Weekly News Briefs - 26 February 2026

Rates Issued

Council has issued rate notices for the period 1 January to 30 June 2026, with payment due by 18 March. If you have not received your notice by 23 February 2026, please contact Council on 1300 005 872 for a copy.

Tired of waiting for snail mail? Sign up to receive your future rate notices by email and avoid a $2 fee per posted notice (pensioners exempt).

Learn more: www.lockyervalley.qld.gov.au/rates

Council refuses extension application

At the Ordinary Meeting of Council on 18 February, Councillors refused an application to further extend development approval for a proposed aviation facility at Morton Vale.

The development application first received approval in September 2011, has been granted four prior extensions, but as no work has commenced Council is not granting any further extension.

International Women’s Day breakfast

Mark Thursday 5 March in your calendar and join us at the Gatton Shire Hall for our annual International Women’s Day breakfast celebration.

This year’s theme is “Balance the Scales”, and Council is delighted to welcome local adventurer Kerri MacMahon as guest speaker.

Doors open at 6.30am for a 7am start. Tickets are $25pp pre-purchase only (no tickets at the door). Secure yours before 12pm 2 March at www.lockyervalleytickets.com.au

Visit the Council Pop-Up in Hatton Vale

Council invites residents to visit a Council Pop-Up at Hatton Vale IGA on Saturday, 7 March from 8.30am to 11.30am (subject to weather).

Enjoy a great opportunity to not only meet Councillors and Council staff, but to also:

• ask questions
• provide feedback on issues that matter to you and your community
• stay up to date on Council initiatives.

For more pop-up locations, visit: www.lockyervalley.qld.gov.au/have-your-say.

Welcomed a baby in 2025?

Join us at our annual Welcome Baby Celebration and introduce your little one to the community, meet other new parents, and enjoy morning tea.

WHERE: Lockyer Valley Cultural Centre, Lake Apex Drive, Gatton

WHEN: Saturday, 14 March

TIME: 9.30am

RSVP by Monday, 9 March 2026, bookings are essential. For more information and to secure your spot, visit https://forms.office.com/r/jzj8Lidf1v

More footpaths set for Fairway Drive

The next component of the Fairway Drive footpath project will commence shortly.

Crews will begin construction of around 470 metres of walkway along Fairway Drive, Kensington Grove, between Scott Place and Lowien Close, improving connectivity, safety and accessibility in the area.

Minor traffic impacts may occur when works are being undertaken to the pram ramps and kerb. Weather permitting, this project is expected to be completed by mid-April.

This project was proudly funded by the Queensland Government’s South East Queensland Community Stimulus Package (SEQCSP) and the Australian Government’s Active Transport Fund (ATF).

Round 2 of Council’s Major Community Grants Program is now open!

If your community or sporting group has a project or initiative in mind, now’s the perfect time to go for it.

With $1000–$4000 available, a little extra funding could be the spark that brings your next big idea to life.

Applications close 15 March 2026.

For more information and to apply, visit www.lockyervalley.qld.gov.au/major-community-grant...

Footpath rehabilitation works coming for important Withcott road

Footpath rehabilitation works will soon get underway on Jones Road, Withcott.

Council crews will work to link up existing pathways, which will allow pedestrians, including those in wheelchairs or pushing a pram, to walk safely and conveniently. They will also install kerb and channel to join up existing infrastructure and add top dressing and turf.

Council has secured funding under the Australian Government’s Active Transport Fund (ATF).

Weather permitting, works are estimated for completion by early April.