Housing Needs Assessment for Somerset 

Somerset Regional Council, as an action from its Somerset Social Plan (July 2023), is undertaking a Housing Needs Assessment.

The aim of the assessment is to better understand the housing needs of Somerset with respect to crisis and emergency accommodation, housing for older persons and housing for people living with a disability.

Council has appointed consultants to undertake the assessment and is now seeking residents’ input through a community survey.

The results of this survey will assist in identifying housing needs for the region and provide a basis for Council to advocate to government agencies, community housing organisations and other development organisations.

The survey is now available on the Council website and hard copies are available at the libraries and customer service centres upon request.

The survey closes on Monday, 15 April 2024.

To complete the survey, visit www.somerset.qld.gov.au.            

School Holiday Program on Soon in Somerset

Somerset Regional Council’s Autumn School Holiday Program is just around the corner with plenty of activities for children of all ages.

As part of the school holiday program, there will be a youth festival in Lowood, Rolla Bae Disco at the Somerset Civic Centre grounds, movie nights at Kilcoy and a range of fun activities at Somerset Library branches and The Condensery – Council’s art gallery in Toogoolawah.

To view the full program visit www.somerset.qld.gov.au or phone Council on 5424 4000.

Mad Hatters Tea Party at Lowood

Bring your friends and family along and enjoy a tea party in Lowood on Wednesday, 3 April.

The award winning annual Mad Hatters Tea Party will get underway at 9am in Clock Park with plenty of free family friendly activities on offer.

There will be craft activities, outdoor games, children’s disco, face painting and an animal farm.

Awards and prizes will be given for best creative costume and best hat.

For more information phone Council on 5424 4000.

Free DogFest coming to Somerset

Somerset Regional Council, in conjunction with Griffith University, will be hosting a paw-some line up of dog training workshops, demonstrations, dog-friendly stalls, food trucks and live entertainment when DogFest comes to Fernvale next month.

DogFest is a free community event being held at Fernvale’s Memorial Park on Saturday, 13 April from 8am to 1pm.

The event is open to all dog owners and dog lovers across the region.

Registration is essential and can be done by visiting https://bit.ly/3Vrx2MH

Somerset sends rural fire service support of $160k

Somerset Regional Council has recently contributed $160,116 in support to the region’s 20-plus volunteer rural fire brigades.

The funds were generated through Council rates notices for the six months ending 30 June 2024 and follows from Council’s contribution of $158,843 in August 2023.

Council’s Disaster Management Officer, Adam Staunton, said the ongoing contribution made by Council recognised the importance of rural fire volunteers.

“Rural fire brigades are a key part of the puzzle in managing bushfire risks in Somerset.  The 2019 bushfires are still fresh in the memories of many and had a huge impact on Somerset with significant losses to homes and property,” Mr Staunton said.

“We recognise that the impact of previous floods and fires could have been much worse if it wasn’t for our local rural fire volunteers who do a tremendous job in protecting the community.

“Council is proud to support the wonderful work they do.”