Weekly News Briefs - 27 August 2026
Wild dog warning
Following a recent spike in wild dog attacks, Council is asking landholders to stay alert, secure their pets and livestock, and report suspected sightings.
Council offers a range of support to help landholders manage wild dogs on their property and meet their biosecurity obligations, including camera surveillance and trapping, as well as a 50 per cent subsidy on the cost of 1080 baits.
To find out more about the Landholder Invasive Animal Control Subsidy Program, Scalp Bounty Program and to see a list of feral animal control contractors, visit www.lockyervalley.qld.gov.au/pest-management or call Council’s Pest Management Team on 1300 005 872.
Grants now available
Applications are now open for the following grant programs:
Major Community Grants
Funding of between $1000 and $4000 is available to not-for-profit community organisations delivering projects, activities or events that provide a benefit to the broader community.
Community Environmental Grants
Providing $500 to $5000 to local schools and community groups that are delivering projects that protect, enhance and raise awareness of our natural environment.
Applications for both grant rounds close Tuesday, 15 September.
For more information and to apply, visit www.lockyervalley.qld.gov.au/grants-and-funding
Positions vacant
Council is currently seeking applications for the positions of:
- Team Leader (Road Construction) (Full Time, Permanent)
- Customer Experience Officer (Full Time, Permanent)
These advertisements will close on Monday 31 August 2026 at 5pm.
For more information and to apply, visit the Current Vacancies page of Council’s website.
Rate Notices issued
Council has issued rate notices for the period 1 July through to 31 December 2026, with payment due by 16 September 2026.
If you are yet to receive your notice, please contact us to obtain a copy so you can take advantage of the discount available.
If you have opted for e-notices and you can’t see it in your inbox, please check your spam folder first.
Any resident who has changed address or applied for a pensioner rebate after 4 August 2026 is asked to contact Council to confirm details.
For further enquiries, contact Council’s Rates Department at mailbox@lvrc.qld.gov.au or call 1300 005 872.
Laidley Spring Festival returns next month
The 2026 Laidley Spring Festival returns 11–12 September, followed by Bee Happy Day in Forest Hill on 13 September.
Families will love the Bluey Live Interactive Experience on Saturday and Queensland favourites The Wet Whistles, along with an incredible line-up of local and emerging artists.
Friday night's Twilight Feast & Fest will be a fantastic evening under the spring sky with great music, food and community spirit.
Whether you're a gardening enthusiast, a motoring fan, an art lover or just looking for a great family day out, there's something for everyone.
The iconic Show 'n' Shine is always a crowd favourite, alongside the Spring Gardening Fair, orchid displays, quilt and craft exhibition, art exhibition and plenty of local shopping and food experiences.
Bee Happy Day on Sunday 13 September will be held from 9am – 1pm at the Forest Hill School of Arts Hall - bring your little honeybees along for a FREE morning buzzing with fun.
And while the kids are busy having the best time, take a wander through the markets, grab a coffee and something delicious for brekky, and enjoy a morning that's sweeter than honey!
Check out our full program at www.laidleyspringfestival.com
Enter Laidley Spring Festival Parade!
There’s still time to join the 2026 Laidley Spring Festival Grand Street Parade, with this year’s theme being COUNTRY HARVEST.
We’re calling on local businesses, schools and community groups to bring the country spirit to town with floats, tractors, farmyard fun, fresh produce, scarecrows, and all things harvest season!
If it can be grown, driven, baked, picked, bailed, or loaded onto a trailer, we want to see it in the parade.
Parade Date: Saturday 12 September
Time: Rolling out from 10am sharp
Register now at: laidleyspringfestival.com/get-involved
Nikki Mottram Author Talk
Come along for an in-conversation event with Toowoomba author Nikki Mottram to hear about her latest title, Helidon.
Child protection worker Dana Gibson is called to attend a fatal shooting at the pub in Helidon where a bikie gang war has exploded. Nineteen-year-old Savannah and her younger sister, Maddie, have been caught in the crossfire, and the rural town finds itself divided between two cultures – the commune on the edge of town where Savannah’s family live and an outlaw motorcycle gang.
Rife with suspense and intrigue, Helidon, the third instalment of the Dana Gibson series is an addictive page-turner.
WHERE: Gatton Library
WHEN: Wednesday 9 September, 6pm
Bookings essential at https://tinyurl.com/yeysm285
Council Pop-Ups
Council's next pop-ups will be held at:
Laidley Spring Festival
Date: Friday, 11 and Saturday, 12 September
Time: 5pm - 9pm (Friday), 8am - 3pm (Saturday)
Venue: Laidley Recreational Reserve
Swing by for a chat with councillors and staff, ask questions, and provide feedback on issues that matter most to you and your community.
Councillors will continue to attend a wide range of community events and be available for conversations with community members.
Find out more about the Council Pop-Up schedule on Council’s website.
Come and see us at Withcott
Council will have a presence at the upcoming Kids Day Out event at Withcott.
Come along and speak to Council staff, ask questions and find lots of information on Council services and projects.
WHEN: Saturday 5 September
TIME: 2pm to 6pm
WHERE: Springbrook Park
