Council adopts 2026/27 Budget
Published on 18 June 2026
Maintaining core Council services and renewing community assets against a background of continuing financial pressure – that’s the aim of the 2026/27 Loddon Shire Council budget.
Council adopted the Budget and Fees and Charges Schedule, along with the Annual Action Plan at its meeting on Tuesday, 16 June 2026.
The Budget includes a $10.215 million capital works program with a strong focus on renewal of existing infrastructure, particularly the road network. A total of $6.128 million has been allocated to Council’s infrastructure program, supported by $3.64 million in Roads to Recovery funding.
Total capital funding for roadworks will be $5.65 million, with $7.75 million for maintenance costs such as gravel, sealed and formed roads, drainage, footpaths, tracks and trails, and storm events. Spending of more than $13 million on roads compares to rates revenue of about $11 million.
During community engagement on the budget maintaining roads, bridges, footpaths, tracks and trails was the most frequently selected priority.
Loddon Shire ratepayers will also continue to pay the lowest average rates in the state, delivered in line with the Victorian Government’s rate cap of 2.75 per cent.
However, the Budget forecasts an operating deficit of $6.224 million and continued monitoring of procurement, contract management and budget governance processes will be required during 2026/27 in response to pricing pressures across construction, technology, and service delivery.
The ongoing annual Budget deficit and the need to improve Council’s long-term financial sustainability will see Council’s Chief Executive Officer prepare a mid-year financial sustainability report identifying recurrent savings opportunities and proposed savings targets to address the issues.
While a deficit is forecast, it is underpinned by strong cash balances and, supported by a substantial asset base comprising land, buildings and infrastructure assets.
Council also does not have any borrowings and does not intend to borrow in 2026/27 or across the forward estimates (the following three years).
Loddon Shire Mayor Dan Straub said the Budget had been developed during a period of continuing financial pressure for local government.
“We aim to balance affordability for ratepayers with the continued delivery of essential services and investment in community assets, consistent with our long-term financial planning and sustainability objectives,” he said.
“Like councils across Victoria, we face rising costs, increasing community expectations and the ongoing challenge of maintaining and renewing significant infrastructure assets within a rate-capped environment.
“Despite these challenges, Council has remained focused on delivering the priorities identified by our community.”
The Budget also includes:
Cr Straub said the Budget invested in the services and infrastructure that supported healthy and connected communities, maintained a strong focus on roads and community assets, advanced economic development opportunities, strengthened community participation and volunteerism, and supported the continued growth of Loddon's visitor economy.
“It ensures that resources are targeted toward achieving the outcomes that matter most to our community,” he said.
“But Council remains dedicated to balancing community expectations with responsible financial stewardship.
“This Budget demonstrates a practical and measured approach that protects essential services, invests in priority infrastructure and positions Council to continue delivering positive outcomes for the Loddon community. In the face of ongoing forecast deficits, Council maintains an ongoing commitment to arresting this unsustainable position.
“We continue to work with the organisation and the community to find ways to carefully navigate the decisions ahead and bring Council’s operating position into a more sustainable trajectory.
“On behalf of Council, I thank our community for its ongoing engagement and contribution to shaping our future. We look forward to working together throughout 2026/27 to deliver the commitments outlined in this Budget.”
The Budget can be viewed on the Council website.