What the council is working on
Recent deliveries, what's underway now, and what's planned next — drawn from the council's own plans, budgets and project pages. We report what the council has publicly said it's doing; every item links to its source.
The council's stated direction
The council's direction is set by its Community Vision 2035 and Council Plan 2025–2029, which also include the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan. They were developed with a Community Reference Group of three members from each ward and then wider community consultation. Each year an Annual Action Plan and the Budget set out the specific actions; the council reported in February 2026 that 69 of the 71 actions in the 2025–26 Annual Action Plan were complete or in progress.
The Community Vision 2035: 'Thriving communities where everyone is welcome and all have the opportunity to live, work and create experiences.' The Council Plan turns this into five strategic directions, each with strategic objectives and strategies.
The 2026–27 Budget, adopted on 16 June 2026, raises the average general rate and the municipal charge by the 2.75% state cap and funds a $10.215 million capital works program, including $5.65 million of capital roadworks supported by $3.64 million of Roads to Recovery funding. The council says total roads spending, including $7.75 million of maintenance, is more than $13 million, compared with rates revenue of about $11 million. Major initiatives include the Little Lake Boort Foreshore activity space, a new footpath along Brooke Street in Inglewood, replacing the Mt Kerang Road bridge with a floodway, implementing the Bridgewater and Inglewood structure plans, a new Visitor Information Centre, and planning for the state's food/garden organics and glass-bin service model. The council forecasts an operating deficit of $6.224 million and no borrowing.
- Loddon Shire Council — Community Vision 2035 and Council Plan 2025–2029 (PDF) · 2025–2029
- Loddon Shire Council — Plans and strategies (Council Plan, Annual Action Plans) · Sep 2026
- Loddon Shire Council — First report card on Council Plan (news, 27 Feb 2026) · 27 Feb 2026
- Loddon Shire Council — Council adopts 2026/27 Budget (news, 18 Jun 2026) · 18 Jun 2026
- Loddon Shire Council — 2026/27 Budget (PDF; §2 major initiatives) · 2026–27
Underway now
Inglewood Streetscape redevelopment
Federal funding application unsuccessful, announced 17 September 2026The council's application to the Commonwealth's Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program was unsuccessful. The council says the full redevelopment could cost more than $6 million; it has allocated $1 million from the Inglewood Ward Strategic Fund to planning and design, and will consider which elements can be delivered within that funding.
Little Lake Boort Foreshore Precinct — final stage
Final stage endorsed August 2026New tennis court lighting and fencing and a youth activity space with a pump track and skate park, supported by more than $650,000 from the Victorian Government's Local Sports Infrastructure Fund. The council will refine the remaining scope to fit the funds left; the Federation Walk redevelopment and a car park will instead be considered in future capital works programs.
Source: Loddon Shire Council — Next steps for Little Lake Boort Foreshore Precinct (news, 3 Aug 2026)
Bridgewater and Inglewood structure plans
Drafts released for feedback June 2026Draft structure plans for both towns, prepared by consultants with support from the Department of Transport and Planning, followed earlier consultation. After this round the plans will be finalised and presented at a future council meeting; the 2026–27 Budget lists implementing them as a major initiative.
Transition of the Maternal and Child Health service
Decision announced May 2026After an independent review, the council resolved to work with the State Government to move its Maternal and Child Health service to an alternative provider. The council says there is no immediate change to services and families should keep using them as usual.
Source: Loddon Shire Council — Change planned for Maternal and Child Health service (news, 28 May 2026)
Planned / committed
Skinners Flat Reservoir dam wall repair
Disaster Ready Fund application lodged, announced 28 August 2026The council-owned reservoir near Wedderburn is assessed as the highest risk on the council's risk register because of a damaged dam wall. The council has applied to the federally funded Disaster Ready Fund and says it can meet its own contribution from a special reserve without borrowing.
Source: Loddon Shire Council — Council to press ahead with flooding grant application (news, 28 Aug 2026)
New Visitor Information Centre at Bridgewater
Approved June 2026The council approved a Visitor Information Centre on a property it owns in Main Street, Bridgewater, which will also sell local products. The Wedderburn centre becomes a satellite. The council will review the centre's operation after three years.
Source: Loddon Shire Council — New visitor centre for Bridgewater (news, 23 Jun 2026)