Politics & Council
4 June, 2026
Fitzgerald signs up for five more years
LINCOLN Fitzgerald has been reappointed chief executive officer of Loddon Shire. Councillors made the decision in-camera at their meeting last week and made the announcement on Monday.
LINCOLN Fitzgerald has been reappointed chief executive officer of Loddon Shire.
Councillors made the decision in-camera at their meeting last week and made the announcement on Monday.
Mr Fitzgerald told the Loddon Herald his decision to seek a second five-year term as the shire’s chief was motived by a strong relationship with councillors who represented their communities with integrity.
“They are all engaged with their communities and we work well together,” he said.
Mr Fitzgerald said the shire’s challenges over the next five years would be to continue building communities while managing expectations against a backdrop of reduced government funding.
“Our expenditure is growing faster than our income whether that’s because of fuel prices, the Middle East war, whatever the driver,” he said.
“We have to control our own destiny. Loddon Shire has been well served for more than 30 years by good financial management and we must work towards continuing that legacy.
“But with less state and federal funding, the level of construction and services and financial sustainability will be the biggest challenges.”
Mr Fitzgerald said the aim was to have communities that people wanted to live in and love.
“We will need to balance needs and wants in a tighter environment.”
Mayor Dan Straub said councillors had little hesitation offering Mr Fitzgerald a new contract.
“Lincoln has led Loddon Shire outstandingly during his time here, including navigating out of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2022 and 2023 floods and a whole host of financial and other challenges that go with a rural municipality,” Cr Straub said.
“We look forward to him continuing to lead council as we seek to achieve the aims of the 2025-29 Council Plan, the advocacy program that we have and will continue to run, and ensuring Loddon Shire is well positioned for the future.”
Mr Fitzgerald was first appointed to a five-contract in 2021, which expires on October 31.
Read More: Loddon Shire, Wedderburn