Council half-yearly rates have been issued

Somerset Regional Council’s half-yearly rates notices have been issued and will be due on or before 1 October 2024.

A variety of payment methods are available including online, secure phone payments and direct debit.

In July, Council adopted its 2024/2025 budget which details where money is being invested and what key projects are being delivered.

To find out more about the budget visit www.somerset.qld.gov.au/budget

Teddy Bears Picnic on again in Esk

The annual Teddy Bears Picnic, hosted by Somerset Regional Council, will be held in Esk on 19 September from 9am to midday.

Children are invited to bring their favourite teddy bear and join their family in a host of free activities at the Somerset Civic Centre.

There will be plenty of interactive activities, information stalls, a children’s disco, face painting, llama’s and the popular teddy bear parade.

A free sausage sizzle is also included.

For more information phone Council on 5424 4000.

Free business support services available in Somerset

Somerset business owners can access mentoring, financial assistance, and more at upcoming sessions across Esk and Lowood.

Starting in August, business owners will have access to free mentoring and business support with expert guidance tailored to their specific business needs.

One day per month for the next three months, an expert business advisor will visit the Lowood and Esk libraries to meet with business owners and run through a range of services on offer.

This initiative is a collaboration between the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training, Metropolitan Region (DESBT Metro) and Somerset Regional Council (SRC).

For more information visit www.somerset.qld.gov.au/economicdevelopment

or phone 5424 4000.

Stay alert and aware of fire ants

Somerset residents are being reminded to stay alert and vigilant for sightings of fire ants.

Fire ants are one of the world's most invasive species and can have devastating consequences on the environment, economy, human health and outdoor way of life.

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said it was critical people reported any suspected sightings of fire ants.

“To have the best chance of eradicating fire ants from Australia we need to work together as a community,” Cr Wendt said.

Residents are urged to report any suspected fire ants to 13 25 23 or visit fireants.org.au.

Free bus transport to Toogoolawah Aqua Aerobics

Somerset Regional Council has extended its funding of a free bus service for participants of the Toogoolawah Aqua Aerobics program.

Esk residents are able to tap into the free transport which operates each Tuesday, departing from the Esk bus stop (adjacent to the Newsagent) at 7.30am and return from the Toogoolawah Swimming Pool at 9am for a 9.30am arrival at Esk. 

The service will start on Tuesday, 17 September 2024 and will continue throughout the Toogoolawah Swimming Pools swim season.

While transport is free, participants will need to pay for the aqua aerobics program.

To find out more or secure your spot, contact Toogoolawah Swimming Pool on 0420 974 683 or Toogoolawah Aqua Aerobics on 0418 758 713.