Somerset Regional Council Highlights - 1 May 2026
Published on 01 May 2026
Temporary Somerset Libraries closures
Somerset Libraries will be closed for a short time in late May for team training and refurbishments.
All libraries in Kilcoy, Lowood and Toogoolawah will be closed on Friday, 22 May for team training.
Esk Library will be closed from 21 May to 25 May for upgrade works.
Somerset Regional Council Arts, Culture and Heritage Advisory Committee Chair, Councillor Sally Jess, said the libraries were improving services following the Somerset Libraries Community Feedback Survey.
“We had great feedback through the survey earlier this year, and it’s exciting to see improvements already underway in our libraries,” Cr Jess said.
“In Esk, we’ll be upgrading the library to include new work and study spaces, a larger children’s area and new seating.
“To allow this transformation, Esk Library will be closed from 12pm Thursday, 21 May to 12pm Monday, 25 May.”
An exciting opportunity for a Licence to Occupy the Linville Railway Station Building is now open for expressions of interest. Photo from Somerset Stories.
What would you do with the Linville Railway Station?
Somerset Regional Council is seeking expressions of interest from the community for a Licence to Occupy the Linville Railway Station Building on George Street, Linville.
This is an exciting opportunity for an individual or community group to find a new purpose for the historic building.
Expressions of interest close 5pm Friday, 22 May 2026.
To apply, visit somerset.qld.gov.au/LRSB-EOI
Wild Dog Control Program on soon in Somerset
To control wild dog numbers, Somerset Regional Council will hold a wild dog baiting day on Monday, 11 May.
Council will assist with the preparation of 1080 poison baits at four sites:
- 7:30am-9am at Middle Creek, Bryden
- 10.30am-12pm at Fernvale Recreation Grounds, Fernvale
- 7.30am-9am at Kilcoy Showgrounds, Woolmar
- 10.30am-12pm at Moore Pony Club Grounds, Station Street, Moore
For enquiries or bookings phone Council on 5424 4000.
Celebrate Small Business Month over breakfast in Esk
The Somerset business community is invited to celebrate Queensland Small Business Month with a free breakfast event at the Somerset Civic Centre in Esk on Friday, 8 May.
Somerset Regional Council’s annual Somerset Business Breakfast is an opportunity for business owners to network and learn from business leaders.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt will join guest speakers in the morning.
“This is a great event for both new and established Somerset businesses looking to connect and grow our region’s economy,” Cr Wendt said.
“We’ll hear from Peter Maddock from the Small Business Commissioner’s office, Kerryn Fewster from Change2020, and representatives from Queensland Country Tourism and the Somerset Business Chamber.
“Our local economy thrives when small businesses work together, so come along, enjoy a bite and help us build a stronger, more connected, Somerset region.”
Somerset Regional Council is a proud member of the Small Business Friendly Councils.
“As a signatory to this charter, we have made a pledge to support small businesses and this is just one of many services we are offering the business community,” Cr Wendt said.
The Somerset Business Breakfast will be held from 7am to 9am on Friday, 8 May at the Somerset Civic Centre, 35 Esk Hampton Road, Esk.
Bookings are free – reserve your spot at: bit.ly/sbb2026
Somerset artists called for ‘Year of the horse’
Somerset artists and horse enthusiasts are invited to apply for an exciting exhibition opportunity at The Condensery – Somerset Regional Art Gallery.
Somerset Regional Council Arts, Culture and Heritage Advisory Committee Chair, Councillor Sally Jess, said The Condensery would bring together nine artists for a horse-themed exhibition between December 2026 and February 2027.
“The exhibition, ‘Year of the horse’, will celebrate horses as a symbol of joy, transformation, ambition, and the pursuit of freedom,” Cr Jess said.
“Horses are an integral part of community life in Somerset, from campdraft arenas and pony club competitions, rodeos and trail rides across the countryside.
“We’re inviting artists working in a variety of mediums to apply to be part of an exhibition which reflect on horses and the bonds we share with them.”
Applications are open now and close 4pm Monday, 18 May 2026.
For more information and to apply visit thecondensery.com.au/about/get-involved
Council is seeking audit committee members
Somerset Regional Council is seeking expressions of interest from individuals wishing to join its Audit Committee as an independent member.
Council CEO Andrew Johnson said there were independent committee member positions available.
“As an independent member of the committee, the successful applicants will contribute their specialist skills and knowledge to matters which assist Council in the oversight of internal and external audit functions, financial reporting, and oversight of internal control systems,” Mr Johnson said.
For more information and to apply visit somerset.qld.gov.au/EOI-AuditCommittee
Applications close 5pm Friday, 15 May 2026.
Last Aid for Seniors information session coming to Kilcoy
Somerset Regional Council will host its next information sessions for end-of-life care planning on Monday, 25 May at the Kilcoy Library
The Last Aid for Seniors course, presented by Palliative Care Queensland, is supported by Council’s senior connections program, In Good Company.
Somerset Social Plan Advisory Committee Chair, Councillor Michael Bishop, encouraged seniors and carers in the community to register for the sessions.
“This course helps participants understand end-of-life care and the importance of planning ahead,” Cr Bishop said.
“The course is about relieving suffering and recognising dying as a natural part of life.
“Participants will learn about end-of-life planning, comfort measures, and final goodbyes.”
The session will be held at the Kilcoy Library on 15 Kennedy Street from 11am to 3pm on 25 May.
The final course will be offered in Esk on Monday, 27 July.
All sessions will include light refreshments, with a small charge of $5 payable on the day of the session.
Bookings are essential, for more information and to register contact Council on 5424 4000 or mail@somerset.qld.gov.au
The In Good Company program is funded by the Queensland Government.
For more information visit somerset.qld.gov.au/IGC