July 22, 2020
Somerset Regional Council has bought an historic mountain at Esk for $420,000 with the aim of encouraging recreational tourism at the site.
Mount Glen Rock and its escarpment towers over the Brisbane Valley town.
Somerset Mayor Graeme Lehmann said the decision to purchase the freehold land had been unanimously supported by councillors.
“This is a great day for our community and has followed a long process of negotiation and independent valuations,” Cr Lehmann said.
“Mount Glen Rock dominates the scenery around Esk at 271 metres and this purchase returns it to the community for recreation.
“We are seeing a significant increase in tourism throughout Somerset, on the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail and at our lakes and we are hoping to provide more experiences and opportunities for residents and tourists to enjoy.”
Cr Lehmann said the mountain provided a myriad of tourism opportunities.
“Community ownership of Mount Glen Rock will help us capitalise and expand on existing tourism opportunities and help encourage visitors to stay longer in Somerset,” he said.
The mountain is easily accessible from the Esk central business district and from the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail.
Somerset CEO Andrew Johnson said council was committed to investing in the future of the region.
“Council has purchased this land and specifically the mountain to support future economic growth of the region,” Mr Johnson said.
“With further investigation and investment, the site has the capability and potential to be developed as a multi-use recreational facility.”
Jeez, how good would it have been if the South Burnett Regional Council had bought the property which joined the weir in Nanango?