Agritourism and culinary events supported by Council

Somerset Regional Council will again sponsor a significant regional agri-tourism event to the tune of $10,000.

Initiated by Brisbane Valley Farm Direct, the signature event, Legends of Beef, now in its second year has established itself as a world class food tourism event in Somerset.

Last year the event held at the Toogoolawah Showgrounds sold out with more than 250 people.

The five-course meal showcased beef producers across Somerset including Kilcoy Global Foods, Brisbane Valley Farm Direct, Wivenhoe Wagyu, Mt Brisbane Droughtmasters and Esk Beef.

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the event had a strong alignment with objectives of Council’s tourism strategy and was a solid investment.

“As an attendee at last year’s event, I can testify that it is a signature event that showcases the Somerset region to a broad audience which is fantastic to see,” Cr Wendt said.

Somerset vies for Sustainable Trails Conference

Somerset Regional Council will submit an expression of interest to be the host region for the 2025 Sustainable Trails Conference.

The conference, organised by TRC Tourism, is held in a different region of Australia and New Zealand and attracts over 100 delegates from the two countries.

Somerset Councillor Brett Freese said, if council is successful in its host bid, it will provide a positive economic benefit to the region.

“This is an exciting opportunity for us to promote and showcase the region,” Cr Freese said.

Removal of weed trees at Kilcoy

Somerset Regional Council will soon engage with an arborist to gradually remove a series of Cadaghi (Corymbia torelliana) trees from Yowie Park at Kilcoy.

The trees were planted at the site in the 1980s and were planted for their rapid growth, shape and shade value.

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said Council had received requests from the community to remove the trees.

“The tree species are now regarded as an environmental weed in South East Queensland because they are invasive, cause infrastructure damage, compete with endemic species and produce a sticky resin,” Cr Wendt said.

“Council will, to preserve the amenity of the park, remove a few trees initially and replace these with suitable shade producing trees and then repeat the process once the new trees are well established.”

Community representatives appointed to advisory committees

Somerset Regional Council has appointed 12 residents to two advisory committees that will provide advice to Council on matters pertaining to the Lowood Futures Strategy and Kilcoy Streetscape Revitalisation Master Plan.

Lee Robinson, Shane Williams, Sally Wright, Paul Misipeka, Vicki Sweedman and Cheryl Gaedtke have been appointed to the Kilcoy Streetscape Advisory Committee.

Residents Jean Bray, Graeme Lehmann, Susan Pitkin, Aaron Heck, Tony Sherlock and Elizabeth Butterworth have been appointed to the Lowood Futures Advisory Committee.

To find out more about the Lowood and Kilcoy projects visit www.somerset.qld.gov.au.

Excellence Bursaries awarded to Somerset stars

Somerset Regional Council awarded five excellence bursaries to residents recognised at a regional, state or international level.

The bursary recipients are Michayla Cowley, Noah Martignago, Zachary Heck, Benjamin and Grace Jardine.

Michayla Cowley was awarded a regional level bursary ($250) as part of her selection as the QLD Showgirl Awards State Finalist team that attended the  Queensland Country Life Showgirl Awards at the EKKA.

The funds have been awarded through Council’s Community Assistance Grants program which provides financial support to Somerset residents whose pursuit of excellence results in a higher-level participation of their chosen activity.

The bursaries aim to help offset some of the costs associated with competing at events, particularly those outside the region and include representation across sporting and academic achievements.

Mayor reports back on Canberra Delegation

Somerset Regional Council Mayor Jason Wendt has returned from a “beneficial” delegation to Canberra to advocate for the region.

Cr Wendt joined SEQ Mayors as part of the Council of Mayors – South East Queensland (SEQ) delegation, in late August, to meet with federal politicians at Parliament House.

“The delegation was about seeking stronger partnerships for one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions of which Somerset is one,” Cr Wendt said.

“We actively spoke with all sides of politics to strengthen the response to SEQ’s growth pressures and national housing crisis.

 “It’s well known that South East Queensland is one of Australia’s fastest growing regions and we need our Federal colleagues to help keep our region moving.”

Next Somerset Council Meeting

Somerset Regional Council will hold its next ordinary council meeting on Wednesday, 11 September in Esk.

NB: Somerset Regional Council held its ordinary in the Simeon Lord room at the Esk Library on Wednesday, 28 August 2024 at 9am.