Somerset Regional Council Meeting Highlights - 29 October 2025
Published on 30 October 2025
Esk Energex depot gets green light
Somerset Regional Council has approved a development application from Energex to build its depot on land at 5305 Brisbane Valley Highway in Esk.
The depot, once built, will replace the existing Energex facilities in Esk.
The decision comes after a long planning court battle between Council and Energex.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the new site was a suitable location for the depot.
“There has been a lot of work in the background to get this to where it is,” Cr Wendt said.
“Council is very excited that Energex is staying in the region. This is a great outcome for our community.”
Annual Christmas Carnival to light up Toogoolawah
Somerset’s much-anticipated Toogoolawah Christmas Street Carnival will return for 2025.
The annual carnival will be held 13 December on Cressbrook Street, Toogoolawah.
This year’s event will feature amusement rides, musical performances, fireworks and a surprise visit from Santa.
Somerset Councillor Michael Bishop supported the decision to bring back the popular community event for another year.
“I know how much this means to the community, it is a significant investment each year and I look forward to this going ahead in 2025,” Cr Bishop said.
Childcare development approved for Woolmar
Somerset Regional Council has approved a childcare facility for Settlers Rise at Woolmar.
The 700sqm facility would cater for up to 79 children with five childcare rooms, outdoor play areas, acoustic barriers and 18 carparks.
“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.”
Somerset Councillors appointed to committees
Somerset Regional Council has appointed councillors to several advisory committees.
Confirmed during the Ordinary Meeting held 29 October, Councillor Stephanie Laycock has been appointed as Council’s representative on the Kilcoy Recreation Grounds Advisory Committee, Economic Development and Tourism Advisory Committee, Mount Glen Rock Steering Committee, Kilcoy Streetscape Advisory Committee and Arts Culture and Heritage Advisory Committee, with Councillor Sally Jess appointed as Chairperson.
Cr Laycock will also represent Council on the Chamber of Commerce, Local Disaster Management Group and Environmental Recovery Sub Group.
Councillor Michael Bishop has been appointed as Council representative to the Kilcoy Progress Association and Councillor Brett Freese to the Borumba Hydro Community Reference Group.
Somerset Social Plan Advisory Committee – Appointment of Members
During Somerset Regional Council’s Ordinary Meeting on 29 October, two new members were appointed to the Somerset Social Plan Advisory Committee.
The Somerset Social Plan Advisory Committee guides continuous improvements in the quality of life, health and wellbeing for everyone in Somerset and informs decision making within Council.
Council has appointed Kerrin Meinhardt as the Interagency Representative and Barbara Dougherty as the Community Representative.
Changes to Karreman quarry operations
Somerset Regional Council has approved changes to the operations of Karreman quarry at Harlin.
The change reduces the scale of the established quarry pit in response to an internal operational review noting it would be exhausted in 15 years.
Council has given approval for an additional quarry pit to be built with an anticipated capacity of 25.3M tonnes and about 40 years’ worth of supply.
The application has been assessed by Queensland’s State Assessment and Referral Agency for impact to the environment (including vegetation impacts and koala habitats) as well as transport infrastructure, and the development has complied with all regulatory requirements.
As an extractive industry, the operation requires ongoing licencing and inspections under an Environmental Authority, administered by Queensland’s Department of the Environment, Science and Innovation.
Next Somerset Council Meeting
Somerset Regional Council will hold its next Ordinary Council Meeting at 9am on Wednesday, 12 November 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, 29 October 2025.