Somerset unemployment rate falls 1%

Queensland Government statistics have confirmed that unemployment across the Somerset Regional Council area fell from 6.1% in June 2023 to 5.1% in September 2023.

The Somerset unemployment rate was confirmed on the website of the Queensland Government Statistician’s Office (QGSO) qgso.qld.gov.au.

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said Council was committed to getting the economy moving.

“Council is working hard during a time of huge cost of living pressures to get the economy moving, jobs created and get projects delivered for the community,” Cr Wendt said.

“Food industries are the backbone of the Somerset economy with 15.5% of local employment being in either food production or food processing.

“We are working through a $58 million flood restoration program to fix roads and bridges that allow our food producers to get their products to market.”

“To put this road restoration program into context for Somerset Regional Council, this is around twice our annual rate revenue.

“The latest employment numbers are a huge confidence boost which brings our unemployment rate a lot closer to the state average of 3.8%.”

It is anticipated that the December 2023 quarter unemployment statistics will be released by the QGSO in July 2024.

Multicultural Carnival returns to Kilcoy

The second annual Kilcoy Multicultural Carnival is back bigger than ever.

The celebration, organised by Somerset Regional Council, will be held at Yowie Park on 17 May between 3pm and 7pm.

Somerset Regional Council Mayor Jason Wendt said the carnival will be a vibrant celebration of diversity, featuring cultural acts and demonstrations.

“This free event will feature performances from various cultural groups, showcasing their traditional dances, music, and customs,” Cr Wendt said.

“Visitors will have the opportunity to experience the rich tapestry of cultures that make up our community.

The Kilcoy Multicultural Carnival is a family-friendly event open to everyone and is proudly funded by the Queensland Government, Sponsored by Kilcoy Global Foods and organised by Somerset Regional Council.

Somerset Council Meeting

The next Somerset Regional Council ordinary meeting will be held in Esk on Wednesday, 24 April.

The meeting will start at 9am and be held in the Simeon Lord Room at the Esk Library.

Community members are welcome to attend meetings and are encouraged to provide at least 24 hours’ notice of attendance via email to mail@somerset.qld.gov.au or by phoning council on 5424 4000.

Audio from Council meetings are streamed live onto Council’s corporate facebook page, increasing the opportunity for the public to be informed of decision making. 

Somerset small business sentiment survey

Small business operators in Somerset are being encouraged to complete an online survey to help Council understand the sector better.

The survey is open now until 10 May and is available from council’s website – www.somerset.qld.gov.au.

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the survey responses will help council better understand the variety of small businesses in Somerset as well as the constraints they are faced with.

“The responses will also enable us, as Council, to see how we can do more to support business operators now and into the future,” Cr Wendt said. 

Tickets on sale for annual fun run

Tickets are now on sale for the annual Somerset Rail Trail Classic, the region’s premier fun run.

The event, brought to the community by Somerset Regional Council, will be held on Sunday, 21 July.

Course options include a 3km run/walk from Vernor to Fernvale, an 8km run/walk from Lowood to Fernvale and a 44km bike ride from Esk to Fernvale.

Early bird registrations for the event, sponsored by A&M Civil Contracting, are open now and can be completed by visiting www.somersetrailtrailclassic.com.au

Rollabae Disco a huge hit in Esk

The hugely popular Rollabae Disco returned to the Somerset Civic Centre carpark  in Esk earlier this month.

About 250 people attended the event, organised by Somerset Regional Council.

Among those enjoying the free skating and disco music was Somerset teenagers Grace Jardine, Ellanor Cross and Tuana Lancor.  

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said it was great to see so many young people and their families enjoying the event.