Somerset Regional Council Highlights - 24 October 2025
Published on 24 October 2025
Somerset residents get free trees
There are two more chances in November for Somerset Regional Council residents to grab themselves some free trees with Council’s hugely popular Free Tree Day program.
At the first event, in Kilcoy, 4868 trees were given away.
Bring your free tree vouchers (attached to your August Somerset rate notice) to one of the remaining sessions, held from 8am to 11am on the following dates.
- Saturday, 1 November – Somerset Civic Centre, 35 Esk Hampton Road, Esk
- Saturday, 15 November – Fernvale Community Hall, 32 Banks Creek Road, Fernvale
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said all ratepayers can take home 10 native, flowering and bird attracting plant species suitable for residential home gardens.
“Residents with properties over eight hectares can redeem an additional 10 larger native tree species suitable for bigger properties, including koala and wildlife habitat species trees,” Cr Wendt said.
“All you need is your free tree voucher.”
The Free Tree Days include a sausage sizzle, wildlife show starting 8.30am and a koala education stall hosted by the Queensland Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation.
Seniors celebrated in Somerset
Somerset seniors enjoyed a celebration coinciding with Queensland Seniors Month at the Somerset Civic Centre on 17 October.
Seniors enjoyed live music, participated in trivia games and had access to expo stalls covering health, support and wellbeing.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt welcomed the region’s seniors for a day of celebrations.
“It was great to see so many Somerset seniors enjoying this annual event,” Cr Wendt said.
The free event was supported by Somerset Regional Council’s seniors connection program, In Good Company, proudly funded by the Queensland Government.
Pat Buchlard and Frank Griggs enjoying the free morning tea
Council’s Wild Dog Control in November
Somerset Regional Council will hold its next wild dog baiting day on Monday, 10 November.
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, Kilcoy
- 10.30am-12pm at Moore Pony Club Grounds, Station Street, Moore
For enquiries or bookings phone Council on 5424 4000.
Somerset Councillors attend annual LGAQ Conference
Council’s decision makers have attended the 129th annual LGAQ Conference held on 20-22 October at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre.
This year’s theme, ‘Pathways and Liveability’ offered a platform for councils to exchange ideas, build partnerships and network.
The annual conference held key presentations and forums discussing major issues that many Councils’ face such as rising cost pressures, liveability and community outcomes and growth and infrastructure challenges for local governments in Queensland.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the conference was a great opportunity to learn from other Councils.
“This conference is a great way for Councils from all over Queensland to gather in one place and showcase what we do well, all whilst networking with suppliers that support local government,” Cr Wendt said.
“Discussions with city, country and remote Councils gave unique perspectives to the everyday challenges we face in Local Government.
“It also presented an important opportunity for us as elected members to advocate for our region on a State and Federal level.”
Council was pleased to see its motion calling for the continuation of the South East Queensland Community Stimulus Program (SEQCSP) carried at the conference, recognising the program’s vital role in supporting regional infrastructure and community projects.
Councillor Brett Freese, Stephanie Laycock, Mayor Jason Wendt, Councillor Sally Jess and Deputy Mayor Helen Brieschke attend this year’s LGAQ Conference.
Come and Chat with your Somerset Councillors this November
Somerset Councillors are hosting two ‘Come and Chat’ sessions in November in Kilcoy and Linville.
Come and Chat sessions will be held from 10am-12pm on the following dates:
- Wednesday, 5 November at Yowie Park, Kilcoy
- Wednesday, 19 November at Ditchman Park, Linville
Due to other commitments, not all Councillors may be in attendance.