Industrial precinct in Lowood expanding

An existing industrial precinct and self-storage facility in Lowood has been given the green light by council to expand.

Somerset Councillor Jason Wendt said the facility at 33 Kleinhans Road was given approval to build an additional 29 storage units and 10 open storage bays.

“This development approval shows confidence in the region and economy and more importantly is employment generating,” Cr Wendt said.

“We welcome any new development applications that support our region, bring new services to Somerset or generate jobs for locals.”

Community input received on Kilcoy sports centre masterplan

Community feedback on a draft masterplan for the Kilcoy Indoor Sports Centre Redevelopment will see the plan modified.

The plan was commissioned by Somerset Regional Council with the intent to develop the space to meet the demands of the growing community.

Kilcoy Indoor Sports Centre Steering Committee chair and Councillor Cheryl Gaedtke said she was proud of the masterplan and thanked the community for their input.

“The feedback from the community which included a desire to see 24-hour access to a (larger) gym and more amenities, will also be integrated as a priority action of the finalised masterplan.”

“Additional changes will be incorporated as per the feedback received, where appropriate.

“More than 90% of residents engaged during the community consultation period were supportive of the draft master plan.”

Parking signs to be installed in Kilcoy to support small business

Somerset Regional Council will install new time sensitive parking signs in Kilcoy to support small business.

Council received a request from the owner of Duffy’s Mitre 10 requesting the signage. 

Councillor Sean Choat said the business owner was finding that some motorists were utilising parking outside the business for several hours.

“Council installed 30-minute parking limit signs outside Mitre 10 at Lowood and it’s had a positive result,” Cr Choat said.

“We will now install similar signage outside the business in Kilcoy.

“It’s just another way that council is working with small business owners in Somerset.”

Additional service provider coming to Esk

Somerset Regional Council has approved a new office space at Esk.

The site at 252 Ipswich Street will be occupied by a qualified CPA tax accountant with two decades of experience.

The business has been approved to operate between 8.30am and 5pm Monday to Friday.

Council investment into sports precincts drives growth

Somerset Regional Council’s investment into sport and aquatic centres has resulted in a significant attendance increase.

In October, more than 3,087 visits were recorded at the new combined Toogoolawah Community Gym and Swimming Pool.

Councillor Kylee Isidro said council’s investment into sport and recreational facilities was paying off.

“Council is committed to growing facilities where there is demand and we are pleased to see a 29% attendance increase at the Toogoolawah facility alone,” Cr Isidro said.

“Council is also seeing a significant increase in attendance at the Kilcoy Aquatic Centre and the Fernvale Indoor Sports Centre and we suspect similar attendance increases at the Lowood Swimming Pool when the centre reopens later this month.

“Investing into the community through upgrading these facilities is paying off dividends.”

Somerset community assisted by council

Community groups and individuals in Somerset have benefited from grants awarded by Somerset Regional Council.

The Glamorgan Vale Community Hall Association were awarded $1550 to assist with the cost of hosting their annual Christmas Carnival.

Council has also awarded three sporting bursaries totalling $1250 to individuals within the region who have been successful in international, state or regional representation.

The bursary recipients are Lily McColm, Olivia Hamood and Lorelle Beard.

For more on Community Assistance Grants, visit somerset.qld.gov.au/cag.

Somerset Mayor Graeme Lehmann said it was fantastic to see so many young people representing the region at a regional, state or national level. 

NB: Somerset Regional Council held its meeting at the Kilcoy Explore Centre on Wednesday, 23 November 2022 at 9am.