Somerset Regional Council Highlights - 7 August 2025
Published on 07 August 2025
Construction for the Lowood SES Headquarters extension began on Monday, 4 August.
Somerset Regional Council postal by-election confirmed
The Somerset Regional Council councillor by-election will be held on Saturday, 13 September 2025.
The by-election will be conducted as a full postal ballot under section 45 of the Local Government Electoral Act 2011.
Voting is compulsory.
Council CEO Andrew Johnson encouraged all residents to visit the Electoral Commission of Queensland (ECQ) website for information.
“Key nomination and enrolment dates and information can be found on their website,” Mr Johnson said.
“Residents seeking further support can contact the ECQ on 1300 881 665.
“We look forward to welcoming our newly elected Councillor.”
For more information on the Somerset Regional Council by-election, visit ecq.qld.gov.au/somerset
To enrol to vote or update your details, visit the Australian Electoral Commission website: aec.gov.au
Rates notices to be issued 19 August
Somerset Regional Council’s rates notices for the period ending 31 December 2025 will be issued on Tuesday, 19 August 2025.
Payment is due by Monday, 30 September 2025.
This August notice will include a free trees voucher, highlights from the 2025–2026 Budget, and the 2025–2026 Rating Category Statement.
Ratepayers who wish to receive future notices by email can sign up for paperless delivery using the eNotices Reference Number provided on their August rates notice.
For more information, contact Council on 5424 4000 or mail@somerset.qld.gov.au.
Creating room to grow for Lowood SES Group
Somerset Regional Council has begun construction on the Lowood SES Headquarters building extension project at 17 Lindemans Road, Lowood.
Contractor Daniel Banditt Constructions started work on the $570,000 project on Monday, 4 August.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the Lowood SES Group was growing steadily in volunteer numbers.
“This 150sqm expansion will increase the headquarters’ floor space by 46%, creating more space for training, another office, an improved personnel entrance and all-weather access to bathroom facilities,” Cr Wendt said.
“An additional vehicle bay will ease congestion for the group’s fleet of vehicles, trailers and flood boat.
“The new and larger rooms will enhance the Lowood SES Group’s operational capacity and responsiveness during significant weather events.”
Cr Wendt said Council was proud to support the facility’s upgrade.
“The current building was constructed in 2013, and over these 12 years the Lowood SES Group’s needs and the community’s needs have increased,” Cr Wendt said.
“We’re excited to support our SES volunteers and all the great work they do for the community.”
Workshop to empower Somerset clubs
Somerset Regional Council will host a free Sport and Community Clubs Workshop on Wednesday, 27 August.
Presenter Karyn Kleidon from the Department of Sport, Racing and Olympic and Paralympic Games will speak on the State Government’s Club IQ program with a focus on marketing and volunteer retention and support.
The workshop is an opportunity for clubs to stay in the know, but also to network and share ideas.
The event will be held 5pm to 7.30pm on 27 August at Kilcoy Bowls Club with free catering.
Bookings essential, RSVP by Friday, 22 August by contacting 5424 4000 or mail@somerset.qld.gov.au
Support at home information session
Somerset Regional Council will host a free information session for senior residents and carers on Wednesday, 20 August at the Somerset Civic Centre in Esk.
The Support at Home for People 65 Years and Over information session will be led by Council’s Community Development Coordinator (CDC).
Somerset Social Plan Advisory Committee Chair, Councillor Michael Bishop, said the information session would help seniors understand changes occurring in aged care.
“There are many seniors seeking clarifications about the changes to aged care services which will come into effect in November,” Cr Bishop said.
“Our CDC will discuss the current system and the proposed changes.”
The session will be held in the Lyceum Room in the Somerset Civic Centre from 10am to 11.30am and includes a free morning tea – bookings are not essential.
Cr Bishop encouraged residents who need support accessing services, building social connections, or addressing community issues to contact Council’s CDC.
“The CDC’s role is to provide information and referral services, enhance social connection amongst residents and provide community development,” Cr Bishop said.
“This position is funded by the Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety through the Neighbourhood Centres Initiative.”
To speak with the CDC, contact Council on 5424 4000 or mail@somerset.qld.gov.au
Community Assistance Grants now open
Funding round one of Somerset Regional Council’s Community Assistance Grants for 2025-2026 is now open.
Community organisations can apply for a grant to assist with the costs associated with projects, events, services or the remission of some Council rates.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt encouraged community groups to apply for the funding.
“Our Council will provide between $500 and $5,500 to successful applicants, which can make a huge difference for those hard-working volunteer organisations wanting to contribute to the community,” Cr Wendt said.
“To make the application process as smooth as possible, our Council has prepared a helpful tutorial video, available on our website.
“If you need further assistance, our team is ready to support you every step of the way.”
In addition to ordinary grant applications, round one applicants can apply for rates remissions and Christmas projects and events.
The round closes 5pm Wednesday, 27 August 2025, and projects must not have a start date before Friday, 26 September 2025.
To download the form and watch the tutorial video, visit somerset.qld.gov.au/community-assistance-grants
For more information, contact Council on 5424 4000 or mail@somerset.qld.gov.au
Lantana Chemical Subsidy Program now open
Somerset Regional Council’s 2025-2026 Lantana Chemical Subsidy Program is now open.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the program’s objective was to support communities in managing the negative impacts of lantana on agriculture and the environment.
“Our Council has funded a 50% chemical subsidy for the control of lantana throughout Somerset,” Cr Wendt said.
“This helps our landholders meet their general biosecurity obligation under the Biosecurity Act 2014, and also generally increases farm profitability.”
The subsidy is available until allocated funds are expended in the 2025-2026 financial year, with payments to any landholder or entity limited to $5,000.
The expression of interest form can be found on Council website from Monday, 4 August, visit somerset.qld.gov.au
For more information, contact Council’s pest management team on 5424 4000 or mail@somerset.qld.gov.au