Loddon Shire 2021/22 key finance documents out now out and Council are

Published on 29 April 2021

Loddon Shire Council’s 2021/22 Draft Budget is now out and Council are requesting community feedback until Friday 28 May 2021.

The Draft Budget includes a rate increase of 1.5 per cent – in line with the Victorian Government’s Fair Go Rates System. Council remains debt-free, with no loan repayments, and a continued strong cash position.

Mayor Neil Beattie said the Draft Budget maintained Council’s approach of being financially responsible, while ensuring its commitment of providing a large range of services to the community.

“Myself and Councillors have consistently heard from our community that Council’s services are valued by the community, and that Council also needs to be financially responsible,” Cr Beattie said.

“In response, Council has continued an organisation-wide approach to identify savings and organisational improvements that provide increased value for money to ratepayers.”

The Draft Budget allocates a capital expenditure program of $6.92 million, which includes $3.07 million towards roads, $350,000 for urban and road drainage, and $240,000 for footpaths. The total figure also includes $1.33 million for leisure and community facilities.

Additionally, the Draft Budget includes a $300,000 allocation for works associated with the Building Asset Management Plan and full funding of Council’s ongoing commitment to community planning of $750,000.

Due to the increased cost of kerbside waste and recycling disposal along with new licencing requirements, waste services charges will increase. The cost of a 140-litre bin will increase to $354 (from $322) and a 240-litre bin to $481 (from $437). The cost for a 240-litre kerbside recycling bin will increase to $134 (from $122).

The Draft Schedule of Fees and Charges is also out for community feedback until Friday 28 May 2021. It is proposed to increase fees and charges by 1.5 per cent, the same as the rate increase.

Additionally, the Revenue and Rating Plan is out for community feedback until 28 May 2021. The Plan proposes the revenue raising framework for Council for the next four years.

Copies of the Draft Budget, Draft Schedule of Fees and Charges and Draft Revenue and Rating Plan are available on Council’s website at www.loddon.vic.gov.au/Our-Council/Financial-reports.

Copies are also available for inspection at Council’s Wedderburn office during business hours or can be posted out on request by calling Council’s Customer Service on (03) 5494 1200.

Council will meet to consider any feedback to the Draft Budget, Draft Schedule of Fees and Charges, and Draft Revenue and Rating Plan at the Council Forum on Tuesday 8 June 2021.

Council will then consider adoption of these key documents at the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Tuesday 22 June 2021 and will give public notice of its decision.