Somerset Regional Council Highlights 1 May 2025
Published on 01 May 2025
Lester Kropp Bridge replacement underway
Somerset Regional Council will begin tree clearing, earthworks and bridge construction on the Lester Kropp Bridge replacement on Neurum Road, Villeneuve this month.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said Council’s contractor would carry out the preliminary works to allow the construction of a modern, two-lane road bridge.
“The new bridge will meet current safety standards and will be south of the existing bridge, connecting Villeneuve and Mount Archer over the Stanley River,” Cr Wendt said.
“The current single-lane bridge has aged and is no longer fit for purpose.
“This will be a significant upgrade, improving the safety and reliability of a critical road connection.”
Construction is starting in May 2025 and projected to complete by mid-2026.
The Lester Kropp Bridge replacement is jointly funded through the Australian Government’s Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program and Somerset Regional Council.
Photo caption – Lester Kropp Bridge:
Somerset Councillors at Lester Kropp Bridge in Villeneuve. The bridge will be replaced with a modern, two-lane bridge with works starting in May 2025.
Wild Dog Control Program on soon in Somerset
To control wild dog numbers, Somerset Regional Council will hold a wild dog baiting day on Tuesday, 13 May.
Council will assist with the preparation of 1080 poison baits at four sites:
- Middle Creek, Bryden, 7.30am-9am
- Fernvale Recreation Ground, 10.30am-12pm
- Kilcoy Showground, 7.30am-9am
- Moore Pony Club, Station Street, 10.30am-12pm
For enquiries or bookings phone Council on 5424 4000.
Get to know Health Consumers Queensland
Help shape the future of healthcare in Somerset and across the state with a community information session later this month.
Health Consumers Queensland (HCQ) is holding a community information session in Esk on Tuesday, 20 May.
Supported by Somerset Regional Council, attendees will learn how HCQ partners with the health system to support Queenslanders influencing and leading better health outcomes.
The session will be held from 10am to 11am at the Somerset Civic Centre with morning tea provided by Council.
For more information, contact Council on 5424 4000 or mail@somerset.qld.gov.au
Divas encore at the Somerset Civic Centre
The Somerset Civic Centre is hosting the Esk Community Choir on Saturday, 17 May for the return of ‘Divas and Delights – Encore!’
Attendees are invited to dress for the occasion with their best bib and tucker for an evening of exceptional entertainment.
Performances will pay homage to the works of the great Johann Strauss II, with solos, duos, trios, ensembles, instrumentals and full choral compositions on the setlist.
‘Divas and Delights – Encore!’ will be held 5pm on Saturday, 17 May at the Somerset Civic Centre, 35 Esk Hampton Road, Esk.
Tickets are $30 or $200 for a table of eight with light supper included.
Bookings close 5pm Tuesday, 13 May.
Visit somersetciviccentre.com.au
Trial housing loan open to Somerset buyers
Somerset residents who can afford to repay a home loan but are struggling to save for a deposit may be eligible for a low-deposit home loan from the Queensland Government.
The Department of Housing and Public Works’ Queensland Housing Finance Loan Regional Trial is open to residents looking to buy or build a home in 45 eligible council areas, including Somerset.
The regional trial allows buyers with an annual household income of up to $201,000 and a minimum deposit of 2% of the property’s purchase price to apply for a loan.
The two-year trial ends on 1 July 2026.
For more information and eligibility criteria visit bit.ly/QueenslandHousingFinanceLoan
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