Somerset Regional Council Meeting Highlights - 23 April 2025
Published on 24 April 2025
Council welcomes new Chief Financial Officer
Somerset Regional Council welcomed its new Chief Financial Officer for her first ordinary meeting on Wednesday, 23 April 2025.
Donna Gregory brings more than 25 years of experience in Finance and Operations in both state and local government roles.
With her Bachelor of Business, Graduate Diploma in Strategic Leadership and Advanced Diploma in Government, Donna is also a Fellow of CPA Australia and is on the Committee of Local Government Finance Professionals.
Ms Gregory said she was passionate about leading by values with a caring heart and a curious mind.
“I look forward to working with Team Somerset and contributing to the success of the region,” Ms Gregory said.
“As the new CFO I am already working closely with our Finance Department in preparing the 2025-2026 Budget.
“This Council has a great history of delivering significant projects through grant funding with minimal cost to ratepayers, and I am excited to continue this legacy of strong financial leadership.”
Somerset Regional Council welcomed its new CFO at her first ordinary meeting on Wednesday, 23 April. Pictured: CEO Andrew Johnson, new CFO Donna Gregory and Mayor Jason Wendt.
New industry approved for Woolmar
Somerset Regional Council has approved a development application for medium impact industry and operational works west of Kilcoy at 22 Industrial Avenue, Woolmar.
The site will be used for storing and debarking timber with up to 800 logs debarked per day.
The applicant intends to transport the bark to landscape supply companies in Ipswich and the de-barked logs to the pallet factory business located on the adjoining property in Woolmar.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the new industry was a good development for the Woolmar and Kilcoy community.
“The location of the business is ideal given its proximity to the pallet factory,” Cr Wendt said.
“There is already a vegetation buffer and acoustic fence between the industrial businesses and residencies to the north, so the noise impact from this new business will be minimal.”
Esk popping with colour ahead of garden fair
Somerset Regional Council has approved permanent mosaic artwork to be installed in Pipeliner Park, Esk.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said Council received a proposal from The Valley of the Lakes Garden Club to install four mosaics depicting Somerset’s flora, fauna and history.
“They plan to finalise the first two artworks before the club’s annual event, the Esk Garden Fair, which will be held on Saturday, 21 June 2025,” Cr Wendt said.
“The Esk Men’s Shed will support the club in constructing and installing the mosaics.”
Council has also approved a request from the Esk Country Women’s Association to place knitted scarves on trees along Ipswich Street and within Pipeliner Park in Esk to celebrate the Esk Garden Fair.
The scarves will be placed on trees from 1 May to 31 July 2025.
Somerset Regional Council has approved the installation of four mosaic artworks in Pipeliner Park, Esk to celebrate the Esk Garden Fair. Pictured: a sample mosaic provided by Valley of the Lakes Garden Club.
AECOM to lead Lowood Green Botanic Core and Streetscape
Somerset Regional Council has appointed infrastructure consultancy firm AECOM as contractor for design and consultation on the Lowood Green Botanic Core and Streetscape.
Lowood Futures Advisory Committee Chair and Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said establishing a Green Botanic Core in the town centre would promote community pride and provide central spaces for people to meet.
“This space will build upon Clock Park to establish a green botanic character throughout the town centre,” Cr Wendt said.
“The Green Botanic Core could include trees, landscaping, BBQ areas, and an event lawn.”
AECOM previously prepared the Lowood Futures Strategy Report for Council in December 2022, which has served as a blueprint for the multi-phase project.
“We’re excited to continue working with AECOM to prepare detailed designs and hold community consultation on Lowood’s Green Botanic Core and Streetscape.”
Assistance Grants for junior athlete, wildlife group and show society
Somerset Regional Council has approved Community Assistance Grants funding for Esk Show Society, Care4esK and junior athlete Ayden Wait.
Council awarded $5,207.45 to Esk Show Society to support the 2025 show and the expansion of its poultry section.
Community wildlife group Care4esK was awarded $750 to support its community wildlife information day, to be held on 2 August 2025.
Junior athlete Ayden Wait was awarded an Excellence Bursary of $500 for competing at a state level as part of the Queensland Junior Athletics Team.
Wait attended the 2025 Australian Athletics Championships at WA Athletics Stadium in Perth held in early April.
Next Somerset Regional Council Meeting
Somerset Regional Council will hold its next ordinary council meeting at 9am on Wednesday, 14 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, 23 April 2025.
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