Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Council Meeting 21 September 2022 – Councillor Report

 Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Council Meeting 21 September 2022

Agenda Item #5 Matters of Public Interest

I would like to acknowledge the seamless distribution and collection of kerbside recycling bins in the region, and especially in the old Esk Shire area.  I recognise that this project outcome as been the culmination of almost 18 months of work and negotiations carried out by the Operations’ Department.  The Director of Operations acknowledged the whole of organisational team effort that was instigated to achieve such a positive and adequate service.

Congratulations to :

• Somerset Regional Council, Government Organisation Award (Exceptional contribution in child protection and child safety at the public sector level – Lyn Buchanan (Community Development Co-ordinator)
• Woodchopping accomplishments – Gerald Youles, Renee & Millie Retschlag
• Toogoolawah Showgirl, West Moreton Sub Chamber 2022 Winning Showgirl – Olivia Frahm
• Somerset State Emergency Service (SES) Unit, several members – Awarded Meritorious Service Medals (15,25,35 Years)
• Channel Nine Interview – Lynette Lynch – Meeting Queen Elizabeth II

A big step forward for disaster resilience with the Emergency Response Fund Amendment (Disaster Ready Fund) Bill 2022 introduced to Parliament, which will help get money flowing for critical work across Queensland council areas.  $200 million a year in disaster prevention and resilience national funding will go towards prevention measures such as flood levees, sea walls, cyclone shelters, evacuation centres, fire breaks and telecommunications improvements.

Agenda Item #36 Councillors’ Report

August

24     Ordinary Council Meeting – Kilcoy

24     Workshop Meeting – Kilcoy

24     Inspection of the Kilcoy Golf Club facilities

25     Kilcoy Global Foods – Discussion employment opportunities

25     Meeting at Kilcoy Cemetery

25     Kilcoy Recreation Grounds Advisory Committee Meeting

September

01     Australia Local Government Women’s Association AGM – Brisbane

02     Teams Meeting – The Condensery

05     Teams Meeting – The Condensery

06     Teams Meeting – The Condensery

12     Teams Meeting – Queen’s Passing

13     Kilcoy Indoor Sports Centre Redevelopment – Community consultation

13    Kilcoy State High School P & C Meeting

13     Preliminary Discussion – Lowood Lions Railway Station

13     Kilcoy Hospital Auxiliary AGM

15     Kilcoy Art Society Inc Monthly Meeting

15     Kilcoy CBD Development Discussion – Local Community Groups

16     Queen’s Birthday Jubilee Project – West Moreton Landcare – Lowood

Councillor Report – Ordinary Council Meeting – 24 August 2022

 Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Council Meeting 24 August 2022

Agenda Item #5 Matters of Public Interest

Congratulations to our woodchoppers and high school students who competed at the (Brisbane) Royal National Agricultural Show.  The experience and friendships made will stand you all in good stead. Gerald William Youles was awarded the 2022 350mm Australian Underhand Championship.  Mum and Daughter competitors, Renee and Millie Retschlag came away from the EKKA with third and fourth in the final of the women’s underhand woodchopping championship.  Well done to all.

Show Societies are encouraged to apply for  funds under the State Government’s expanded Show Societies Grants Program, which will provide between $5,000 for small show societies to $150,000 for organisers of the Ekka .

Agenda Item #30 Councillors’ Report

August

10     Ordinary Council Meeting – Kilcoy

10     Council Workshop Meeting – Kilcoy

11     Brisbane Valley Interagency Meeting – Lowood

11     Visit to Open Door Gallery – Lowood

11     Lowood State High School – Kokoda student presentation

11     Esk Hospital Auxiliary Inc monthly meeting – Esk

13     Somerset Art Society Inc – AGM – Esk

15     RADF Committee Meeting – Esk

16     Somerset Social Plan – Teams meeting

16     Economic Development & Tourism Advisory Committee Meeting – Kilcoy

16     Kilcoy District Progress Alliance Inc monthly meeting

19     Road Inspection – Linville

23     Meeting with Kilcoy State School Principal – Road Safety matters

Congratulations to the Lowood High School students who took part in the 2022 Kokoda Challenge.  I applaud each and every student for their courage, endurance, mateship and sacrifice required to achieve this rewarding personal challenge.

A membership call out made by the Esk Hospital Auxiliary was rewarded with a dozen people attending the monthly

August meeting.  The Auxiliary will hold its AGM on Thursday 8^th September at the Somerset Civic Centre commencing at 2:00pm.  Your attendance is encouraged.

I was delighted to be asked to chair the election of new office bearers of the Somerset Art Society Inc. AGM.  The Society has achieved many great goals during the last twelve months and is looking forward to the next twelve months and further achievements.  All positions were quickly filled, however the Society is seeking the services of a President for 2022/23 financial year.

Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Council Meeting – 10 August 2022

 Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Council Meeting 10 August 2022

Agenda Item #5 Matters of Public Interest

The community has welcomed the news with the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) advising the D’Aguilar Highway safety improvements project, between Sandy Creek and Kilcoy, will now include construction of a dedicated right-turn lane into Sandy Creek Road.  Congratulations to community who never lost sight of the importance of this traffic safety highway project.  Also, many thanks to Deb Frecklington MP, Shayne Neumann MP, and Council staff who strongly supported the community request.

Dan McCoy caught a World Record Australian Bass from Lake Somerset.  The fish weighed 4.45 kilograms and took out the Record for weight, outweighing the previous by almost 800 grams.      Also, congratulations to the organisers of the very successful Australian Lure Fly and Outdoors Expo that celebrates Australian Lures, Lure Making Fly Tying, Boating and outdoors gear which was held at the Fernvale Showgrounds on Saturday 30 July.

Congratulations to the recipient of the Regional Young Volunteer of the Year Award for the Brisbane Region, volunteer Brock Purdie of the Villeneuve Rural Fire Brigade.  These volunteers have demonstrated a special contribution and commitment to their brigade and the RFS.  Carrying out services such as, active firefighting, providing hazard prevention and mitigation advice, issuing permits, providing community education and disaster management response and recovery activities across all hazards.

The Lowood Truck Show is on again, at the Lowood Showgrounds on Saturday 20^th August at 11:00 am.  It is great to see these community events back after the challenging times we have endured.  Congratulations also to an outstanding rodeo – Kilcoy Rodeo Association – Saturday 6^th August.

Agenda Item #36 Councillors’ Report

July

20     Ordinary Council Meeting – Kilcoy

20     Council Workshop – Kilcoy

20     Brisbane Valley Kilcoy Landcare Ass Inc meeting

21     Meeting with KCCCI; KDPA; KASI – Kilcoy Street Beautification discussion

22     Council of Mayors – 2022 Local Government Forum – Brisbane Convention Centre

23     Stonehouse Moore Open Weekend

23     Skipper Watson’s Memorial – Exchange Hotel, Kilcoy

26     Kilcoy Interagency Meeting – Kilcoy

27     Somerset Men’s Shed – 10^th Anniversary – Lowood

27     Friends of Stonehouse Meeting – Moore

30     Esk Show- Esk

August

• The Condensery Committee Meeting – Esk
• Meeting with CEO
• Meeting with business representatives – Mount Glen Rock
• LGAQ Elected Members Update- Kilcoy

Along with the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Cr Isidro, I took part in a series of workshops and presentations focused on the regional opportunities our “Green and  Gold” runway can deliver – Olympics 2023.    The benefits include accelerating future jobs across SEQ; a faster, more connected SEQ; a more livable SEQ;  creating thriving communities for SEQ.  The big ticket item for LGA Somerset – Brisbane Valley Highway Safety Upgrades.  It was a lovely surprise to see Kilcoy eye fillet on the lunch menu.

The Stonehouse Open Weekend at Moore was lucky to receive sunshine and very little wind over the two days.  The art exhibition was popular and Out There Cycling buses transported guests back and forth from the Stonehouse.  Planning has already commenced for next year’s event.

The Somerset Men’s Shed celebrated their 10^th anniversary by sharing information, a hot roast meal and sincere comradery. Thank you for the lovely thank you gift of a Men’s Shed made pot stand.  I will treasure it.

 Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Council Meeting 20 July 2022 – Councillor Report

 Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Council Meeting 20 July 2022

Agenda Item #5 Matters of Public Interest

I would like to acknowledge and congratulate Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding who was named Emerging Political Leader of the Year and has been awarded the 2021 McKinnon emerging Political Leader of the Year for her commitment to transparency and public accountability.  The national non-partisan award recognises courageous, visionary, and collaborative political leadership each year and is determined by a panel of distinguished Australians.

Great news, with record new betterment funding of $170m for Queensland Councils announced.  The funds provided by the Federal and Queensland governments through the jointly funded Commonwealth State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), will assist councils to build back better disaster-damaged essential public infrastructure following the extraordinary flooding events of 2021-22.

Stonehouse Open Weekend is going ahead for this weekend, 23/24 July.  Out There Cycling buses will leave from Moore 8:30 am – 3:30 pm.  There will be markets, music, history groups, food, art and photography competition and a Bush Poets Breakfast.

Congratulations to Fernvale Lions (to purchase mower $14k) and Kilcoy RSL Sub-Branch (to upgrade facilities $32k) for submitting successful funding applications to the Gambling Community Benefit Fund (GCBF) super round.

Agenda Item #36 Councillors’ Report

June

29          Council Ordinary Meeting – Teams

July

05          Kilcoy Tennis Club monthly meeting

05           Meeting with Kilcoy Global Foods Vice President People & Culture  and Manager Employee Relations

06           Traffic & Safety Advisory Committee Meeting

07           Brisbane Valley Heritage Trails Monthly Meeting – Kilcoy Explore Centre

09           Cormorant Bay parkrun 4^th Birthday Celebrations

09           Brisbane Air Show – Watts Bridge Memorial Airfield

10           Somerset Rail Trail Fun Run or Ride – Coominya to Fernvale 20km bike leg

13           Special Meeting – Somerset Regional Council – teams

14           Meeting BJ Murphy & Libby Harward – Maleny

19           Citizenship Ceremony – Somerset Civic Centre – Esk

It was lovely to catch up with the keen organisers and supporters of the Cormorant Bay parkrun who were celebrating their fourth birthday.  The course meanders near Lake Wivenhoe and is always a stand out course with some level of difficulty.

The Brisbane Air Show fulfilled its promise of being spectacular, breathtaking, astonishing, awe-inspiring with fearless pilots and skydivers displaying their skills.  Well done to everyone who was involved with this amazing event.  The weather was picture perfect and welcomed many spectators, stalls, cars, planes and so much more to our region.

Once again, the 19th Somerset Rail Trail Fun Run or Ride event was well supported with almost 900 nominations taken over the three legs of the event.  Thank goodness the weather was kind to us all, even though the 20km bike leg was a little brisk when marshalling at 7:00 am at Coominya.

It was a lovely to welcome 36 new Australian Citizens on Tuesday at the Somerset Civic Centre.  We welcomed the new citizens from the Philippines, United Kingdom, France, Taiwan, Papua New Guinea and Vietnam.

Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Council Meeting 29 June 2022

Agenda Item #5 Matters of Public Interest

A new women’s Australian skydiving record has been verified by Australian Parachute Federation (APF).  Nineteen women built a star formation at Skydive Ramblers in Toogoolawah on Sunday 12^th June 2022.  This broke the previous record of sixteen, set in 2021 at Skydive Nagambie.

The Lowood Community Action Group received a grant from Somerset Regional Council to do murals for resilience and the fires that ravaged our Region in 2019, to depict the rebirth of country, coming back from the fires. Many thanks to brothers Malcom and Kerry Nicholson for doing an amazing job, we look forward to the completed project located at Lowood.

Agenda Item #41 Councillors’ Report

June

08      Ordinary Council Meeting – Esk

08     Council Workshop – Esk

09     Brisbane Valley Interagency Meeting – Teams

09     Brisbane Valley Kilcoy Landcare Executive Meeting – Kilcoy

15     Kilcoy Chamber of Commerce Meeting – Kilcoy

15     Meeting with Business – Esk

15     Brisbane Valley Kilcoy Landcare Management Committee Meeting – Harlin

18     Esk Garden & Lifestyle Fair – Esk

18     Kilcoy Lions Change Over Dinner

19/22    National General Assembly – Canberra

Congratulations once again to Valley of the Lakes Garden Club and the absolutely fantastic Esk Garden and Lifestyle Fair which the club organises each year.   It is great to see that post COVID, thousands of spectators attended the fair which housed around 83 exhibitors, guest speakers, lots of food and coffee, and tremendous weather.  The gates opened at 8:00am and was immediately busy with cheerful fair lovers making a gold coin donation to enter the fair.

The Kilcoy Lions Change Over Dinner was a pleasing evening with fun challenges, a lovely home-made meal provided by the Kilcoy Golf Club committee, and warm fellowship.  Congratulations to the outgoing executive and a warm welcome to the incoming executive.

The National General Assembly provided delegates with important information and decisions reached by Local Government of our great country.  It is a time to network and to discuss and understand the complexities of the third tier of government.  All councils look forward to supporting various motions as adopted by the Australian Local Government Association.  I appreciate the opportunity to attend this annual national conference.

 Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Councillor Report – Ordinary Council Meeting 8 June 2022

 Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Council Meeting 8 June 2022

Agenda Item # 5 Matters of Public Interest

Congratulations to the Mount Kilcoy Sandy Creek Rural Fire Brigade who were supported by the Viking Breed SMC North Brisbane who organised a fundraising event on 21^st May 2022 with all proceeds generously donated to the brigade.  Viking Breed SMC presented the  brigade with a cheque for $15,274.00.  The donation was accepted gratefully by the brigade, to which the funds will enhance its capability and capacity to support the community.

The Palaszczuk Government is delivering a boost to Queensland’s racing industry, especially country racing, through a new sustainable funding model.  There are 125 racing clubs across Queensland.  The upcoming changes offer the industry, and the 6500 jobs it directly employs, greater certainty.  Providing longer term funding certainty means opportunities for increased prize money, enhanced infrastructure, and better training facilities – and the more the industry grows, the more revenue it will receive.  The changes include:

• a new 5 per cent racing levy added to the betting tax (also known as the Point of Consumption tax)
• broadening the betting tax to include free and bonus bets
• increasing the proportion of betting tax revenue that goes directly to the racing industry from 35% to 80%

The change from the current 35% share of the betting tax going back into the industry increasing to 80% also creates a single funding stream.  At present, a lot of the funding that goes to the racing industry is in the form of short-term government funding programs.

Agenda Item #24  Councillors’ Report

May

25          Ordinary Council Meeting – Esk

25          Council Workshop – Esk

26          Queensland 2022 National reconciliation Week Launch & Breakfast – Queensland Parliament

26          Kilcoy Recreation Grounds Advisory Committee Meeting – Kilcoy

30          Friends of Stonehouse Planning Meeting – Moore

31          Kilcoy Interagency Meeting – Teams

31          Official Opening Toogoolawah Community Gym

June

• Kilcoy State High School – Eat ‘n’ Greet Extravaganza

The Queensland 2022 National reconciliation Week Launch & Breakfast held at Queensland Parliament was well supported.  The event was a moving and caring experience with the attendance of Distinguished Guests, Her Excellency The Honourable Dr Jeannette Young, Dame Quentin Bryce, Deputy Mayor of Aurukun Shire Council Cr Craig Koomeeta, and many other special guests.  Guests were advised that on 27^th May a memorial to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service men and women will be unveiled by the Premier of Queensland Annastacia Palaszczuk in Brisbane’s Anzac Square.  The RSL Queensland’s Indigenous Veterans’ Ceremony will be held on 28^th May.  Guests were advised that many thousands of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service men and women have fought for our country from the Boer War onwards. A common passion and love for this country is where differences were set aside and cultures were united.

Friends of Stonehouse met to further organise the Stonehouse Open Day being held on Saturday 23^rd and Sunday 24^th July.  Everyone is welcome to attend, and invitations will be forwarded to the Mayor and each Councillor.

The Kilcoy State High School students provided visiting community guests foods of the world at the high school’s Open Day Eat ‘n Greet Extravaganza.  There were many alluring smells and accompanying tastes, from countries such as Thailand, Mexico, Italy, England, Japan, Philippines, and Korea.  There were also school tours and displays from subject areas, i.e., the Agriculture Department, Art Show, English, Physical Education, Robotics and many others.  The students and teaching staff must be congratulated.

Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Council Meeting 25 May 2022

Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Council Meeting 25 May 2022

Agenda Item # 5 Matters of Public Interest
Foot and mouth disease has been confirmed in Indonesia. It is a highly infectious viral infection of domestic and wild cloven-hooved animals, including cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, camelids, and buffalo. It does not infect horses. The disease is not present in Australia and we all need to work together to keep it that way. Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment are encouraging those involved with animals to understand the symptoms.

Homeowners impacted by flood water have been encouraged to apply for their share of a major new funding package that would rebuild and floodproof Queensland homes. The State Government has announced the $741m package, which will be jointly funded by the commonwealth, and would give some homeowners the option to have their property bought back. The program will apply in 37 local government areas. Homeowners can register their interest for the program via the government website. Register your interest at www.qld.gov.au/resilienthomes.

Due to the unpredictable weather pattern and the forecast of rain this week and into the weekend, the Kilcoy Hospital Auxiliary is mindful of the unsafe condition of the grounds where the fete will take place. Unfortunately, the auxiliary has been left with no choice but to cancel the 2022 fete planned for Saturday, however the auxiliary looks forward to the 2023 fete.

Agenda Item # 24 Councillors’ Report
April
11 Ordinary Council Meeting – Teams
12 Brisbane Interagency Meeting – Teams
12 Meeting KCCCI – Kilcoy
13 Extraordinary LDMG Meetings (2) – Teams
14 Extraordinary LDMG Meeting – Teams
16 Meeting with CEO – Kilcoy
16 Kilcoy State High School – Presentation of Youth Leadership Camp Certificates
16 Extraordinary LDMG Meeting – Teams
16 Walk Fire Trail – Esk residents – Mount Glen Rock
16 RADF Advisory Committee Meeting – Esk
17 Council Workshop – Esk
17 Somerset Economic Development & Tourism Advisory Committee Meeting – Esk
17 Kilcoy District Progress Alliance monthly meeting – Kilcoy
18 Community Meeting – Mount Glen Rock Project – Esk residents
18 Access Inspection – private residence – Kilcoy
18 Weed & Pest Management Workshop – Toogoolawah
18 Kilcoy Indoor Sports Centre Steering Committee meeting – Kilcoy
19 Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea – Ray White Rural Kilcoy
20 Somerset Art Gallery Trail Launch – Courthouse Gallery, Kilcoy
21 Somerset Dam & District Progress Assn AGM
24 Drug & Alcohol Education Session – Esk
24 Meeting with Mayor, Deputy Mayor & CEO – Esk
24 QPS Prevention Information & Displays – Home Security, Personal Safety, Neighbourhood Watch – Kilcoy

It was pleasing to see the response by our rural residents who gathered to network around weed and pest management information shared at the workshop held at the Toogoolawah Golf Course. There is great concern with the variety of weeds that are appearing in many areas of our region.

Congratulations to Ray White Rural Kilcoy for hosting Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, the event raised over $3,700. A huge thank you to all contributing businesses and community members for their generous donations. There was plenty of raffles and an auction to complete the fund raising effort.

Thank you to our art members who attended the launch of the Somerset Art Gallery Trail Flags. The event took place on the Courthouse Gallery deck overlooking the beautiful Greensill Lake.

It was a bitter sweet moment. We said thank you so very much to the outgoing Somerset Dam & District Progress Assn Executive, and welcomed the 2022/23 SDDPA Executive. Goodbye to a hard working tireless leader, outgoing President Noelene Hunter. Please don’t forget us Noelene upon relocating from our community. Thank you for all you have done.

Many thanks to local Kilcoy Police Officer Marty, Crime Prevention Unit Police Officers Jo and Gemma, and Crime Stoppers Chairperson Ken for sharing important information on security cameras, security tips and advice, and how to report matters to police. We appreciate your support and guidance.

Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Council Meeting 11 May 2022

Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Council Meeting 11 May 2022

Agenda Item # 5 Matters of Public Interest
The Hayes and Co 2022 Kilcoy Beef Event was a very well organised event with a great number of entries. A heartfelt reflection of the young Kilcoy identity was given with regard to The Coen Fry Memorial Trophy, which was proudly awarded to Jack Williamson of Linville. The Junior Judges were extremely well represented, so sincere congratulations must be offered to everyone.

Simon Cleary has commenced his track along the Brisbane River, he commenced with inclement weather but this has not dampened his enthusiasm. “Where the river leads, we shall go. When will we arrive? Does even it know?” Off on a little walk along the Brisbane River/Maiwar with some special companions, the river being one of them. Back in a month”. I look forward to obtaining a copy of Simon’s book about his experiences when written.

Congratulations to Council’s Tourism Staff who have successfully nominated Linville, and which has now become a finalist as part of the Queensland Tourism Industry Council – Favourite Top Tiny Tourism Town. There are nine other finalists – good luck Linville, let’s hope there are lots of votes received from our communities.

Agenda Item #24 Councillors’ Report
April
27 Ordinary Council Meeting – Esk
27 Visit to the official opening of the Esk IGA
27 Council Workshop Meeting – Esk
27 AgForce “Politics in the Pub” Meet the Candidates – Grand Hotel Esk
29 94.9 Radio Interview – Hedley Park Estate/Stage 8 approval – Flood Recovery
May
03 The Condensery – Somerset Regional Art Gallery Advisory Committee meeting – Toogoolawah
03 Somerset Dam & District Progress Assn Meeting – Somerset Dam
05 Somerset Regional Council Human Social Recovery Group Meeting – #5 – Teams
05 Brisbane Valley Heritage Trails monthly meeting – Linville
05 Mount Glen Rock Steering Committee Meeting – Esk
06 “The Little Mermaid” – Toogoolawah State High School – Toogoolawah
07 Yowie Parkrun – Mothers’ Day & Breakfast
10 Kilcoy Hospital Auxiliary monthly meeting – Kilcoy
10 Kilcoy High School P&C monthly meeting – Kilcoy
10 Kilcoy Rodeo committee meeting – Kilcoy

I now understand the work and stress experienced by many involved with the associated planning of the Esk IGA at its official opening held on 27th April. Well done to everyone concerned, you must be very proud of the eventual opening. We look forward to each milestone with the forthcoming changes to the existing building and the presentation of the final project.

I must acknowledge the professionalism and dedication of the Toogoolawah High School students who were part of the musical “The Little Mermaid”. The acting and singing were absolutely wonderful, with the students performing all roles and songs with complete confidence and passion. This production has been held up by COVID, but given the time lapse, it was well worth the effort and working through all the associated challenges.

The Kilcoy Hospital Auxiliary is finalizing its planning for the Kilcoy Hospital Fete to be held on Saturday 28th May.

I must acknowledge the resilience of our local community groups. The Kilcoy Rodeo committee has made a loss with the need to postpone the March Rodeo due to the February floods, however the committee is ignoring this fact and working on providing a fantastic event on Saturday 6th August.

Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Council Meeting 27 April 2022

Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Council Meeting 27 April 2022

Agenda Item # 5 Matters of Public Interest

I hope everyone jumped on line and grabbed cheaper tickets to the Somerset Rail Trail Fund Run to be held on 10 July 2022.  The Flash Sale has been and gone with some terrific specials.  Remember this year we have the new bike leg, which will commence at Coominya and finish at Fernvale.   Were you one of over 500 Flash Sale registrations received over the weekend?  This was Council’s biggest Flash Sale to date, with over $1500 for the Ipswich Hospital Foundation raised.

Following events are being held during the month of May –  1^st & 13^th Kilcoy Autumn Cup Racing Carnival; 7^th Yowie Mothers’ Day Parkrun (Dress up & breakfast at Black Rack); 7^th Esk Show Ball; 7^th Toogoolawah Charity Rodeo; 20^{th &} 21^st  Esk Show; 28^th Kilcoy Hospital Auxiliary Fete; 28^th Lowood Show Ball; 29^th Toogoolawah St Andrews Anglican Church 110^th Anniversary Celebration.  Also, congratulations to the Kilcoy Rodeo Committee who has been successful in organising another Rodeo date for this year – mark it in your calendar Saturday 6^th August!

Agenda Item #22   Councillors’ Report

April

13           Mount Glen Rock Information Evening  –  Esk

19           Project Debrief – Teams

21           Kilcoy Art Society Inc monthly meeting

22           Toogoolawah State High School Anzac Day Commemoration

22           Moore Hall Centenary

23           Mt Tarampa State School Flood Recovery Party

25           Anzac Day Commemorations – Kilcoy, Linville and Esk

26           Kilcoy Interagency Meeting

26           Kilcoy State School P&C Meeting

Congratulations to the Moore Hall Centenary committee who organised a wonderful old fashion ball.  I, along with many others enjoyed the evening filled with laughter, great dancing and there enough stalls providing tasty meals and coffee.  Well done to the volunteers of this very small community.

Once again, Anzac Day was strongly supported at each and every commemoration held in the Somerset region.  The provision of home cooked food by volunteers and the comradery was exemplary.  Lest we Forget.

Councillor Report – Ordinary Council Meeting – 13 April 2022

 Cr Cheryl Gaedtke – Ordinary Council Meeting 13 April 2022

Agenda Item # 5 Matters of Public Interest

Vaccine mandates for hospitality and entertainment venues will be scraped in a major win for businesses.  As from 14^th April, staff and customers will not have to be vaccinated when entering restaurants, cafes, pubs, clubs,  casinos, theme parks, libraries, galleries, weddings, showgrounds, museums, stadiums and cinemas.  Vaccination and check-in requirements will continue for anyone visiting or working in vulnerable settings (hospitals, disability accommodation services, residential aged care), as well as for workers in high risk settings including schools, childcare, prisons and airports.  I welcome this decision, and applaud the State Government for recognising the level of vaccination achieved in our great state, and I stress again the disconnect this mandate has caused to our communities.

Congratulations to Esk Caravan Park for taking out the 2022 Caravan Parks Association of Queensland (CPAQ) Awards – 2022 Refurbishment Award Winner.  The awards provide Queensland caravan parks and their staff the opportunity to review and reflect on their own activities each year.

Following Queensland councils urging the Federal Government to immediately commit to a trial of domestic mobile roaming during emergencies, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) will conduct a public inquiry into access to regional mobile towers and into the feasibility of providing mobile roaming during natural disasters or other emergencies.  Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, Paul Fletcher said the 2021 Regional Telecommunications Review had noted strong progress but highlighted issues that need to be further addressed.

Agenda Item #22   Councillors’ Report

March

23           Ordinary Council Meeting – Esk

23           Workshop Meeting – Esk

24           Somerset Regional Council Human Social Recovery Group Meeting (#3) – Teams

24          International Women’s Day – Kilcoy Showgrounds

24           Inspection of footpaths – Kilcoy resident

26           Youth Filmmaking Workshops – G & A Huglin – Somerset Civic Centre

26           Camp & Jam – Blues, Country & Rock Concert 2022 – Esk Showgrounds

28           Proposed Development meeting – Esk

29           Kilcoy Interagency Committee Meeting – zoom

29           Major General Ellwood visit to Somerset region

29           Experience Somerset Tourism Launch 2022 – Kilcoy Explore Centre

31           Linville State School – Farewell staff member

31           Linville Hotel – Welcome to forthcoming owners

31           The Condensery Masterplan – The Condensery, Toogoolawah

April

05           Visit to Esk residents – Mount Glen Rock project

07           Somerset Regional Council Human Social Recovery Group Meeting (#4) – Teams

07           Brisbane Valley Heritage Trails monthly meeting – Esk

07           Meeting with Murphy’s Pigs and others – Esk

08           Slow Churn Launch – Toogoolawah, The Condensery

11           Councillor Infrastructure Tour

12          Kilcoy Hospital Auxiliary meeting

12           Meeting with Kilcoy Global Foods

12           Development Application review – teams

Around fourteen adults and children enjoyed making “The Choice” film at the Youth Filmmaking Workshops held on Saturday 26 March at the Somerset Civic Centre.  The day was enjoyed immensely by all who attended the workshop.  It was pleasing to see our youth full of energy and playing their parts extremely well, it was a story that unfolded as we went step by step.  Thank you so much to both Greg and Andrea for their expertise and guidance on the day.

A very emotional farewell was offered by Mrs Carey, who had been a member of the Linville State School staff for 30 years.  Mrs Carey was presented with a beautiful home-made farewell cake, gifts, flowers and a lovely framed certificate of attainment.  It was very evident that Mrs Carey will be sorely missed by all.