Loddon Shire Mayoral Column 30 April 2025
Published on 28 March 2025
At our April Council Meeting, Councillors considered a number of key items. The meeting outcomes included:
Loddon Shire Council Draft 2025/26 Budget (including Fees and Charges)
Council has endorsed the draft 2025/26 Budget and draft Revenue and Rating Plan for public comment until Monday 26 May 2025.
The draft budget includes a rate increase of 3 per cent – in line with the Victorian Government’s Fair Go Rates System. Council remains debt-free, with no loan repayments, and a continued strong cash positive position.
The draft budget allocates a capital expenditure program of $8.61 million, which includes $4.79 million towards roads, $0.77 million for urban and road drainage and $0.38 million for footpaths.
Additionally, the budget includes a $634,000 allocation for works associated with the Building Asset Management Plan and full funding of Council’s ongoing commitment to community planning of $750,000.
To offset the increased cost of kerbside waste and recycling services, waste services charges will have a 6 per cent increase applied.
These adjustments continue to ensure compliance with any necessary legislation or regulations. The cost of a 140-litre bin will remain at $425 and a 240-litre bin to $578. The cost for a 240-litre kerbside recycling bin will increase to $160.
The schedule of Fees and Charges is also out for public comment until Monday 26 May 2025. It is proposed to increase fees and charges by 3 per cent, the same as the rate increase.
The Revenue and Rating Plan for 2025-2029 has also been drafted and is out for public comment. This document provides guidance for Council to determine what is the most appropriate and affordable revenue and rating approach for Council. The previous principles have been reviewed by Council and are seen as the most appropriate approach for this updated Plan.
Copies of the documents are available on Council’s website at www.loddon.vic.gov.au/Our-Council/Financial-reports
Copies are also available for inspection at Council’s Wedderburn office during business hours or can be posted out on request by calling Council’s Customer Service on (03) 5494 1200.
Council will meet to consider any feedback on these key financial documents at the Council Forum on Tuesday 10 June 2025.
Governance Rules Review
Council is also reviewing its Governance Rules, with proposed changes now available for public feedback. Members of the community are invited to consider and provide feedback on the proposed changes.
To view the proposed changes, visit https://www.loddon.vic.gov.au/Our-Council/Documents-for-public-comment
Feedback must be received by 9am on Friday, 9 May 2025 and can be submitted by email to loddon@loddon.vic.gov.au, by post to PO Box 21 Wedderburn 3518, or delivered in person to Council’s Wedderburn office (41 High Street).
Council will review feedback at its May Forum (13 May), before further considering the proposed changes at its May Council Meeting.
Draft Loddon Inclusive Communities Plan
Loddon Shire Council is seeking feedback on the draft Loddon Inclusive Communities Plan 2025–2029, on public display from Thursday 8 May to Wednesday 21 May 2025.
The Plan outlines strategies to enhance inclusivity across the Loddon Shire, ensuring all residents have equitable access to services, opportunities, and feel welcome to participate in all aspects of community life. It reflects Council's commitment to fostering a welcoming and accessible environment for everyone.
The draft Plan will be available for review on Council’s community engagement platform: connect.loddon.vic.gov.au/loddon-inclusive-communities-plan
Feedback must be received by 5pm on Wednesday, 21 May 2025 and can be submitted by email to loddon@loddon.vic.gov.au, by post to PO Box 21, Wedderburn VIC 3518 or delivered in person to Council’s Wedderburn office (41 High Street).
You can also share your feedback by completing a short survey at connect.loddon.vic.gov.au/loddon-inclusive-communities-plan
Inglewood Streetscape Development Project update
Council has obtained permits to remove the existing building on the ‘old service station’ site at the eastern entrance to Inglewood.
Works will include remediation of the property, in preparation for future development of the site, as part of the project.
To read the full media release, visit https://www.loddon.vic.gov.au/News-and-public-notices/News-articles
Congratulations Seth
I am pleased to share some great news from our Boort community. Congratulations to Seth M, who has been invited to join the Cross Country Athletic Tour in America in September.
Seth’s selection is a result of his consistent and impressive performances over the years, especially at State level.
This is a fantastic opportunity for Seth and an outstanding achievement.
Well done, Seth.
Anzac Day
Finally, I would like to recognise and thank everyone involved in organising Anzac Day commemorations across the Shire. I had the honour of attending the Calivil and Mologa services, both of which were well attended by our communities.