no matter what library you walk into in our region, there’s always friendly, welcoming staff and there’s always something happening,” Cr Hurley said.
In consultation for the plan, Council received close to 700 survey responses, highlighting strong support for libraries as community hubs, as centres for lifelong learning and providers of technology access and support.
The new plan was adopted on Wednesday, 22 July at the Community Council Meeting in Toogoolawah’s Alexandra Hall, just across the street from the construction site of the new Toogoolawah Library and Cultural Centre.
Strong uptake of Excellence Bursaries in June
Somerset Regional Council has awarded nine Excellence Bursaries to Somerset athletes.
Somerset Storm Netball Club received $2,000 to support the Mixed 13/14 Rep Team attending the Darling Downs Interdistrict Netball Competition at multiple locations between Warwick and Roma.
Caitlin Guy will represent Somerset as part of the Queensland Senior Ladies team at the Christian Football Federation Association National Titles at Casey Fields in Cranbourne East, Victoria from 27 September to 1 October.
Two recipients will compete at the Rugby League State Championships at the Gold Coast over 19-23 August, with Calami Peters selected for the South West School Sport 13-14 years team and Mikaela Melville selected for the Darling Downs School Sport 11-12 years team.
Georgia and Kate Elsie Cross were selected to compete at the Pony Club Queensland State Championships at Samford-Golden Valley Pony Club over 7-9 July as part of the Zone 3 – Combined Training Performance 80cm and 60cm divisions, respectively.
Two soccer players were selected for West Zone teams at the Queensland Christian Soccer Association Representative Soccer Program at Mudjimba on 4 July, with Emmett and Averie Harrison joining the under 14 and under 10 teams, respectively.
Aria Kirby was selected as part of the Sunshine Coast School Sport 10-19 years team at the Queensland Representative School Sport Cross Country State Championships at Highfields, Toowoomba over 18-20 July.
Council’s revised Community Assistance Grants Policy took effect on 1 July 2026 and provides updated levels of financial support for eligible individuals and teams selected to participate at regional, state, national and international levels.
Excellence Bursary applications are open year-round.
For more information, including eligibility requirements and the available levels of support, visit somerset.qld.gov.au/Grants
Arts and culture experts join advisory committee
Somerset Regional Council’s Arts, Culture and Heritage Advisory Committee has welcomed two industry professionals and one community representative to its membership.
Council appointed Erin Davis, Sarah Vanden Berg and Denis Hawes to the committee following an Expression of Interest process.
Committee Chair, Councillor Sally Jess, said the new members brought a rich pool of experience to the committee responsible for guiding Somerset’s arts and culture scene.
“Erin Davis is passionate about celebrating and strengthening smaller regional communities through arts, culture and community events, and has extensive experience in event planning and delivery, grant writing, and managing stakeholder relationships,” Cr Jess said.
“Sarah Vanden Berg is completing a Master of Cultural Heritage and Museum Studies at Deakin University, and possesses strong expertise in cultural heritage management, community engagement and awareness of emerging industry trends.
“Our community representative, Denis Hawes, is an active member of the Esk Community Choir and has a strong commitment to supporting and promoting community performing arts initiatives in the Somerset region.”
The new members join Naomi McKenzie, Dr Sandi Hook, Jim Filmer, Gail Bawden, Vicki Sweedman and Gracie Dawn Lewis.
Refreshed Financial Hardship Policy supports ratepayers
Somerset Regional Council has developed a new Financial Hardship Policy to allow Council to support ratepayers.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the policy outlined support measures Council can offer to help ratepayers who have difficulty paying their rates.
“The policy provides a fair and consistent framework for Council to work with ratepayers experiencing genuine financial hardship so we can help them meet their rates obligations,” Cr Wendt said.
For information about assistance options contact Council’s rates team on 5424 4000 or mail@somerset.qld.gov.au
Toogoolawah farewells Sergeant John Cumner
Somerset Regional Council has expressed their gratitude to Sergeant John Cumner following his announcement that he will leave Toogoolawah Police Station after 20 years serving the Toogoolawah community.
Deputy Mayor Helen Brieschke said Toogoolawah and the wider Somerset region would miss Sergeant Cumner.
“Many will join me in thanking John for his dedication, care and commitment to Somerset,” Cr Brieschke said.
“We wish him all the very best in his new appointment.”
Kilcoy Christmas Carnival returns for 2026
Somerset Regional Council has conditionally approved the Kilcoy Christmas Carnival to be held on Saturday, 5 December.
The Kilcoy Residents Special Events Association applied to hold the public activity at Anzac Park on Seib Street, from 5.30pm to 9.30pm.
Around 800 people are expected to attend the event, which will include entertainment, amusement rides, school performances, a fireworks display and a visit from Santa.
Next Somerset Regional Council Meeting
Somerset Regional Council will hold its next Ordinary Council Meeting at 9am on Wednesday, 12 August 2026 in the Simeon Lord Room at Esk Library.
The community is asked to contact Council and provide 24 hours’ notice if they plan to attend council meetings.
Meeting agendas, minutes and livestreams are available on Council’s website, visit somerset.qld.gov.au/Council-Meetings
NB: Somerset Regional Council held its Ordinary Meeting on Wednesday, 22 July 2026 at Alexandra Hall, Toogoolawah.