Somerset Regional Council Meeting Highlights - 24 September 2025
Published on 25 September 2025
Somerset Regional Council has approved a development application for a childcare centre at 75 Gardner Street, Toogoolawah.
Childcare development coming to Toogoolawah
Young families will soon have a new childcare option in Toogoolawah.
At the Ordinary Meeting on Wednesday, 24 September, Somerset Regional Council approved a development application for a childcare centre at 75 Gardner Street on land formerly used by the Toogoolawah Apostolic Church, adjacent to Toogoolawah State School.
The 618sqm facility would cater for up to 108 children with five childcare rooms, supporting rooms, two outdoor play areas and 17 parking spaces including accessible parking.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the proposed centre would be welcomed by the Toogoolawah community.
“Having additional childcare options means our young families have more flexibility so they can live and work in Somerset,” Cr Wendt said.
“We look forward to seeing the childcare centre up and running.”
State to fund playgrounds and dog park works in Fernvale and Lowood
Somerset Regional Council will write to the Minister for Local Government, Water and Volunteers seeking funding for playgrounds and dog park projects in Fernvale and Lowood.
Council received a letter from the Department in August 2025 regarding a 2024 State Government Election Commitment of $500,000 for upgrades to community playground facilities in Fernvale and Lowood, with projects to be completed by 30 June 2026.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said four projects were identified by Council through a review of the current playground replacement program.
“We are looking at replacing and upgrading the Honeywood Park playground and Stumer Park playgrounds in Fernvale, with a total cost of $318,000,” Cr Wendt said.
“Additionally, we would like to include new dog off leash areas for Fernvale Memorial Park and Lowood’s Clock Park within the funding submission, at an estimated cost of $182,000.
“These four projects would be 100% funded through the State Government’s election commitment.
“Our Council is very thankful for the Crisafulli government’s funding support for upgrades to essential community facilities in Somerset.”
New location for Kilcoy Containers for Change service
Somerset Regional Council has approved a request from Queensland Container Recycling to move its Kilcoy Containers for Change pop-up location.
From the first week of October 2025, the Containers for Change pop-up service will move from the Kilcoy Visitor Information Centre carpark to Silky Oak Park on Seib Street, Kilcoy.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said it was no longer suitable to host the service at the Kilcoy Visitor Information Centre.
“The carpark is well used as the centre has become more popular with visitors to Somerset and more events being held at the centre,” Cr Wendt said.
“The Containers for Change set up takes a large section of the carpark, reducing the number of available parks for both visitors to the centre and for residents delivering their containers.
“Moving forward, the service will be offered at Silky Oak Park, which is a larger open area with less vehicles competing for space.”
Somerset submits Small Business Friendly report
Somerset Regional Council will submit its 2024-2025 Small Business Friendly Councils annual report to the Queensland Small Business Commissioner.
Economic Development and Tourism Advisory Committee Chair, Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt, said Council had recommitted its membership to the Small Business Friendly Program in May 2025.
“This annual report highlights Council’s progress in supporting and raising the profile of small businesses, and our commitment to this cause,” Cr Wendt said.
“In May we appointed a new Business Development Officer who has coordinated and delivered economic development initiatives, and promoted regional development and investment opportunities in Somerset.
“Our Economic Development and Tourism Advisory Committee met quarterly to discuss issues and opportunities for businesses.
“We have delivered workshops on planning, cyber security, tourism, agriculture, grant writing and more.
“Small business’ stories shared through the Support Our Somerset campaign have also resonated well with our community, encouraging residents to buy local over big-box retailers.”
2025 Somerset Christmas Lights Competition judges appointed
The Somerset Christmas Lights Competition is returning in 2025 with planning now underway.
Somerset Regional Council has appointed Councillors Michael Bishop and Brett Freese as judges, alongside external judge Jason Beattie from Glamorgan Vale.
Cr Freese said he was excited to join Cr Bishop and Mr Beattie to tour the region in early December.
“The Somerset Christmas Lights Competition is a great event for bringing our region together,” Cr Freese said.
“Mr Beattie is a Christmas lights enthusiast who puts on an incredible display with his father every year attracting residents and visitors alike, and his expertise will be invaluable.
Cr Bishop said residents, businesses and community groups had around two months to prepare their displays.
“We have entries opening on Monday, 27 October and closing on Wednesday, 26 November,” Cr Bishop said.
“Council will begin advertising the competition in October, so stay tuned for details.”
Council to apply for Resource Recovery Boost Fund
Somerset Regional Council will make submissions to the Queensland Government for funding to support the redevelopment of the Coominya Refuse and Recycling Centre and the Esk Refuse and Recycling Centre Loading Facility.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said Council would make arrangements to apply for grant funding from the Queensland Government’s Resource Recovery Boost Fund.
“We have identified our Coominya and Esk refuse and recycling facilities for redevelopment and will be allocating $80,000 in our next budget review to fund the preparation of a detailed and thorough submission to the State Government,” Cr Wendt said.
“In Coominya, we plan to improve operations by redeveloping the drop off and loading facilities for waste, recycling and green waste, with an estimated cost of $1.5 million.
“In Esk, we plan to partner with Ipswich Waste Services to redevelop the loading facility for increased efficiency and bulk up capacity, with an estimated cost of $500,000.”
Queensland Councils will have access to $60 million in the first funding round of the Resource Recovery Boost Fund.
Project funding is subject to a 40% contribution by Council.
Somerset Regional Council will apply for funding through the Queensland Government’s Resource Recovery Boost Fund to upgrade the Esk Refuse and Recycling Centre (pictured) and Coominya Refuse and Recycling Centre.
Excellence Bursaries awarded to seven sport stars
Somerset Regional Council has awarded Excellence Bursaries to seven sport stars competing at state and regional levels over August 2025.
Three soccer players were each awarded $500 for representing Somerset in Queensland Christian Soccer Association teams attending the 2025 Christian Football Federation Australia National Titles at Cranbourne, Victoria over 28 September to 2 October.
Peyton Lewis and Caitlin Whitmore were selected for the Under 17 Girls team while Kohen Whitmore was selected as part of the U19 Mens team.
Two cricket players, George Thornton and Nate Friedrich, were each awarded $250 for representing Somerset in the Darling Downs School Sport 10-12 Years Boys team attending the State Championships at Kendall Flat Cricket Grounds and Salter Oval, Bundaberg over 15-19 September.
Orienteering athlete Grace Jardine was awarded $250 for representing Somerset as part of the Darling Downs 10-19 years team at the State Championships held at Kingaroy State High School and the Wondai State Forest over 26-27 July.
Lastly, Piper Van de Weyer was awarded $250 for being selected as part of the Zone 26 Pony Club team attending the State Championships at Kilcoy Showgrounds, held over 26-29 September.
NOTE: Change of time for next Somerset Regional Council Meeting
Somerset Regional Council’s next Ordinary Council Meeting will be held at 10am on Wednesday, 8 October in the Simeon Lord Room at 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 on Wednesday, 24 September 2025 at the Fernvale Visitor Information Centre.