Projects will benefit communities, writes Martha Haylett
WITH footy finals well underway, I want to congratulate all players, volunteers, and officials across the Loddon Shire on a great year and some terrific results.
You have all worked so hard to get to this stage and you should all be very proud of your achievements. Good luck to all readers playing in the coming weeks.
Now that we’re almost in the third quarter of the year, I wanted to update readers on a few projects the State Labor Government is delivering throughout the shire.
I know a lot of Wedderburn residents have been keen for news on when the new pedestrian crossing will be completed.
The Department of Transport and Planning has been meeting with the Loddon Shire Council to get their input on designs.
The full design and plans will be completed over the next six months, with works to kick off on the crossing in early 2026.
Works on the $5.1 million upgrade to the Inglewood Hospital’s acute and urgent care wards are progressing well too.
Once complete, there will be more comfortable spaces for patient recovery, including a refurbished facility with isolation bays and eight single acute care rooms.
New staff areas, including a new clinical workstation will also be delivered, providing a more efficient working environment for our incredible health care workers.
In more good news, a speed reduction has been approved for Tarnagulla to increase safety and reduce road noise.
I have been working with Tarnagulla Neighbourhood Watch volunteers, who have been advocating for the 60kmh zone to be moved within the township boundary. 
I’m so pleased our advocacy to the Minister for Transport has seen this change approved, with signs to be installed towards the end of the year.
Loddon Shire residents have also been taking advantage of the State Labor Government’s Container Deposit Scheme with more than one million containers deposited at the Inglewood and Wedderburn sites to date. 
This equals over $100,000 refunded back into the community, and more than $3000 donated to local charities.
Returned drink containers have been transformed into all kinds of new things, including material for roads, furniture, construction, textiles and more – creating new economic opportunities and more than 600 jobs across the state.
I also wanted to let readers with a concession card know that the new $100 Power Saving Bonus is now available.
The new Power Saving Bonus will help ease some cost-of-living pressures and make everyday expenses that bit more manageable.
Eligible households with a concession card can apply through the Victorian Energy Compare website at compare.energy.vic.gov.au or by calling 1800 000 832.
The Wedderburn and Inglewood Neighbourhood Houses are also offering in-person support for those without internet access, or who require some extra help to apply.
When applying, readers will need a recent electricity bill and their health care, pensioner concession, veterans’ affairs pensioner concession or veterans’ affairs gold card.
The $100 Power Saving Bonus is in addition to the $150 Energy Bill Relief Fund all households will automatically receive off their energy bills from the Albanese Labor Government.
Any readers who are struggling with their energy bills can also access the Energy Assistance Program by calling 1800 161 215. This is a free over-the-phone support service delivered in partnership with Anglicare Victoria and cohealth for anyone having trouble paying their energy bills.
I encourage readers to check they’re on the best deal possible by using the free and independent Energy Compare website to shop around for a lower price. Last year, users typically saved $240 per year on their energy bills by switching providers.

Martha Haylett is the member for Ripon