Somerset Regional Council Highlights – 15 May 2026
Published on 15 May 2026
Somerset Regional Council Mayor Jason Wendt officially opened ‘Shifting ground’, ‘Earthen form’ and ‘Unturned’ at The Condensery on Friday, 8 May.
The Condensery opens its doors to potters and ceramicists
The Condensery – Somerset Regional Art Gallery opened three new exhibitions, ‘Shifting ground’, ‘Earthen form’ and ‘Unturned’ on Friday, 8 May.
Somerset Regional Council Mayor Jason Wendt thanked the art community for joining the gallery to celebrate the works of local potters.
“The exhibition features the works of four contemporary Somerset ceramicists, a collection of historical pieces by pioneering women potters and creations from talented Toogoolawah State High School students,” Cr Wendt said.
“It’s exciting to see so many unique exhibitions coming to The Condensery, and there’s plenty more in stall for 2026.”
‘Shifting ground’, ‘Earthen form’ and ‘Unturned’ will be on display at The Condensery from 2 May to 12 July.
To view exhibition and program details visit thecondensery.com.au
The Condensery – Somerset Regional Art Gallery is located at 29 Factory Road, Toogoolawah.
‘Memory housing’ by Veronica Cay, 2021 – now on display at The Condensery.
Subscribe to Somerset Spotlight
Somerset Regional Council is launching a new bi-monthly newsletter at the end of May 2026, creating more informed communities and strengthening connections between residents and Council.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the newsletter, Somerset Spotlight, was a key initiative in improving communication with residents, businesses and community groups.
“We want to share all the important news coming out of Council with the community,” Cr Wendt said.
“The newsletter will include updates on major projects, arts and culture stories, meeting highlights, upcoming events and much more.”
Cr Wendt encouraged residents to subscribe to receive the newsletter directly to their email inbox.
“We have a special offer running where anyone who subscribes before 30 June will go in the running to win a family pass to the 2026 Somerset Rail Trail Classic,” Cr Wendt said.
To subscribe, visit somerset.qld.gov.au/subscribe
Help define ‘Good Growth’ for future planning in Somerset
Somerset Regional Council is seeking community input for its Growth Management Strategy, a significant project which will inform future planning and advocacy for housing, employment, transport and more.
The Growth Management Strategy (GMS) will assist in planning how the region will accommodate greater residential growth and facilitate further employment and industrial development.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the first step in developing the GMS was community consultation.
“We want to know what matters to residents and get an understanding of what ‘Good Growth’ would mean for Somerset,” Cr Wendt said.
“We have a survey and a series of workshops which invites residents to have their say on key issues like housing, employment, infrastructure, utilities, transport and the environment.”
Public consultation closes 5pm Friday, 29 May 2026.
To complete the survey, visit somerset.qld.gov.au/GMS
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.”
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