Draft Fees and Charges Schedule
Have Your Say on Council’s Fees and Charges
Council is inviting the community to share feedback on the proposed Fees and Charges for the 2026/27 financial year. Your input will help shape the Draft Budget 2026/27 and guide decisions about how Council services are funded and delivered in the year ahead.
Why we’re asking for your feedback
Council is seeking community feedback on the proposed Fees and Charges for the 2026/27 financial year. Fees and charges apply to a range of services and facilities provided by Council and help support the cost of delivering these services to the community.
Your feedback is important and will help Council understand how proposed fees may affect individuals, families, businesses and community groups.
You can access the Schedule from the Documents tab on the right of this page.
What are fees and charges?
Fees and charges are costs paid by users for specific Council services or activities. These may include:
- Permits, registrations and approvals
- Regulatory and statutory services
- Programs, events and recreational facilities
- Use of Council facilities and venues
Fees and charges are reviewed regularly to ensure they reflect the cost of providing services, while also considering value for money and affordability for the community.
How your input makes a difference
Council is committed to open and transparent decision‑making. Community feedback helps Council to:
- understand how proposed fees and charges may affect the community
- balance affordability with the cost of delivering services
- apply fees fairly and consistently across the Shire
- consider community views before final decisions are made
All feedback received will be considered before the 2026/27 Fees and Charges Schedule is finalised.
How the budget supports our community
Council’s budget funds 45 essential services that support everyday life across the Shire. These include road maintenance, waste and recycling services, care of parks and gardens, council buildings, planning and environmental health services, community and cultural activities, environmental protection, and sporting and recreational facilities that promote healthy lifestyles.
Loddon Shire covers approximately 6,700 square kilometres and includes more than 4,700 kilometres of roads, along with bridges, community buildings and recreational facilities that require ongoing maintenance. The Shire has a population of almost 7,800 people across five main townships and around 8,100 rateable properties.
Around 41 per cent of Council’s income comes from rates and service charges, with the remainder from user fees (including fees and charges) and government grants. Like many councils, rising costs have placed pressure on available funding. As community needs continue to grow, Council must carefully manage its finances while continuing to deliver essential services and maintain important community infrastructure.
What you can comment on
We invite you to share your views on:
- proposed changes to existing fees and charges
- the affordability of Council services
- whether fees represent value for the service provided
- any concerns or suggestions you may have
You can comment on specific fees or provide general feedback.
How to provide feedback
You can have your say by:
- completing the online feedback form below, or
- filling out a hard copy form available from reception at the Wedderburn office.
What happens next
Once the consultation period closes, all feedback and submissions will be reviewed and considered by Council before the 2026/27 Fees and Charges Schedule is adopted.
