Somerset Regional Council Highlights – 6 March 2026
Published on 06 March 2026
Join Glossy Black Conservancy for a bird-spotting workshop in Fernvale on 18 April to prepare yourself for the Great Glossy Count. Photo credit: Jasmine Connors.
Celebrating women in ag for International Women’s Day 2026
Somerset Regional Council, Regional Development Australia and Women in Agriculture have partnered to host a special event for International Women’s Day 2026.
Somerset Deputy Mayor Helen Brieschke invited women in agriculture across the region to attend a special networking morning tea on Friday, 20 March.
“Join us at the Somerset Civic Centre in Esk for a morning tea, networking opportunities and the chance to hear stories from inspirational women on the land,” Cr Brieschke said.
“Participants will learn about helpful training opportunities for farming and related industries, thanks to our event partners Women in Agriculture and Regional Development Australia.”
The event runs from 10am-11.30am at the Somerset Civic Centre, 35 Esk Hampton Road, Esk.
Tickets are free, visit somersetciviccentre.com.au/2026-international-womens-day
February rates notices issued
Somerset Regional Council began issuing rates notices on Tuesday, 17 February for the period ending 30 June 2026.
Payment is due by Tuesday, 31 March 2026.
Any landholders who have changed address and any eligible pensioner residents who have not previously applied for a pensioner subsidy are asked to contact Council to confirm details.
Ratepayers who wish to receive future notices by email can sign up for paperless delivery using the eNotices Reference Number provided on their rates notice.
For more information contact Council on 5424 4000 or mail@somerset.qld.gov.au
Learn how to identify Glossy Black-Cockatoos in Fernvale workshop
Somerset Regional Council is partnering with Glossy Black Conservancy to deliver a free training session for bird lovers in Fernvale.
The workshop, held 9.30am on Saturday, 18 April at the Fernvale Visitor Information Centre, is designed to help bird watchers feel confident and ready for the Great Glossy Count in May 2026.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt encouraged the community to get involved in the event.
“This is an opportunity to get to know fellow citizen scientists and sharpen your skills in identifying Glossy Black-Cockatoos, one of Australia’s rarest birds,” Cr Wendt said.
“You’ll learn key techniques like how to identify Glossy Black-Cockatoos by sight and sound.
“You’ll also learn how to recognise and record important findings out in the field.
“The event speaker, Liz Gould, has been involved with the Glossy Black Conservancy for nearly 20 years and recently finalised the 2025 Glossy Black-Cockatoo Habitat mapping Update for South East Queensland.”
Nature lovers, volunteers, birdwatchers and anyone passionate about the conservation of a vulnerable species is encouraged to attend the workshop and to support the Great Glossy Count on 16 and 17 May.
To register for the Fernvale workshop, visit bit.ly/greatglossycount
This event is proudly supported by Somerset Regional Council.
New dog agility equipment was installed at the Esk Dog Park in late February.
Somerset dog park upgrades continue
Somerset Regional Council has delivered several upgrades to dog off-leash areas across the region in 2026.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said it was great to see so many residents and their four-legged friends making use of the upgraded facilities.
“In January, we installed new agility equipment at the Kilcoy Dog Park on Seib Street,” Cr Wendt said.
“In early February, we opened the new dog park at Fernvale Memorial Park with a water bubbler now installed, and new seating and shade to be installed in coming months.
“Late last month we also installed new agility equipment at the Esk Dog Park, opposite the showgrounds on Esk Hampton Road.”
Cr Wendt shared an update on the Lowood Dog Park, one of the early projects planned for the Lowood Botanic Core.
“Thanks to funding from the State Government, this project is progressing well,” Cr Wendt said.
“Council has now awarded the construction contract and we expect the new dog park to be completed by mid-2026.”
Three arts and culture specialists sought for Somerset committee
Somerset Regional Council is seeking expressions of interest for three committee members for its Arts, Culture and Heritage Advisory Committee.
Committee Chair, Councillor Sally Jess, said Council was seeking one community members and two industry leaders.
“This committee provides advice to Council on the region’s arts, culture and heritage priorities,” Cr Jess said.
“We’re looking for passionate people who have both Somerset and its arts and cultural networks at heart.
“If this sounds like you, please make an expression of interest today.”
EOIs must be submitted by 1pm Thursday, 9 April 2026.
For more information visit somerset.qld.gov.au/ACHAC2026EOI
Somerset Regional Council will host its next Council Community Meeting in Linville on Tuesday, 24 March.
Council Meeting coming to Linville
Somerset Regional Council will host its next Council Community Meeting in Linville on Tuesday, 24 March.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt encouraged community members in Linville, Moore and surrounding districts to make the most of the meeting.
“We had great attendance and positive feedback from the Kilcoy and Fernvale communities at our previous meetings in 2025,” Cr Wendt said.
“This is a great opportunity to meet Councillors and Directors, to ask questions and learn about Council’s decision-making process.
“Somerset is a vast and decentralised region, and our Council has a duty to represent and deliver services for everyone, no matter where they live.”
The meeting will be held at 11am on 24 March at the Linville Hall on 40 George Street, Linville.
To view ordinary Council meeting dates, times and locations, visit Council’s website: somerset.qld.gov.au/Council-Meetings.
Last Aid for Seniors information session coming to Fernvale
Somerset Regional Council will host three information sessions for end-of-life care planning in 2026 through its 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.
“The Last Aid for Seniors course, presented by Palliative Care Queensland, 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 first session will be held at the Fernvale Visitor Information Centre from 9am to 1pm on Tuesday, 24 March.
Further events will be held in Kilcoy on Monday, 25 May and 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