In brief

Childcare development coming to Esk Young families will soon have a new childcare option right in the heart of Esk. At the Ordinary Meeting on Wednesday, 9 July, Somerset Regional Council approved a development application for a childcare centre on Ipswich Street between the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail and Esk Colonial Plaza. The 700sqm facility would cater up to 108 children with six childcare rooms, two outdoor play areas, acoustic barriers and 24 new carparks. Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the proposed centre would be welcomed by the Esk community. “Having additional childcare options means our young families have more flexibility so they can live and work in Somerset,” Cr Wendt said. “We look forward to seeing the childcare centre up and running.” Photo caption – Esk Childcare Centre: Somerset Regional Council has approved a Development Application for a childcare centre in Esk. Pictured: an artists interpretation of the centre entrance. Condensery expansion ready for next step One of Somerset’s key cultural facilities has been identified for a significant expansion. Somerset Regional Council engaged a consultant to undertake an economic impact analysis for an expansion to The Condensery – Somerset Regional Art Gallery in Toogoolawah. Somerset Arts Culture and Heritage Advisory Committee member, Deputy Mayor Helen Brieschke, said the proposed expansion would include a new workshop space, gallery store, café and open-space event area. “The project is estimated to cost about $2.8 million, including landscaping and the supply and construction of buildings,” Cr Brieschke said. “Our consultants undertook socio-economic and cost benefit analysis of The Condensery expansion and found the project would have a cost benefit of just under $2 for every $1 spent. “The Condensery is a great asset for our region, bringing tourists into the heart of Somerset and providing opportunities for our community to display their own works and to workshop with nationally recognised artists. “Expanding and revitalising this facility will create even greater opportunities for our community and the businesses in Toogoolawah and the wider region.” Additional car parking was identified as a requirement for any further expansion to the facility. Council will continue investigations into the expansion, including preparing a Development Application for a Development Permit for a Material Change of Use. New park and 76 lots approved for Lowood Somerset Regional Council has approved a development application for 75 residential lots and a park on land at 57 Russell Road, Lowood. The majority the lots are larger than 4,000sqm. The development will be progressed over four stages, and will include upgrades to existing infrastructure including underground stormwater and bitumen sealed roads. Council sponsors Festival of Cycling Somerset Regional Council has agreed to sponsor the 2025 Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Festival of Cycling with $3,300 and value-in-kind support. The event will be held on Saturday, 2 August and participants can choose to complete three different distances. Starting locations are Wulkuraka, (161km), Toogoolawah (75km) and Moore (50km) with all participants finishing the event in Yarraman in South Burnett. Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said supporting the event was part of Council’s strategy to boost tourism and events in the region. “We want to proactively encourage the development of new events and encourage the community to access the wide range of sport and recreational pursuits available in Somerset,” Cr Wendt said. “The Festival of Cycling also raises the profile of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, the longest rail trail in Australia. “This is a great event and it brings a lot of people to the region, which our Council is always happy to support.” New 10-year lease for Kilcoy Art Society Inc Somerset Regional Council will enter into a new Lease Agreement with the Kilcoy Art Society Inc (KASI) for land at 35 Hope Street, Kilcoy for a ten-year period starting 1 August 2025. Somerset Arts Culture and Heritage Advisory Committee member, Councillor Sally Jess, said KASI was a very active and important part of the region’s art scene. “Kilcoy Art Society brings new life to the Kilcoy Courthouse Art Gallery in Yowie Park every month with new works and featured artists, and plenty of opportunities for the community to learn new art styles and skills,” Cr Jess said. “They are a passionate group, a great asset for our community, and we look forward to another ten years of art in Kilcoy.” Green light for Kilcoy Christmas Carnival Somerset Regional Council has given the Kilcoy Residents Association approval to hold the 2025 Kilcoy Christmas Carnival on Saturday, 6 December. The carnival will be held on the corner of William and Seib Street in Kilcoy from 5pm to 9pm and includes amusement rides, local school performances, a Santa parade, food vans, stalls and a fireworks display. To facilitate the event, Seib Street will be closed from the corner of William Street to the corner of McCauley Street. Next Somerset Regional Council Meeting Somerset Regional Council will hold its next ordinary council meeting at 11am on Wednesday, 23 July at the Kilcoy Visitor Information Centre in Kilcoy. 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 July 2025. (Supplied)

Childcare development coming to Esk Young families will soon have a new childcare option right in the heart of Esk. […]

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