Council progresses Fernvale Sports Park upgrades

Somerset Regional Council is progressing irrigation and field refurbishment works on the main oval of the Fernvale Sports Park.

Council accepted a project tender from Twin View Turf Pty Ltd at the ordinary meeting on Wednesday, 9 April.

Fernvale Sports Park Advisory Committee Chair Councillor Brett Freese said the project was necessary to support Fernvale sporting groups.

“The work includes a new irrigation system, field refurbishment, levelling, drainage and returfing,” Cr Freese said.

“This project will allow the Brisbane Valley Rattlers AFC and Thunder Cricket Club to continue using the facility well into the future.”

The project is supported by the Queensland Government Minor Infrastructure and Inclusive Facilities Fund.

Esk Garden Fair returning to Pipeliner Park

Somerset Regional Council has approved an event application for the annual Esk Garden Fair, to be held on Saturday, 21 June in Pipeliner Park, Esk.

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the long-running event was a highlight of the year for the region.

“The Valley of the Lakes Garden Club have done a lot of work to grow this event over the years, and they’re expecting around 7,000 visitors in 2025,” Cr Wendt said.

“The Esk Garden Fair aims at promoting the unique lifestyle of the Somerset region to the wider South East Queensland community while highlighting the benefits and pleasures of gardening.”

“There’s always an incredible display of plants, gardening equipment and decorations, cooking demonstrations, and plenty of food and drink stalls.”

The event will be held from 8am to 3pm and costs $5 entry.

Council works return to business as usual in April

Despite significant interruption from Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, Somerset Regional Council’s Operations Department made great progress on projects in March 2025.

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the department was placed under a lot of pressure during the weather event.

“Our team worked hard to support residents in March, preparing and planning for Ex-TC Alfred, and delivering recovery works to damaged roads,” Cr Wendt said.

“While this event delayed some projects, Council still achieved many milestones.

“Completed works include the new Coominya amenities block and the widening of Ivory Creek Road.

“Council also began rehabilitation and culvert works on Clarendon Road in Lowood.”

Looking ahead, only two projects remain as part of the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements’ (DRFA) Reconstruction of Essential Public Assets (REPA) program for the 2022 flood event.

“We have the Glamorgan Vale Culvert, with completion expected later this month, and the Patrick Estate Road Bridge, with completion expected in June 2025,” Cr Wendt said.

“Our crews have also completed grading on many roads impacted by the December 2024 storm, as well as inspections on damaged drainage.”

Vacant Braemore and Colinton lots going to sale

Somerset Regional Council will list six vacant lots for sale with real estate agencies following unsuccessful tender processes.

Two lots on Colinton Street, Braemore, two lots on McConnel Street, Braemore and two lots on Nurinda Road, Colinton were advertised for tender on 30 January.

Tenders closed on 24 March and Council found the tenders received did not represent value for money.

Next Somerset Regional Council Meeting

Somerset Regional Council will hold its next ordinary council meeting at 9am on Wednesday, 23 April in the Simeon Lord Room at the Esk Library.

Council asks the community to contact council and provide 24 hours’ notice if they plan to attend council meetings.

NB: Somerset Regional Council held its ordinary meeting Wednesday, 9 April 2025.