Loddon Shire Mayoral Column 1 July 2024

Published on 01 July 2024

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Loddon Shire 2024/25 Budget adopted

Council adopted the 2024/25 Budget and corresponding Fees and Charges Schedule at its June Council Meeting on Tuesday 25 June, supporting ongoing local services and important capital expenditure.

In order to maintain the services and infrastructure that are valued by Loddon communities, Councillors resolved to increase average rates in line with the State Government cap of 2.75%.

We understand our community is experiencing cost-of-living demands. The 2.75% rate cap is a balanced approach that allows us to meet our financial obligations while being mindful of the economic challenges our residents are facing.

This is a measure of responsibility, ensuring that we do not overburden our ratepayers while still providing essential services.

In a further bid to keep costs to the community down, Council has absorbed increases to waste costs and frozen its waste charges at 2023/24 levels.

To find out more, visit www.loddon.vic.gov.au/News-and-public-notices/Loddon-Shire-202425-Budget-adopted

Loddon Shire bridging gaps with Infrastructure Program

Council has confirmed its program of investment in infrastructure for the 2024/25 financial year, with a focus on resolving flood impacts on local road networks and bridges.

The Annual Infrastructure Program, adopted the June Meeting, will see Council utilise $4.8 million of external funding from the Commonwealth Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, and Roads to Recovery funding program to deliver nearly $7.3 million in capital works across its asset base over the next 12 months.

Key areas for investment include unsealed roads ($0.8 million), sealed roads ($2.8 million) and local bridges ($1.3 million).

For more information visit www.loddon.vic.gov.au/News-and-public-notices/News-articles/Loddon-Shire-bridging-gaps-with-Infrastructure-Program

Community Satisfaction Survey

Also noted at the June Meeting was the latest Community Satisfaction Survey results.

This year’s results have seen residents in the Loddon Shire rate positively Council’s customer service, appearance of public areas and waste management.

Council’s Local Government Community Satisfaction Survey, conducted by JWS Research, collected responses from 400 residents in Loddon Shire across four quarters (surveying 100 residents each quarter) on a range of Council services.

With a score of 68, Council’s customer service rated above the state-wide average score of 67 and the small rural council average of 66.

Likewise, Council’s score of 70 for waste management rated higher than both the state-wide and small rural council average of 67.

With a score of 71, the appearance of public areas rated above the state-wide average (score of 68) and was on par with the small rural council average.

I’d like to thank all residents who were contacted as part of the survey for providing their feedback.

To find out more, visit https://www.loddon.vic.gov.au/News-and-public-notices/News-articles/Community-Satisfaction-Survey-2024-results-released

Fair Access Policy

Other matters considered by Council at its June Meeting included a Fair Access Policy that seeks to address known barriers experienced by women and girls in accessing and using community sports infrastructure, a reviewed Business Continuity Management Policy, outlining Council’s approach to Business Continuity Management and a Council submission

To view the June Council Meeting agenda and minutes, visit www.loddon.vic.gov.au/Our-Council/Agendas-and-minutes/Agendas-and-minutes-2024  

A recording of the meeting is available via Council’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/LoddonShire

In good times and in bad: adaptive skills for your farming future

Grain and mixed farmers are invited to attend a free two-day short course in Bridgewater, presented by Dr Kate Burke.

Kate is an independent farm consultant who has a PhD and extensive experience in crop agronomy and dryland agriculture. Her expertise is sought by large corporate enterprises but she most enjoys working with farmers that have a commitment to improvement. Using an evidence-based approach, Kate will guide you towards 'excellent farming'.

Course topics include:

  • Key profit drivers and high-level benchmarks
  • Income vs cost of production and impact of rotation
  • Calculating basic financial benchmarks
  • Understanding your personal appetite for risk
  • Understanding your production potential to assess variation in profit
  • Managing climate variability and farm financial performance
  • Scenario planning for the 2024 and 2025 seasons and beyond

Course details

  • Date: Thursday 18 and Friday 19 July 2024
  • Location: Bridgewater Recreation Reserve, Calder Highway, Bridgewater
  • Cost: Free
  • To register visit https://bit.ly/4bfYNMv

Participants who complete the two-day course and business plans will be eligible for a free, 45 to 90 minute one-on-one planning review with Kate.

 

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