Somerset Regional Council Meeting Highlights - 14 May 2025
Published on 16 May 2025
Get your gloves on for 2025 garden competition
The Somerset Garden Competition is back in 2025 with competition planning now underway.
Somerset Regional Council appointed Councillors Sally Jess and Michael Bishop as judges for the September competition, alongside returning external judge Carol Blacklock.
Cr Jess said she looked forward to visiting the gardens with Ms Blacklock and learning from her expertise.
“Ms Blacklock was endorsed by the Valley of the Lakes Garden Club for the position in 2024 and was a regular entrant and the runner up in 2023 for Best Rural Garden,” Cr Jess said.
“We’re glad to have her back in 2025.
“She has a good eye for all things gardening and it will be exciting to tap into her knowledge while touring Somerset’s beautiful backyards.”
Cr Bishop said gardeners new and returning should begin preparing for the competition.
“Entries are opening in mid-July, and judging is being held mid-September, so there’s still plenty of time to glove up and start potting your plants,” Cr Bishop said.
“We have categories for Best Urban, Best Rural, Best Tiny Gardens and Best First Time Entrants, plus bonus categories for Best Sustainable, Best Habitat, Best Floral and Best Repurposed/Upcycled Gardens.”
Somerset Regional Council thanks Searles Garden Products for sponsoring the 2025 Somerset Garden Competition.
Somerset Councillors Michael Bishop and Sally Jess (pictured) will tour the region in September to judge the Somerset Garden Competition, alongside returning judge and former entrant Carol Blacklock.
Special committee meeting talks art on the trail
The Somerset Regional Council Arts Culture and Heritage Advisory Committee held a special meeting on Monday, 14 April to discuss the planned delivery of public art commissions on the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail (BVRT).
Committee Chair Councillor Kylee Isidro said Council received many exciting expressions of interest following a callout for public artwork on the BVRT.
“The committee discussed a shortlist of artists, location options for landmark, place marker and ground plane artworks as well as the project name,” Cr Isidro said.
“We’re looking forward to delivering this project and enhancing the BVRT with thematic artworks across Somerset.”
Council was allocated $400,000 through the South East Queensland City Deal Public Art Initiative for public art commissions.
The commissions will reflect the history and character of the region, its unique First Nations heritage, rural nature and landscape, and the townships and people which define its contemporary character.
Open Space Strategy sets parks on the right path
Somerset Regional Council has reviewed all of its parks and open spaces to produce an important future-focused document.
The Open Space Strategy will guide upgrades and regional development to ensure Somerset’s growing community’s needs are met.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said Council had a vision for a diverse parks network.
“We want parks which provide opportunities for healthy lifestyles, connecting with nature, and space to meet, connect, play and rest,” Cr Wendt said.
“This document gives our Council a strong direction how to deliver this service.
“We have a wealth of open space with 209 hectares of Council-managed land open to the community, including 55 hectares of local parks, as well as regional and district recreation parks, sport parks, trails and amenity reserves.
“We’re proud to provide about 2.17 hectares of local parks for every 1,000 people in Somerset, almost double of the offering of some of our neighbouring councils.”
Cr Wendt said accommodating future growth in Somerset presented a challenge to future park management.
“As our region and its needs grow the demands of Council and our parks network will also grow, but with this new strategy we are well positioned to manage this challenge.”
Council powered through January to March quarter
Somerset Regional Council received its Operational Plan 2024-2025 Third Quarter review with green marks across the board.
Guided by Council’s Corporate Plan, the Operational Plan is measured by the number of items completed or on track for completion for the year, using a traffic light system to indicate progress of tasks.
Council CEO Andrew Johnson said the document drove Council’s Corporate Plan.
“The Operational Plan articulates our commitment to key projects, services and activities,” Mr Johnson said.
“The January to March quarter provided some challenges with project delays following the December rain event and further disruptions caused by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
“Damages from the December rain event and Ex-TC Alfred created some additional drainage work which is nearing completion.
“Despite the setbacks, our Council has made good, positive progress on the Operational Plan.”
Mr Johnson said the document included many advocacy items.
“Our Council was very active in this space this quarter, especially leading into the Federal election,” Mr Johnsons said.
“We secured significant funding commitments for the Brisbane Valley Highway and sporting infrastructure in Lowood and Fernvale from our federal member, Shayne Neumann.
“We made significant progress with the Resilient Rivers program and have endorsed several projects through the South East Queensland Council of Mayors.
“We have also made advances with the Lockyer Valley and Somerset Water Collaborative following a meeting with Minister for Water Ann Leahy, which has provided confidence with a water source for this project.
“Our advisory committees and community events have provided many opportunities for residents to interact and have their say on Council matters.”
Council offers condolences to Coates family
Somerset Regional Council shared a message of condolence on the passing of Tony Coates of Toogoolawah at its ordinary meeting on Wednesday, 14 May.
Somerset Deputy Mayor Helen Brieschke said Toogoolawah lost a true community champion in Mr Coates.
“Tony has played a significant role in supporting our community, Cr Brieschke said.
“He was Sergeant of Toogoolawah Police Station in the early 1990s, and he introduced the first Blue Light Disco in our region.
“He is fondly remembered as a bus driver and as a steward at the Ekka and Toogoolawah Show.
“His greatest gift to our community was 28 years of dedication to the Toogoolawah & District Progress Association, Toogoolawah Christmas Tree, Toogoolawah Show Society and Toogoolawah Rural Fire Brigade.”
Cr Brieschke said Mr Coates touched the hearts of many in Somerset and would be sadly missed.
“On behalf of Somerset Regional Council, I would like to offer sincere condolences to Tony’s family,” Cr Brieschke said.
Next Somerset Regional Council Meeting
Somerset Regional Council will hold its next ordinary council meeting at 9am on Wednesday, 28 May in the Simeon Lord Room at the Esk Library.
Council asks the community to contact council and provide 24 hours’ notice if they plan to attend council meetings.
NB: Somerset Regional Council held its ordinary meeting Wednesday, 14 May 2025.
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