Somerset Regional Council Meeting Highlights - 9 September 2026
Published on 11 September 2026
Somerset Councillors with Member for Nanango and Attorney-General of Queensland Deb Frecklington in Esk.
Funding helps Council fight against illegal dumping
Somerset Regional Council welcomed a Queensland Government funding announcement of $338,948 in funding to crack down on illegal dumping across the region.
Through the Fighting Illegal Dumping Partnerships Program, a dedicated illegal dumping officer will be appointed to Somerset for three years, with additional funds supporting purchase of a vehicle, surveillance equipment and signage
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt thanked the Crisafulli Government for the funding.
“The illegal dumping officer will respond to and investigate reports of illegal dumping, particularly around waterways, forest areas and agricultural land,” Cr Wendt said.
“Illegal dumping hotspots will be targeted with increased surveillance, enforcement, and public education.
“This funding will help keep Somerset clean, while also reducing environmental harm and clean-up costs for ratepayers.”
The Fighting Illegal Dumping Partnerships Program is proudly funded by the Queensland Government.
Member for Nanango stops in at Esk
Somerset Regional Council welcomed Attorney-General, Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity and Member for Nanango, the Honourable Deb Frecklington into its chambers to discuss highway upgrades, public transport, community stimulus funding, tourism and growth.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt thanked Ms Frecklington for stopping in at Esk after Council’s Ordinary Meeting on 9 September.
“It’s always great to catch up with Deb, and we’re glad she could lend her ear to our concerns,” Cr Wendt said.
“We discussed priority works in the Brisbane Valley Highway Safety Program and public transport in Somerset.
“We pushed for continued funding through the South East Queensland Community Stimulus Program, and additional funding through programs like the Residential Activation Fund to enable infrastructure which will support growing housing supply.
“We are seeking Community Benefit Agreements to ensure the Somerset and Wivenhoe Dam improvement projects leave a positive, enduring legacy for surrounding communities.”
Cr Wendt said there was significant growth happening in Somerset, and major projects coming to the region.
“With this growth and change, Council’s priority is protecting Somerset’s country lifestyle, and we know Deb shares this vision for the region,” Cr Wendt said.
“We’re grateful to the Member for Nanango and the State Government’s support as we work together to address the unique challenges we face in Somerset.”
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt discussing the region’s priorities with Deb Frecklington MP.
RADF to support Kilcoy historical mapping project
Somerset Regional Council has approved a Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) for $6,400 to the Kilcoy District Historical Society Incorporated to support the Pioneers of the Kilcoy District project.
Arts, Culture and Heritage Advisory Committee Chair, Councillor Sally Jess, said the project involved mapping the Kilcoy township from 1841 to 2025.
“The project includes a 20-page collection of unique stories associated with Kilcoy’s built heritage, people and businesses who contributed to the early development of the town,” Cr Jess said.
“This is a huge undertaking by the historical society and it’s our privilege to support their efforts through the RADF.”
The funding will support the project’s launch and printing the collection.
The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Somerset Regional Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.
To learn more visit somerset.qld.gov.au/RADF
Council approves 16 Community Assistance Grants
Somerset Regional Council approved 16 eligible rate remission applications through Round 1 of the 2026-2027 Community Assistance Grants program.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the program was designed to support community organisations to deliver services or projects, or through rate remissions.
“We’re glad to see so many groups taking up this program, because any kind of funding support allows them to better service their members and their community,” Cr Wendt said.
“Round 2 for 2026-2027 will open on 29 January 2027.”
Successful applicants are as follows: Brisbane Valley Pony and Hack Club, Esk RSL, Folk Art Co-Operative, Glamorgan Vale Tennis Club, Hopetoun Freemason Lodge No-172, Kilcoy Bowls Club, Linville Progress Association, Lions Camp Duckadang, Lowood and District Golf Club, Lowood and District Memorial Bowls Club, Lowood Masonic Lodge, Lowood RSL, Moore Soldiers Memorial Hall Association, St John Biarra Masonic Lodge, Toogoolawah Bowls Club and Toogoolawah RSL.
For more information on Somerset grant opportunities visit somerset.qld.gov.au/Grants
Next Somerset Regional Council Meeting
Somerset Regional Council will hold its next Ordinary Council Meeting at 9am on Wednesday, 23 September 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, 9 September 2026 at Esk Library.