As another year draws to a close, it is a good time to reflect on all that was achieved in 2022.

It has been another productive, yet equally challenging, year in local government.

Among the ongoing impacts of the global pandemic (COVID) and two declared flood events, the year certainly wasn’t without its challenges for those in the Somerset Regional Council electorate.

However, there is always positives amongst the mix and we are thrilled to have ended 2022 with securing Council’s biggest ever grant. After achieving $11.2M in competitive grant funding during the financial year 2022, Council was advised of the success of its largest-ever project grant application of $5M on 23 November 2022. This funding will help replace the WW2-era Lester Kropp Bridge on Neurum Road near Kilcoy.

This is an even bigger achievement when you realise that under the federal bridges renewal program, Somerset is potentially competing not just against every local government in Australia but also against all State and Territory Governments.

This $5M grant caps off a successful year in attracting outside funding into our region.

When we think of the challenges we’ve endured, we’ve still managed to come out on top.

I would like to say a big thank you to our council staff, our volunteers throughout the region and our residents for their efforts in making Somerset a beautiful place to work and live.

We are looking forward to a productive 2023 with plenty of construction and maintenance projects scheduled in as well as various community activities and events being held in Somerset throughout the year.

To start the year, Council hopes to see residents in Esk on Thursday, 26 January for the Australia Day Awards and Citizenship ceremony. This is the perfect opportunity to recognise the outstanding contributions of residents in Somerset. Join us for a free brunch and celebration to be held at the Somerset Civic Centre.

On behalf of Somerset Regional Council and my fellow councillors, I wish you all a safe and joyous festive season. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Graeme Lehmann
Mayor
Somerset Regional Council