Better communities for us all

Published on 05 November 2025

A more inclusive, equitable and accessible environment for everyone in Loddon Shire sounds like a great idea, and that’s the aim of a new plan adopted by Council.

The Loddon Shire Inclusive Communities Plan was developed after extensive community consultation and identified a more conscious effort to include and engage groups that are often under-represented in mainstream community activities.

More than 230 community members and organisations had their say, and the result is a plan that reflects the aspirations of a wide and diverse range of people.

It also implements Council’s commitment to positive ageing following the exit from the Commonwealth Home Support Program, an important commitment in a shire where the median age (52) is significantly higher than the rest of Victoria (38).

Loddon Shire Mayor Dan Straub said it was important to help make the shire inclusive for all its residents.

“We know that some people in the shire face barriers to accessing the support, information, and resources that they need to live healthy and fulfilling lives, and this can be seen in many ways,” he said.

“Council also continues to advocate to other levels of government to address these disadvantages.

“We are a unique shire in the make up of our many geographically separate and distinct communities, our higher rates of volunteering than the rest of the state, our participation in sports and recreation and the huge importance of agriculture to our economic wellbeing.

“We also have higher levels of socio-economic disadvantage and a lack of access to internet and technology compared to the rest of Victoria, a lack of public transport and other connection barriers that can make inclusivity difficult.

“What this plan does is focus Council’s efforts on areas such as community participation, partnerships, programs, improving our public spaces and encouraging positive ageing.

“I thank all our residents across the shire who took the time and effort to contribute to this plan, and the final outcome reflects what you want.”