Politics & Council
22 November, 2023
Budgets a worry for future
MAINTAINING a 4800km road network has been listed as a major future challenge for Loddon Shire Council. The annual report says council funding through the Rural Roads Support Package has staff in a trial of photographing the road network, expected...
MAINTAINING a 4800km road network has been listed as a major future challenge for Loddon Shire Council.
The annual report says council funding through the Rural Roads Support Package has staff in a trial of photographing the road network, expected to be finished next month, to help with disaster funding applications.
However, the report says there continues to be budgetary constraints on council.
Other challenges listed in the report include internet and mobile phone connectivity and access, ongoing recovery from the October 2022 flood emergency.
The report says the sparse population of the shire, retaining youth and an ageing population were among other challenges.
And it says future opportunities include expanding renewable energy sector in the region. growing agribusiness and continuing to encourage tourism within the Loddon Valley.
The report said 35 local activities received grants under council’s event promotion scheme in 2022-2023 totalling $24,400.
Council also lists development of its recreation open space and aquatic strategy as a major opportunity.
Work on the study, including swimming pools, was to have started last month.