Politics & Council
6 November, 2025
Going broke? Not likely, says Holt
AN ASSESSMENT that Loddon Shire could run out of cash within 10 years would be unlikely to happen, Cr Gavan Holt told Tuesday’s council meeting.
“The longer (the period) of financial predIctions, the less accurate,” Cr Holt said.
“We have ran out of cash for 30 years,” he said before cautioning that conducting business “as usual” would see financial issues.
However, Cr Holt said the harsh prediction in this year’s financial plan was the cue for community conversations.
“We could apply for a rate variation - a rise above the cap. I suspect the community maybe resistant.”
Cr Holt also suggested talks about service and assets of council and whether there would be future reductions.
“We haven’t got a choice. We have to start making some difficult decisions.”
Council documents at Tuesday’s meeting showed the gap in asset renewal costs had been reduced to $1 million.
Cr Holt said he believed that figure would further decrease and he was “very confident about the long-term viability of Loddon Shire Council, people and economy”.