Weekly News Briefs - 30 July 2026

Get Ready this weekend!

Join us at our free Get Ready Lockyer 2026 event THIS Sunday 2 August at Ferrari Park, Laidley to learn simple, practical ways to prepare for natural disasters.

Here’s a snapshot of what will be available on the day:

• Meet local emergency services and support agencies
• See cooking demonstrations using pantry staples and items from your emergency kit
• Learn wildlife safety tips—how to deal with snakes and injured animals
• Talk to the Gatton Army Reservists about how they might support our community
• Visit the petting zoo and get some advice on keeping your pets safe in emergencies
• Chat with the Bureau of Meteorology about alerts and the BOM App
• Watch the Resilience Challenge and have a go at the giant obstacle course
• Test your skill at using a fire hose
• Watch a kitchen fire safety demonstration
• Grab a bite at the Lions Club sausage sizzle

There’s something for everyone – so come along and get involved, get informed and get ready!

For more information, visit www.lockyervalley.qld.gov.au/get-ready-day-2026

Council adopts 2026–27 Budget, Operational Plan

Council has adopted its 2026–27 Budget and Operational Plan, which focuses on better roads, core services and responsible financial management.

The $117.3 million Budget has allocated almost $52 million to roads, bridges and drainage across both capital and operational works.

The below-inflation average rate increase of 4.24% is lower than many South East Queensland councils and when combined with levies, equates to about $3.20 per week for the average owner-occupier.

Fuelling much of the increase in levies is the State Government’s ‘bin tax’, which is pushing ever-increasing costs onto councils and their communities.

The $31.7 million capital program will fund 101 projects right across the region, providing visible, tangible outcomes for our residents.

Council is investing in the infrastructure and long-term projects that will help keep the Lockyer Valley thriving for generations to come.

Council remains in a strong financial position, with a forecast operating surplus and no debt.

Explore the Budget and learn more www.lockyervalley.qld.gov.au/budget

Survey submissions closing soon

If you haven’t already, help shape the future of the Lockyer Valley by telling us where you think new homes and jobs should be located.

This is YOUR chance to have a say on the future of your backyard. Tell us

• Where you think growth should occur (or where it should be limited)
• What types of housing we need into the future
• What character and identity should be preserved
• If there are opportunities to strengthen local employment in your town.

For more information and to complete the online survey, visit lockyervalley.engagementhub.com.au

Paper copies of the survey are available at Council’s Customer Contact Centres and Libraries in Gatton and Laidley.

The survey closes THIS Sunday, 2 August 2026.

New road named

Council has approved the name Timberline Court for the new road to be created within Stage 8 of the subdivision of land at Forestry Road, Adare.

Council is responsible for assigning an official name to every gazetted road that is used to access properties.

Proposed road names are considered in accordance with Council’s Naming of Roads, Park, Landmarks and Facilities Policy. Under Council’s policy, road names are to be appropriate and relevant, and from nominated categories.

Lease extended for Laidley Scouts

Council has given the green light for the Scout Association of Australia Queensland Branch to extend their lease at their Edward Street, Laidley premises for a period of three years.

This is a wonderful outcome for this important community organisation.

Join our Community Representative Group

Council is seeking expressions of interest from community members to join our Community Representative Group to support the refresh of the ‘Lockyer – Our Valley, Our Vision Community Plan’.

As the region’s long-term, community-owned strategic document, this plan reflects the values, priorities and aspirations of the community, while providing a strategic foundation for Council’s Corporate Plan and decision-making.

We’re looking for people who:

• live in and have a strong connection to the region
• are interested in the long-term future of the community (10-20 years)
• are willing to consider a range of perspectives
• can participate constructively in facilitated discussions

Members will participate in six, two-hour sessions over a 12-week period between September and November 2026 and will be expected to review materials between meetings.

Expressions of interest close Monday, 10 August 2026.

To apply, visit Council’s Engagement Hub http://lockyervalley.engagementhub.com.au