Fuel costs add to waste charge

Published on 29 May 2026

Fuel cost and supply challenges have led to many price increases around the nation, and Loddon Shire Council is not immune.

Waste service charges will increase in 2026-27 as Council seeks to recover the increased cost of running the service, which covers about 7,600 properties in the shire.

The waste service contract has been impacted by rising costs, with a further $192,000 included in next year’s budget to account for higher fuel prices.

That will see the cost for each property that has a waste collection service increase by 15 per cent.

Loddon Shire Mayor Dan Straub said while it was unfortunate Council had to increase the waste service charge, it was left with little choice.

“We are not immune to what is going on in the wider world and as everyone knows, the cost of fuel has spiralled upwards in recent months,” he said.

“The Fair Work Commission also recently issued an order which allows transport operators to recover increased fuel costs in relation to their contracts.

“The waste service charge sits outside the rate cap and is a fee for service. We are faced with a much higher fuel bill, which is a major part of the $2.65 million cost of providing the service.

“Any revenue from the charge offsets the cost of providing the service, so if we don’t increase the charge to cover the cost of the service, we would have to subsidise it from somewhere else, which is not always possible and not in our long-term interests.

“On the other hand, if fuel prices go down during the year, it may reduce pressure on future waste service charges.”