Somerset Regional Council Highlights – 7 November 2025

Published on 07 November 2025

	The Condensery – Somerset Regional Art Gallery’s new Gallery Curator, Sophie Chapman.

Talk to a planner about Council’s planning scheme

Somerset Regional Council invites the community to learn about planning scheme amendments at Talk to a Planner sessions held across the region.

Public consultation on the Somerset Region Planning Scheme – Major Amendment 2 opened on Tuesday, 4 November and closes Friday, 5 December 2025.

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said residents were welcome to speak with Council’s planners in one-on-one sessions to raise questions about the proposed changes.

“You can book a 15-minute consultation at a Talk to a Planner session to ask about how the proposed changes relates to your property and any development plans you may have,” Cr Wendt said.

"To assist Council officers in providing relevant information, appointments are required.”

Sessions are being held on the following dates:

• Wednesday, 12 November – Kilcoy Customer Service Centre, 15 Kennedy Street
• Thursday, 13 November – Lowood Customer Service Centre, 1 Michel Street
• Friday, 14 November – Esk Administration Centre, 2 Redbank Street

Further dates will be advised to the community based on demand.

The Condensery welcomes new curator

The Condensery – Somerset Regional Art Gallery recently welcomed its newly appointed Gallery Curator, Sophie Chapman.

Sophie is an experienced exhibition manager and creative producer and joins The Condensery from her position as Exhibitions Producer at the State Library of Queensland.

Her experience focusses on community engagement, stakeholder liaison, sector development and curatorial program development.

Sophie said she was excited to take on the role.

“I look forward to collaborating with artists, community partners, and the wider arts sector to deliver dynamic curatorial programs that champions exceptional creative practice, meaningful engagement, and enriches cultural life for the Somerset region and its visitors,” Sophie said.

The new Gallery Curator has also worked in roles at Logan Art Gallery and the National Association for the Visual Arts.

Somerset residents get free trees

There‘s one last chance in 2025 for Somerset Regional Council residents to grab themselves some free trees with Council’s hugely popular Free Tree Day program.

Bring your vouchers (attached to your August Somerset rate notice) to the final event, held from 8am to 11am on Saturday, 15 November at 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 Day includes a sausage sizzle, wildlife show starting 8.30am and a koala education stall hosted by the Queensland Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation.

Book now for 2025 Community Development Conference

Registrations are now open for Somerset Regional Council’s inaugural Community Development Conference, to be held at the Somerset Civic Centre in Esk on Saturday, 29 November.

Somerset Social Plan Advisory Committee Chair, Councillor Michael Bishop, said the conference was both a networking opportunity and a celebration of community groups.

“This conference will bring together community leaders, volunteers and stakeholders to share insights and build relationships,” Cr Bishop said.

“We look forward to seeing Somerset come together to celebrate community groups.

“A key element of the Community Development Conference will be the award presentation, with certificates recognising impact, engagement and leadership in Somerset community groups.”

To nominate a community group for an award or to reserve your spot, visit somerset.qld.gov.au/CDC

The free event is organised by Somerset Regional Council and proudly funded through Queensland Government’s Neighbourhood Centre Initiative.

Support at home information session coming to Lowood

Somerset Regional Council will host a free information session for senior residents and carers on Friday, 28 November at Lowood Library.

The Support at Home for People 65 Years and Over information session will be led by Council’s Community Development Coordinator and an Aged and Disability Advocates Australia representative.

The information session will help seniors understand changes occurring in aged care services coming into effect in November 2025.

The session will be held from 10am to 11.30am and includes a free morning tea – bookings are not essential.

To speak with the Community Development Coordinator, contact Council on 5424 4000 or mail@somerset.qld.gov.au