Somerset Regional Council Highlights – 17 July 2026
Published on 17 July 2026
Roger and Jan Putwain, Elaine Jackson, Alma Wrigley and Lloyd and Maria Harvey ready for a feast.
Lester Kropp Bridge Replacement works to continue
Somerset Regional Council’s contractor has been given the green light to restart work at the Lester Kropp Bridge site at Villeneuve following a three-month review of the upgrade works.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the review included further technical assessments of the design and construction methodology.
“Due to ground conditions, targeted changes have been made to the bridge abutment to ensure long-term structural performance and safety; however, no other changes have been made to the bridge design,” Cr Wendt said.
“Council’s contractor will resume work in late July with a completion date set for December 2026, weather permitting.
“We thank the community for their patience as this important work is carried out.”
Council’s contractor has been given the green light to restart work at the Lester Kropp Bridge site at Villeneuve.
Renew your dog registration
Somerset Regional Council has started issuing Dog Registration Renewal Notices, after approving a 25-month dog registration period from 1 July 2026 to 31 July 2028.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said Council had kept dog rego fees as low as possible for the period.
“If you have a desexed dog and you pay within the discount period, ending 30 September 2026, your fee is only $90,” Cr Wendt said.
“We’ve reduced impounding fees by 90% for the first impoundment in the financial year, making it less expensive to bring your best friend home.
“The new rego tags also have no end date, meaning they are lifetime tags unless lost or damaged, in which case Council will replace the tag at no cost.”
Cr Wendt said dog rego fees helped pay for important pet-related Council services such as dog park maintenance, running the pound, collecting wandering animals, and investigating dog attacks and barking complaints.
“Most importantly, registering and microchipping your dog means we can return them to you quickly if they get lost,” Cr Wendt said.
“Make sure to keep your registration and microchip details up to date and contact Council if you move out of the region or your pet has passed away.”
Visit somerset.qld.gov.au/catsanddogs
Community Assistance Grants opening end of July
The next funding round of Somerset Regional Council’s Community Assistance Grants will open on Friday, 31 July 2026.
Not for profit community organisations can apply for financial assistance for projects, activities or events that deliver a clear benefit to the wider community.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt encouraged eligible community organisations to apply.
“As a general guide, Council will typically fund successful applications up to $5,500,” Cr Wendt said.
“Funding of up to $10,000 may be considered where an organisation can demonstrate exceptional circumstances, such as a larger scale project, an extended delivery timeframe or significant community benefit.
“Council generally expects applicants to contribute approximately 50 per cent of the project cost through a financial or in-kind contribution. However, a lower contribution may be considered based on the merit of the application, the organisation’s capacity to contribute or the significance of the community outcome.
“To assist organisations with their applications, Council has prepared a tutorial video that is available on our website. Our team is also available to assist with enquiries.”
Community organisations may submit one grant application per funding round, with two funding rounds available each financial year. Applicants must have satisfied the acquittal requirements for any previous Council grants before the new round opens.
In addition to ordinary grant applications, round one applicants can apply for rates remissions and Christmas projects and events.
The round opens Friday, 31 July and closes 5pm Wednesday, 26 August.
Projects must not have a start date before Friday, 25 September 2026.
To download the form and watch the tutorial video, visit somerset.qld.gov.au/Grants
For more information contact Council on 5424 4000 or mail@somerset.qld.gov.au
Valmae Richards, Julie Henley and Valda Conrad at the Kilcoy Bowls Club for the In Good Company Christmas in July event.
In Good Company celebrates Christmas in July
Somerset seniors enjoyed a festive feast at the Kilcoy Bowls Club on Thursday, 16 July.
More than 50 seniors enjoyed a free meal, caught up with old friends and made new connections at the Christmas in July event, hosted by Somerset Regional Council’s senior connections program, In Good Company.
Additional In Good Company events are scheduled across July and August.
The final Last Aid for Seniors course, presented by Palliative Care Queensland, will be held at the Somerset Civic Centre in Esk at 9am on Monday, 27 July.
The four-hour course covers end-of-life care and the importance of planning ahead.
The popular Midday Movies program continues at the Kilcoy Visitor Information Centre on the first Sunday each month.
The next movie will be Seven Brides for Seven Brothers on Sunday, 2 August, with morning tea from 10.30am and screening from 11.30am.
Then, on Wednesday, 5 August Council will host a First Aid for Seniors course with St John Ambulance at the Kilcoy Library, starting 9am.
This course equips seniors and carers with practical skills needed to manage common age-related emergencies, from handling falls and managing chronic conditions to recognising signs of illness.
Registrations for In Good Company events are essential for catering – 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
Teresa and Matt Hanley enjoyed some mid-year festivities.
Small business workshop coming to Esk
Somerset Regional Council has partnered with Small Business Financial Counselling Service (SBFCS) Southern Queensland to deliver a free, practical workshop for improving profitability in Esk.
The workshop, held 9am-11am on Wednesday, 19 August at Esk Library, is designed for small business owners looking to take the guesswork out of their finances.
Led by Small Business Financial Counsellor Nicholas Hess, the session will help you understand your business performance, identify opportunities for improvement and build your confidence in managing your business’s finances.
To register, visit bit.ly/3STgIp2
AusAlert national test happening 27 July
Somerset Regional Council advises residents to be aware of a planned national test alert, to be sent to all compatible mobile devices on Monday, 27 July.
The Australian Government is launching AusAlert – a new national warning system that uses the latest technology to send emergency messages to compatible devices such as mobile phones, tablets and smart watches connected to mobile towers.
Ahead of the national launch in October 2026, a planned test alert will be issued for Queenslanders on Monday, 27 July at 2pm.
The test message will be a Critical Alert, causing your mobile device to vibrate and will be delivered with a loud siren-like warning sound which lasts 10 seconds.
Your device will make this noise even if you have set it to ‘silent’ or ‘do not disturb’ mode.
Somerset Mayor and Local Disaster Management Group Chair, Jason Wendt, said residents should not be alarmed by the test alert.
“There is no need to panic when your phone starts buzzing on 27 July,” Cr Wendt said.
“If you receive the alert while driving, stay calm and don’t touch your phone or read the message until it is safe and legal to do so.
“If you are concerned about privacy, you can turn off your mobile device or put it in aeroplane mode one hour before the test, and for 24 hours during and after the test.”
AusAlert provides governments and emergency services the ability to send national or local alerts about disasters, including natural disasters or events like public health emergencies, security threats or biosecurity incidents.
For more information visit ausalert.gov.au