LATEST data places Loddon Shire Council above expectations of rural councils for building and planning services it offers to residents. 
The Statutory Planning Permit Activity Report shows that in the first three months of 2025 every planning permit application was processed within the 60-day time frame required by the Planning and Environment Act. Loddon Shire is ranked above the rural average of 58 days with an average of 40.8 days.
Mayor Dan Straub praised the efforts of Council staff in ensuring local applicants knew the result of their applications in a timely manner. “It’s a credit to the team to process such a high level of applications and they always set a high benchmark,” he said.
Council’s building services activity report shows that 133 building permits were issued in the year to March 31 with a combined value of more than $27 million.
A total of 120 certificates of final inspection and 41 occupancy permits were also granted during the period.
The strategic planning quarterly activity report shows work is progressing on several fronts, including amendments to the Loddon Planning Scheme, the Flood Planning Scheme Amendment, the Wedderburn Flood Study and Structure Plans for the five priority growth towns of Boort, Bridgewater, Inglewood, Pyramid Hill and Wedderburn.
“Strategic Planning is the grunt work behind every development that comes to fruition,” Cr Straub said.
“We are in the early stages of many of these plans but it’s important we get them right to ensure Loddon Shire prospers well into the future. All of these projects will also involve extensive community consultation so everyone will have their chance to have their say on the way forward.”