Mayoral Column 31 August 2015
Published on 31 August 2015
Instalments for rates offered
As rates notices arrive in letterboxes, Loddon Shire Council is urging residents to take advantage of paying their rates notice more often throughout the year.
Loddon Shire Council offers the option to its residents in the hope that paying more often and in smaller amounts will ease the pressure of paying a lump sum on the due date.
There are a number of options available to residents by paying weekly, fortnightly, monthly or on an ad hoc basis through Australia Post, via BPay or at the Wedderburn office.
Council also offers residents the option of setting up a direct debit so that their rates payment is taken out of their account without having to worry about following it up. Once set up, rates are paid automatically, and will continue to be deducted for the ratepayer’s chosen time period.
The idea behind the instalment plan is to assist ratepayers in meeting their obligations in February each year. This is more important now with Council collecting the Fire Services Property Levy on behalf of the state government.
Residents who have not paid the total off their bill by the due date have interest applied to their rates bill, which is set by the state government.
If you would like to speak to Council about setting up a more regular payment, contact the rates department on 5494 1200. Alternatively a direct debit request form can be found on Council’s website at www.loddon.vic.gov.au under the Our Documents section.
Local law adopted
Council has adopted a revised Local Law No 4 which addresses four themes of safety, people and property, environment, animals and waste disposal.
Changes from the previous local law now see the inclusions of temporary dwelling requirements and fires in open air included in the document.
Other changes include clarification around some clauses in relation to unsightly premises and acceptable uses of land including camping.
Penalties have also changed, with an increase in fines for the first time in seven years.
Residents can view Local Law No 4 on Council’s website.
Clean cut grass at Donaldson Park
Donaldson Park Reserve has become the most recent ground to benefit from a policy adopted by Loddon Shire Council last year, to update six oval mowers around the shire.
I was on hand to officially present the keys to the new machine, valued at $33,500.
Donaldson Park Reserve curator Leon Holt and Wedderburn Football Club president Andrew Lockhart and treasurer Kevin Lockhart were thrilled to receive the KUBOTA F3690 72”.
Loddon Shire Council has now donated six mowers, one each to Mitiamo, Pyramid Hill, Calivil, Bridgewater, Inglewood and now Wedderburn.
Our sporting grounds and facilities are of great benefit to Loddon Shire and its residents. We understand the social cohesion our recreation reserves and sporting facilities bring to our community.
The oval mower replacement scheme will continue on a 10 year cycle with all nine major recreation reserves being eligible for replacement mowers again commencing in 2023.
Loddon Shire is always proud to support our clubs where we can.
Donaldson Park Reserve is used for more than just football and netball; it’s a place our schools host their athletics, the venue is used for ceremonies, funerals and wakes and trotting meetings are held at the facility.