Somerset Lantana program ramped up

Somerset Regional Council will buy a utility terrain vehicle, trailer and spray unit to ramp up its battle against the invasive weed, lantana.

Somerset Councillor Sean Choat said the purchase would help increase productivity through operational improvements.

“This is such a great initiative from the team to increase their accessibility to areas that were previously difficult to treat,” Cr Choat said.

“The lantana control program that council implemented has been one of the most outstanding and notable programs within in our region that we have implemented and I know we are making a visible difference in this space.

“It’s also great to see that the Department of Transport and Main Roads are getting involved with this program and we hope that their funding and support for this program will continue well into the future.”

In February 2023, Council mechanically removed more than 23 hectares of lantana and chemically treated more than nine hectares.

Council Grants Temporary Entertainment Event Approval

Somerset Regional Council has granted a temporary event approval to the owners of the Kilcoy Exchange Hotel to host a woodchopping event on Saturday, 9 September 2023.

The event will be held from 10am to 10pm and will provide an attraction for tourists and residents.  It is anticipated between 200 and 300 people will attend the event.

The venue has previously held similar events in 2022 and in January 2023.

Local supplier dominates gravel tender

Somerset Regional Council has adopted a tender for 204 classes of quarry material supplies.

Somerset Councillor Bob Whalley said supply and delivery of quarry materials is one of council’s largest contracts.

“We have one supplier accounting for more than $3 million of Council purchases last financial year,” Cr Whalley said.

“We are therefore pleased that the tender analysis we have adopted ranks a local supplier first in more than 75% of supply categories.

“It is vital that our crews are able to access quality materials at the right price and with minimum administrative effort and this tender allows us to do that.”

Cr Whalley said in addition to quarry materials sourced under this tender for Council maintenance and construction projects, Council is working with flood restoration contractors to complete more than $30 million of works.

“These contractors will also source materials and services such as quarry materials,” he said.

“We are working to obtain the largest possible local economic benefit from these contracts while ensuring that flood restoration works are completed as soon as possible after we receive government approval.

“The community can expect to see several flood repairs completed in the coming year, and we ask for patience from road users as our team and contractors take on this mammoth task.”

Audit committee report reflects strong transparency and accountability

Somerset Regional Council has received a report from its audit committee including details of three independent internal audits and of Council’s external audit program.

Audit committee representative and Deputy Mayor, Councillor Helen Brieschke said Council had received a “clean sweep of green audit ticks”.

“Somerset council was last year one of only 14 in Queensland to be assessed by the Queensland Audit Office as achieving the coveted clean sweep of green audit ticks across every category,” Cr Brieschke said.

“We do this under the scrutiny of one of the world’s largest audit firms, PwC and with the assistance of internal auditors, Crowe and others.

“Council will be calling for new internal auditors in the near future with the audit committee setting a focus for the incoming firm to review Council’s cybersecurity preparedness among other audits.”

Cr Brieschke said cyber security awareness and preventative action was crucial.

“We are aware that a Queensland council with a population similar to ours has suffered a significant cybersecurity incident this year which has impacted that council financially and in other ways, right down to losing control of their phone system,” Cr Brieschke said.

“We need to do everything we can to reduce the risk and consequence of a ransomware attack at Somerset.”

Somerset Rail Trail Classic Beneficiary announced

Somerset Regional Council will donate $2 from each entry from the Somerset Rail Trail Classic to Mercy Community Lowood.

The event, now in its 20th year, will be held on Sunday, 23 July will include the popular 8km and 3km run/walk events in addition to a scenic bike ride from Esk to the finish line at the Fernvale Sports Park. 

Somerset Councillor Kylee Isidro said the not-for-profit charity would benefit greatly from additional financial support.

“Mercy Community Lowood provides targeted support and services to children and families in the Lowood and surrounding areas and the work they do is invaluable in our community,” Cr Isidro said.

For more information on the rail trail classic visit www.somersetrailtrailclassic.com.au

Council Awards sporting bursaries  

Somerset Regional Council awarded six Somerset athletes with sporting bursaries in March.

The recipients each received various amounts, dependent on their level of representation, varying from $250 to $500.

Grace Jardine, Shari Anderson, April Henderson, Cohen Cohran, Colin Buchbach and Lily McColm each received a bursary.

Council awards sporting bursaries throughout the year and funds are awarded from its Community Assistance Grants program.

For more information on eligibility criteria, or to apply, visit www.somerset.qld.gov.au.

Council Supports Community Groups

Somerset Regional Council has awarded the Kilcoy Chamber of Commerce and the Kilcoy Show Society each with a community assistance grant.

The chamber of commerce will use its $976.99 grant to purchase a branded marquee while the Kilcoy Pastoral Agricultural and Industrial Society will use their $1500 grant towards holding the annual Kilcoy Show from 12-13 May.  

Council’s Community Assistance Grants program assists various community groups to further develop programs, facilities or events that benefit the community.

NB: Somerset Regional Council held its meeting at the Kilcoy Visitor Information Centre on Wednesday, 26 April 2023 at 9am.