VIC · Loddon — Loddon Shire (Wedderburn, Boort, Inglewood, Pyramid Hill) · Local council, made simple
Loddon Shire Council
About 7,700 people live in Loddon Shire in north-central Victoria — Wedderburn, Boort, Inglewood, Pyramid Hill, Bridgewater and many smaller towns, spread across nearly 6,700 km² north-west of Bendigo. Five councillors are elected, one for each ward, and they choose the Mayor. The council runs your bins, local roads, parks and planning, and sets your rates. Here's the snapshot, then the things that affect your week.
Everyday essentials
The things people actually need from the council — fast.
Get to know your council
The basics, in one tap — open any card for key facts and a link to the official source.
This year's rate cap, how your bill is worked out, due dates and help paying.
2026–27: average general rate and municipal charge +2.75% (state cap)
Open →Budget & financesThe council's standard financial measures, each next to the Victorian median.
Average rate per property: $1,353 (Vic median $1,937), 2024–25
Open →Crime & safetyOffences recorded in the Shire by Victoria Police, next to the Victorian rate.
Offences recorded, year to June 2026
Open →Mayor & councillorsYour five ward councillors, the Mayor, and how they are chosen.
Mayor: Cr Dan Straub (re-elected Nov 2025)
Open →Elections & votingWhen the next council election is, how the Shire votes, and the 2024 result.
Next election: Sat 28 Oct 2028 (by post)
Open →Contact & servicesHow to reach the council and report a problem.
Phone: (03) 5494 1200
Open →Area profileThe basics: how many people live here, how big the area is, which towns it covers.
Population: 7,718 (2025)
Open →What's happening
7 updatesRecent items from Loddon Shire Council's public channels, in plain language.
- Development
Inglewood streetscape funding application unsuccessful
The council's application to the Commonwealth's Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program to fund the Inglewood Streetscape redevelopment was unsuccessful. The council says the full project could cost more than $6 million.
What this means for you: The council will consider which parts of the project can be delivered with the $1 million it has already allocated. Concept designs are on the Connect@Loddon project page.
Source: Loddon Shire Council — Next steps to be considered after streetscape application unsuccessful
- Policy
Council asks the state for clarity on the financial implications of Treaty for councils
The council passed a motion asking the Victorian Government for clear advice on any new obligations for councils arising from the Treaty process. The Mayor said the motion did not seek to oppose or support the Treaty process.
What this means for you: This is the council's advocacy position; the MAV State Council meeting is scheduled for 23 October 2026.
Source: Loddon Shire Council — Council calls for clarity on financial implications of Treaty
- Policy
Grant application lodged to repair Skinners Flat Reservoir dam wall
The council applied to the federal Disaster Ready Fund for the Skinners Flat Reservoir near Wedderburn, which it rates as the highest risk on its risk register because of a damaged dam wall.
What this means for you: If the application succeeds, the council says its share will come from a special reserve, without borrowing.
Source: Loddon Shire Council — Council to press ahead with flooding grant application
- Policy
2026–27 Budget adopted
The council adopted its 2026–27 Budget, fees and charges and Annual Action Plan on 16 June 2026: a $10.215 million capital works program focused on roads, rates within the 2.75% cap, and no borrowing.
What this means for you: The standard residential garbage and recycling charge rises 15% to $673 a year. The first rates instalment is due 30 September 2026.
Source: Loddon Shire Council — Council adopts 2026/27 Budget
- Policy
Maternal and Child Health service to move to another provider
After an independent review, the council decided to work with the State Government to transition its Maternal and Child Health service to an alternative provider.
What this means for you: The council says there is no immediate change — families should keep using the service as usual — and it will give updates as the transition is planned.
Source: Loddon Shire Council — Change planned for Maternal and Child Health service
- Waste
Council delays extra kerbside bins until state standards are final
The council decided to delay moving to a four-bin kerbside system until the Victorian Government finalises its service standards, and will write to the Minister for Local Government. It is one of 34 councils questioning the need for a separate glass bin.
What this means for you: Nothing changes for now: two bins at the kerb, with glass and green waste taken to the council's waste facilities.
Source: Loddon Shire Council — Halt called until more clarity on kerbside collection
- Council meeting
Cr Dan Straub re-elected Mayor
At a Special Council Meeting on 11 November 2025, Terrick Ward councillor Dan Straub was re-elected Mayor unopposed — his fourth term as Mayor.
What this means for you: Victorian mayors are elected by the councillors, not by voters.
Source: Loddon Shire Council — Cr Dan Straub re-elected as Loddon Shire Mayor
Email alerts aren't switched on yet
We haven't started sending email, so we're not taking addresses for now. New items from Loddon Shire Councilshow up under “What's happening” above as we find them, each linked to its official source.