Koala conservation initiatives continue across Somerset  

Somerset Regional Council is continuing its proactive approach to koala conservation initiatives across the region.

Koalas are listed as endangered and are at threat from habitat destruction, predation, disease and road traffic which is not isolated to Somerset.

Somerset Councillor Kylee Isidro said council had, despite budget constraints, delivered several initiatives aimed at koala conservation and community awareness.

“These initiatives include the co-delivery of the State Koala planning provisions, advocacy for the retention of the Locally Refined Koala Habitat Mapping, offset tree planting initiative (local government led), education programs run in partnership with Griffith University, delivery of council’s Free Tree Program and access to free koala habitat trees and much more,” Cr Isidro said.

“While we are proactive in many areas, there are many other initiatives that could be achieved particularly with koala road signage across the state, if funding was provided by other levels of government.

“Ideally we would like to see more consistent signage that alerts motorists to the endangered species.”

Cr Isidro said council would continue with its existing proactive measures but would also seek additional funding support.

“Council will proactively seek external funding and partnership opportunities and advocate to the Department of Transport and Main Roads to provide improved corridor management including support to local wildlife carers,” she said.

Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony moved in Somerset

Somerset Regional Council will now host its annual Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony on Friday, 24 January 2025.

Somerset Deputy Mayor Helen Brieschke explained the rationale behind the change.

“This shift allows residents to travel over the long weekend without missing the celebrations and helps us maximise attendance by scheduling the event on a Friday morning,” Cr Brieschke said.

“Additionally, moving the date helps us secure suitable vendors and caterers for the event.”

Australia Day pool parties will still take place on Sunday, 26 January. Somerset residents can enjoy free entry to the Kilcoy Aquatic Centre, Toogoolawah Swimming Pool, and Lowood Swimming Pool.

Community members appointed to new Arts, Culture and Heritage Committee  

Seven aspiring community members have been appointed to a newly established Arts, Culture and Heritage Advisory Committee established by Somerset Regional Council.

The new committee supersedes three previous committees, the Condensery Advisory Committee, Regional Arts Development Fund Committee and the Somerset Civic Centre Advisory Committee.

Somerset Deputy Mayor Helen Brieschke thanked previous committee representatives and welcomed new members, who had been appointed following an Expression of Interest call-out.

“The new members strike a balance between arts, culture and heritage interests across Somerset and we look forward to working with them on this new holistic advisory committee,” Cr Brieschke said.

Somerset residents Gail Bawden, Jim Filmer, Gracie-Dawn Lewis, Naomi McKenzie, Vicki Sweedman, Dr Sandi Hook and Chloe-Ann Williamson have been appointed

Ecological report released for Mount Glen Rock area

Somerset Regional Council has adopted a Flora and Fauna Assessment Report associated with its Mount Glen Rock development.

Council purchased 127 hectares of freehold property on the western face of Mount Glen Rock in Esk in October 2020 with the view of delivering a unique outdoor recreational experience for residents and visitors to Somerset.

Since the March 2024 Local Government Election to July 2024, Council has been working on clarifying project direction, receipt of the MGR Flora and Fauna Assessment report and progressing the cultural heritage plan for the site.

Somerset Council Chief Executive Officer Andrew Johnson said the Flora and Fauna Assessment provides greater understanding of the environmental values of the site and guidance on changes required to the Master Plan in order to avoid any significant impact on identified environmental matters.

“The report recommends avoidance of actions which are likely to impact on key protected species and their habitats at Mount Glen Rock.

Species found at MGR which require the greatest protection include the Brush-tailed Rock Wallaby, Koala, and Lloyd’s Native Olive.

Somerset Mayor to travel abroad on Olympic investigation

Somerset Regional Council Mayor Jason Wendt will head to Europe in February 2025 as part of a Council of Mayors South East Queensland (COMSEQ) delegation which forms part of the Brisbane 2032 investigations.  

The trip will focus on learnings from the Paris 2024 Olympics in addition to gaining global insights, partnerships and solutions to tackle some of South East Queensland’s biggest challenges including growth, connectivity, affordability, and waste ahead of the 2032 Olympics.

The costs for the fact-finding mission are included as part of council’s membership with COMSEQ.

Somerset Council Provides Update on Operational Plan

Somerset Regional Council has made significant progress on its Operational Plan, with 92% of strategic tasks completed.

Somerset Chief Executive Officer Andrew Johnson expressed Council's dedication to community service and effective outcomes.

“It’s always a privilege to update the council and community on our Operational Plan progress,” Mr Johnson said.

“Achieving 92% of our outcomes is a commendable result that benefits the community.”

Local governments are required to have an Operational Plan each financial year to implement their Corporate Plan and monitor performance.

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt recognised the efforts of the previous council in achieving these objectives.

“The previous council made considerable strides in strategic planning and project initiation,” Cr Wendt said.

“It’s important to understand that many achievements are long-term goals that can take years to come to fruition.”

Next Somerset Council Meeting

Somerset Regional Council will hold its next ordinary council meeting on Wednesday, 28 August in Esk.

NB: Somerset Regional Council held its ordinary in the Simeon Lord room at the Esk Library on Wednesday, 14 August 2024 at 9am.