General News
27 April, 2025
3% rate rise planned
Garbage fee increase will be cost neutral LODDON Shire wants the maximum rate increase for 2025-2026. Councillors on Tuesday backed the three per cent rise, the maximum allowed under the State Government’s rate cap policy. But the garbage fee will...
Garbage fee increasewill be cost neutral
LODDON Shire wants the maximum rate increase for 2025-2026.
Councillors on Tuesday backed the three per cent rise, the maximum allowed under the State Government’s rate cap policy.
But the garbage fee will go up six per cent after remaining unchanged for this year.
“Council has discretion over increases relating to garbage and recycling charges, and has included six per cent increase in the draft budget,” said financial services manager Deanne Caserta in her report.
“This increase in individual bin services and adjustments to the costing of public space bins continue to ensure a cost neutral position for waste collection services while responding to the introduction of additional statutory requirements.”
Mayor Dan Straub wrote in the draft budget papers: “The vision we set out in 2021 - to create a community where everyone is welcome and has the opportunity to live, work and thrive - remains as relevant and necessary as ever.
“This Budget focuses on completing the priorities our community told us matter, including accessible local services, well maintained infrastructure, support for local initiatives, and recovery from the October 2022 floods.”
Cr Straub said community-facing investments for 2025-2026 would include:
An $8.61 million capital program, including $4.79 million targeted to maintain and improve the local road network, nearly $840,000 in upgrades to recreation, leisure and community facilities, and over $375,000 invested into the footpath network helping to keep the communities vibrant and well connected.
Ongoing support for early years services and community wellbeing programs, particularly for the youngest residents.
$750,000 for community planning, supporting grassroots ideas and projects developed by the community, for the community.
Continuation of Council’s zero-debt position and a healthy cash reserve to support future service delivery.
“These outcomes reflect our community values. We’ve consistently heard that residents want good services close to home, well-kept roads, strong connections between towns, and a council that uses public money wisely. This Budget honours those values.
“But we also know that the path forward requires practicality. council continues to be aware of underlying financial pressures that will require careful navigation in the years ahead - cost escalations, an ageing asset base, and constrained income growth are part of the picture.
“Nonetheless, this Budget balances our aspirations with our responsibilities, and it reflects a Council committed to service, good governance, and local priorities,” Cr Straub said.