Weekly News Briefs - 10 September 2026

WACKADOO! It’s Spring Festival time!

You can see Bluey and Bingo at the 2026 Laidley Spring Festival THIS SATURDAY!

Get ready to play Magic Asparagus, Magic Xylophone, Keepy Uppy and more with your favourite Heeler duo as they take over the Main Stage.

WHEN: Saturday 12 September

WHERE: Main Stage, Laidley Recreational Reserve

TIME: 11am (following the Street Parade)

Bring the whole family and join Bluey and Bingo for a fun-filled live interactive experience that will have kids smiling from ear to ear. And remember... this stage show is completely FREE!

View the full Festival program at: www.laidleyspringfestival.com

Jones Road, Withcott widening

Works to widen a narrow section of Jones Road, Withcott, between Glencoe Road and Gittins Road, have begun.

Works will occur between 7am and 4pm and are expected to be complete by mid-October, weather permitting. Keep up to date with the project by visiting www.lockyervalley.qld.gov.au/road-works

Share the Dignity Drive

Council’s annual Share the Dignity Drive is now underway. Join Council staff in donating essential period and hygiene products for local women doing it tough.

Donations can be placed in the collection bins at Council’s Gatton and Laidley Customer Service Centres. Items accepted include sanitary products, roll-on deodorant, soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste (all sealed in original packaging).

All donations will be provided to the Gatton Salvation Army to support local women and families in need. Donate before 25 September and help make a difference. For more information, visit sharethedignity.org.au

Bushfire season underway

It’s officially bushfire season and Council is encouraging residents to prepare NOW.

• Clear your gutters and remove overhanging branches
• Keep lawns short. Slash, mow or graze paddocks, especially close to houses or sheds
• Know your local bushfire risks
• Create a bushfire survival plan and include pets/livestock
• Familiarise yourself with official Fire Danger Warning levels

And, yes, Council is attending to it’s own land especially in higher risk locations.

For bushfire preparedness information and to create your survival plan, visit: www.fire.qld.gov.au/prepare/bushfires

Stay up to date during emergencies via Council's Disaster Dashboard: www.disaster.lvrc.qld.gov.au

Positions Vacant

Council is currently seeking applications for the position of:

• Principal Accounting Services (Full Time, Contract)

This advertisement will close on Monday 14 September 2026 at 5pm.

For more information and to apply, visit the Current Vacancies page of Council’s website.

Rate notices due

A reminder that rate notices for the period 1 July through to 31 December 2026 are 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.

Download the Recycle Mate app

Thanks to a new three-year partnership between the Queensland Government and Recycle Mate, Lockyer Valley residents now have access to even more features on the FREE Recycle Mate app.

• Take a photo of an item and find out which bin it belongs in
• Search thousands of items for correct disposal information
• Find local recycling points, op shops, Containers for Change sites and more
• Access bin collection day information
• Receive handy bin night reminders
• Stay informed about transfer station changes and waste service updates

Prefer using a website? You can access the Recycle Mate search tool, community recycling map and AI chatbot (available in more than 92 languages) at www.lockyervalley.qld.gov.au/recycle-mate

Download Recycle Mate today on Apple and Android devices and recycle with confidence.

Grants closing soon

Applications for Council’s Major Community Grants and Community Environmental Grants programs close on Tuesday 15 September, so don’t delay!

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.

For more information and to apply, visit www.lockyervalley.qld.gov.au/grants-and-funding

Now showing at the Art Gallery

Titled Perspectives by High Schools of the Lockyer Valley, come along to discover a collection of inspiring artworks created by high school students from across the region.

Featuring a range of styles and mediums, the exhibition showcases the talent, creativity and unique perspectives of our local young people.

Visit the Lockyer Valley Art Gallery and support the next generation of artists until 11 October.

The Art Gallery is located within the Lockyer Valley Cultural Centre, Lake Apex Drive, Gatton.