Somerset Regional Council Highlights – 2 October 2025
Published on 02 October 2025
Allira, Joseph and Freya had the best costumes at the 2024 Spooky Somerset event.
Spooky scary event for Somerset families
Join Somerset Regional Council for Spooky Somerset this Halloween in Clock Park, Lowood.
From 3pm on Friday, 31 October, little monsters, wicked witches and scary skeletons will come together and show off their spooky costumes at Council’s free Halloween event.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said Spooky Somerset was a great evening for the community.
“We’ll have free activities including a photo booth, music, llamas, face painting and information stalls with craft activities and give-aways,” Cr Wendt said.
“The barbecue kicks off at 5pm along with the ‘Bat Walk’, with prizes for the best and spookiest costumes.
“At 6.30pm we’ll put ‘Frankenweenie’ (PG) up on the big screen, so make sure to bring your own chair and picnic blanket for movies in the park.”
For more information, contact Council on 5424 4000 or mail@somerset.qld.gov.au
Designs for Brisbane Valley Highway Safety Upgrades moving forward
Somerset Regional Council is working in partnership with the Queensland Government and Australian Government to make the Brisbane Valley Highway safer for everyone travelling through the region.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) will deliver targeted safety improvements to high-risk intersections in Fernvale and Toogoolawah, with design work now underway.
Traffic and Safety Advisory Committee Chair, Mayor Jason Wendt, said the priority intersections were identified for improvement using crash data, traffic volumes and feedback from Somerset residents gathered by Council.
“The number one concern for Somerset residents is upgrading the Brisbane Valley Highway (BVH), and while Council is not responsible for managing this asset we recognise its importance for our region’s safety, connectivity and growth,” Cr Wendt said.
“Our Council’s strong advocacy for the BVH has led to a commitment of $80 million in works over the next three years.
“This investment will address the immediate safety and operational needs of the highway.
“However, Council will continue advocating for a long-term strategic commitment and a comprehensive business plan to ensure the BVH continues to receive critical funding into the future.
“Ensuring a coordinated approach between Federal and State governments, supported by Council, is vital to meet the ongoing needs of this essential transport corridor.”
TMR has begun design work for new traffic arrangements on Dingyarra Street and Mount Beppo Road intersections on the BVH in Toogoolawah, and channelised right-turn lanes for Forest Hill Fernvale Road and Quarry Road in Fernvale.
TMR will share updates with the community as these projects progress, with a dedicated webpage coming soon.
Read the full project update here: somerset.qld.gov.au/BVHSU-Sep2025
If you would like to register to receive updates, email northcoast@tmr.qld.gov.au
The Department of Transport and Main Roads will begin designs for intersection upgrades on the Brisbane Valley Highway for Dingyarra Street (pictured) and Mount Beppo Road in Toogoolawah, and Forest Hill Fernvale Road and Quarry Road in Fernvale.
Getting ready is everyone’s responsibility
Get Ready Queensland Week is held from 6 to 12 October 2025, and Somerset Regional Council is reminding residents disaster preparedness is everyone’s responsibility.
Local Disaster Management Group Chair, Mayor Jason Wendt, said now was the ideal time for Somerset residents to brush up on their extreme weather and disaster preparedness plans.
“Bushfire season is looming, and just within the last week the Queensland Fire Department declared a local fire ban for Somerset and surrounding regions,” Cr Wendt said.
“At the same time, the Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting a wetter-than-average season ahead.
“Council has finished installing new river and rainfall gauges across the region, added three more flood cameras and upgraded key flood warning infrastructure thanks to state and federal grants.
“This work is all about keeping our community safer and better informed when it matters most.”
Cr Wendt urged the community to prepare for disaster season.
“Even with the best planning and forecasting, disasters can catch us by surprise so it’s crucial residents are ready to respond, no matter what,” Cr Wendt said.
“We have plenty of great resources on our website including the Disaster Dashboard, Early Warning Network, flood cameras, flood certificates and our Business Disaster Management Plan-on-a-Page,” Cr Wendt said.
“The Disaster Dashboard is updated in real time with the latest information during a severe weather event, including road conditions, power outages, school closures and more.”
Visit Council’s Disaster Dashboard: disaster.somerset.qld.gov.au
Free Mentoring for Growth sessions for Somerset businesses
Somerset Regional Council has partnered with the Queensland Government’s Department of Small and Family Business to deliver free, face-to-face Mentoring for Growth (M4G) sessions for Somerset businesses.
Economic Development and Tourism Advisory Committee Chair, Mayor Jason Wendt, said the program could help businesses with leveraging opportunities.
“Whether your business is well-established or just starting out, the M4G sessions can help you address growth challenges and improve business outcomes,” Cr Wendt said.
“This is a free, confidential mentoring session where you are matched with volunteer business experts who provide information, tips and resources to support your goals.”
Sessions will be held from 9am to 3pm on Wednesday, 29 October 2025 at Esk Library, 19 Heap Street Esk.
To register, visit somerset.qld.gov.au/M4G29October
Free trees, sausages and wildlife shows in Kilcoy, Esk and Fernvale
Somerset Regional Council’s popular Free Tree Days are happening this October and November.
Bring your free tree vouchers (attached to your August rate notice) to one of three Free Tree Days held across the region from 8am to 11am on the following dates.
- Saturday, 18 October – Kilcoy Memorial Hall, 18 Kenndy Street, Kilcoy
- 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 residents could take home a range of free, pre-packed native plants.
“All ratepayers can take home 10 native, flowering and bird attracting plant species suitable for residential home gardens,” Cr Wendt said.
“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.
“All you need is your free tree voucher.”
The Free Tree Days include a free sausage sizzle, offered on a ‘first come, first served’ basis.
There will be a wildlife show starting 8.30am at each Free Tree Day, and the Queensland Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation will have a koala information stall at each event.
Celebrate Seniors Month with Somerset Regional Council
Somerset Regional Council will host a Regional Seniors Event at the Somerset Civic Centre on Friday, 17 October, with free entertainment, lunch and a services expo.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the popular event always booked out.
“We will have entertainment provided by the talented Memphis Moovers, trivia games and a lucky door prize to round out the day,” Cr Wendt said.
“The expo stalls will have helpful information for seniors regarding health, support services, carer services and more.”
Doors open at 8.45am with a 2pm close.
This free event is funded through Somerset Regional Council’s seniors connection program, In Good Company, proudly funded by the Queensland Government.
Bookings are essential, contact Council on 5424 4000 or mail@somerset.qld.gov.au
Support at home information session coming to Kilcoy
Somerset Regional Council will host a free information session for senior residents and carers on Wednesday, 15 October at Kilcoy Library.
The Support at Home for People 65 Years and Over information session will be led by Council’s Community Development Coordinator with support from Footprints Community.
The information session intends to help seniors understand changes occurring in aged care services which will come into effect in November.
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
Say hello to your Somerset Councillors
Somerset Councillors are hosting a ‘Come and Chat’ session in Coominya on Wednesday, 15 October.
This is an opportunity for residents to speak directly with elected representatives and learn about Council’s projects and plans.
Councillors will be available from 10am to 12pm at Coominya Memorial Park.
Due to other commitments, not all Councillors will attend each Come and Chat session.