Weekly News Briefs - 3 September 2026
Laidley Spring Festival returns next weekend!
The 2026 Laidley Spring Festival returns 11–12 September, followed by Bee Happy Day in Forest Hill on 13 September.
From Friday night's Twilight Feast & Fest to the iconic Show 'n' Shine, Spring Gardening Fair, orchid displays, quilt and craft exhibition, art exhibition and plenty of local shopping and food experiences, the event really does offer something for everyone.
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
Kokoda Youth Foundation partnership
Council has entered a two-year Memorandum of Understanding with the Kokoda Youth Foundation (KYF) to provide meaningful community service opportunities for KYF participants through environmental maintenance, conservation and land stewardship activities utilising Council-managed properties.
Council is currently undertaking revegetation and habitat enhancement works at several Council-owned properties in the Lockyer Waters and Laidley areas which are considered suitable for the KYF’s youth program.
These works are funded through Resilient Rivers SEQ and Healthy Land and Water.
Furniture and tree maintenance
Council crews have completed a range of maintenance works across the region, including the installation of new signage at Bichel Oval, Laidley and repairs on the timber foot bridge at Dawson Phipps Park, Gatton.
Playground repairs were also completed at Dawson Phipps Park, Gatton and Fairways Park, Kensington Grove, and tree maintenance requests and defects are now complete at 10 locations across the region.
Jones Road, Withcott widening
Works to widen a narrow section of Jones Road, Withcott, between Glencoe Road and Gittins Road, will begin in early September.
Works will occur between 7am and 4pm and are expected to take six weeks to complete, weather permitting. Keep up to date with the project by visiting www.lockyervalley.qld.gov.au/road-works
Nominate someone special today
Nominations for the 2027 Lockyer Valley Australia Day Awards are open.
From dedicated volunteers and community champions to outstanding athletes and organisations, help us celebrate the people who make our region a great place to live. Categories include:
- Citizen of the Year
- Young Citizen of the Year
- Junior Sportsperson of the Year
- Senior Sportsperson of the Year
- Community Organisation of the Year
- Event of the Year
Nominate now at https://lockyervalley.smartygrants.com.au/AusDay27
Nominations close midnight, 4 December 2026.
Volunteers needed!
Enthusiastic volunteers are needed to join our team as Tourism Ambassadors!
Share your local knowledge and help showcase the best of the Lockyer Valley to visitors from near and far.
As one of our valued volunteer Tourism Ambassadors, you’ll get to:
- Learn more about our beautiful region
- Develop new skills
- Build both professional and social networks
- Work in a creative, fun, and flexible environment
- Give back to the community
- Participate in familiarisation tours that explore our region and visit tourism operators
For more information and to apply, visit www.lockyervalley.qld.gov.au/volunteering-opportunities
Rate Notices issued
On 12 August, Council 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 your notice in your inbox, please check your spam folder.
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.
Nikki Mottram Author Talk
Join Toowoomba author Nikki Mottram at the Gatton Library next week for an in-conversation event with Edwina Shaw discussing Nikki’s latest novel, Helidon.
Set right here in the Lockyer Valley, Helidon is the third instalment of Nikki’s best-selling Dana Gibson crime series, joining Crows Nest and Killarney.
WHEN: Wednesday 9 September
TIME: 6pm to 7pm
COST: $5 per ticket
Bookings are essential. Secure a seat today by visiting https://library.lockyervalley.qld.gov.au/
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
