Management of wild dog numbers continues in Somerset

Somerset Regional Council issued more than 260 wild dog baits in March across localities including Kingaham, Bryden, Fernvale and Esk.

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said dog sightings was at an all-time high due to favourable weather conditions over the last two years.

“Council is holding its next quarterly wild dog baiting day on Monday, 13 May at various locations including Bryden, Fernvale, Kilcoy and Moore,” Cr Wendt said.  

“Wild dogs are a significant pest and are widespread throughout Queensland.

“Wild dogs are known to have a significant detrimental impact on the agricultural sector and can cause environmental damage as well.

“We all need to work together to manage these pests.”

For more information on baiting (and bookings) phone Council on 5424 4000.

Dozens of properties facing rate recovery action

Somerset Regional Council has approved starting sale of land action to recover more than $296,000 in overdue rates.

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said debt recovery was a basic business practice.

“The reality is quite simple, we would much prefer not to go down this path but paying rates is not optional,” Cr Wendt said.

“Council can only start this action once rates have remained unpaid for three consecutive years.

“It’s a tough situation but council does what it can to work with people to avoid the sale of their properties.”

Cr Wendt said the sale of land process provides for a minimum of three months for the overdue rates to be paid in full.

“Council works with the relevant property owners for several months to collect the rates owing to try and avoid the next step,” he said.

"Our rates pay for vital services to be delivered to residents and visitors to our region including road maintenance, parks, library services, public lighting, kerbside rubbish services and so much more.”

There are 33 properties included in the rate recovery action and are located throughout Somerset including Coominya, Fernvale, Biarra, Mount Beppo, Kilcoy, Mount Hallen, Atkinsons Dam and Braemore.

Knitted scarves to keep trees in Esk snug

Trees in Esk will soon be wrapped in knitted jumpers.

Somerset Regional Council has approved an annual request from the Esk Country Women’s Association to place knitted jumpers on selected trees in Esk as an annual attraction. 

Deputy Mayor Helen Brieschke welcomed the creative display.

“This has been happening for several years now and is such a lovely sight,” Cr Brieschke said.  

“It’s a colourful hand-crafted display that gets people talking in the community and coincides with the popular Esk Garden Lifestyle Fair.”

The decorations will be on display from the start of May through to the end of July. 

Next Somerset Council Meeting

The next Somerset Regional Council ordinary meeting will be held in Esk on Wednesday, 8 May.

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. 

For more information about council meetings including access to future dates and agendas visit www.somerset.qld.gov.au.

NB: Somerset Regional Council held its ordinary meeting in the Simeon Lord room at the Esk Library on Wednesday, 24 April 2024 at 9am.