Pool is gold
I am hoping our elected decision-makers in the matter of the future of the shining jewel in Golden Square's crown deal with its future in the affirmative, once and for all, and that a group which has been kept on tenterhooks for such a long time can plan for a bright future for this amazing community facility.
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My extended family has enjoyed a long association with the pool, and I have many friends living in Golden Square who thrive in the unique community environment built by pro-active and collaborative volunteers.
It's impossible to imagine Golden Square without its pool.
I hope that when votes are cast, that it is indeed a level playing field, and that the extensive planning and accountability so impressively demonstrated by this organisation is recognised by the securing of its future.
Gail Godber, Strathfieldsaye,
Rates are fair
On Saturday, May 30, the Advertiser reported in its article "VFF call out farm rate rise" that "Loddon Shire's farm rates will spike by 11 per cent.
The article went on to state that average rates per farm were $6516 in 2019 and will increase to $7237 and stated that the residential assessment in Loddon Shire will decrease 0.3 per cent".
Unfortunately there was an error in reporting Loddon's rates, but was drawn to the attention of the Bendigo Advertiser who immediately set the record straight.
The correct information is that Loddon Shire Council's rural rates, consisting mainly of farms, are increasing by 1.4 per cent (not 11 per cent) while general rates (mainly residential) are increasing by an average of 3.4 per cent.
These modest increases reflect valuation changes and are within the rate cap determined by the Essential Services Commission.
Loddon has a low rate base compared to other Victorian councils as reported in the Herald Sun last year, when it was stated "The smallest average annual rates bill across the state's 79 councils this year was in Loddon Shire ...".
Loddon Shire Council is very conscious of the level of rate burden carried by the farming community and has a differential rate in place to ensure our rating strategies are fair.
The differential rate approach entails reviewing property values annually to strike a rate that ensures that the farming community bears proportionately less of the rate burden than the residential ratepayers, based on valuations determined by the Victorian Valuer General.
Differential rates were introduced as a tool for councils to address equity issues arising from the land valuation method of determining rates.
Phil Pinyon, Chief Executive Officer, Loddon Shire Council
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