LODDON Shire will wait until March before deciding whether to fund more concept work on proposals to connect water and sewerage in Newbridge.
Councillors on Tuesday agreed with CEO Lincoln Fitzgerald that an adequate report to that meeting was not possible.
At the final council meeting before entering caretaker mode, now-defeated councillor Linda Jungwirth called for the report by November.
Mr Fitzgerald told councillors: “Due to the recent swearing in of councillors ... and the significant mandatory training required within the first three months of a councillor’s term of office, there has been limited time to brief incoming councillors on this matter.
“Given the complexity, extensive history of previous discussions, actions taken to date and council’s role as an advocate (not a decision maker) additional time is required to ensure that councillors are provided fair opportunity to understand the information and make well informed decisions regarding the next steps for Newbridge water and sewerage.”
He said the efforts of the Councillors for a reticulated water and sewerage system in Newbridge has been a recurring topic in council forums, briefings and meetings since 2006.
The report will consider making the Newbridge sewerage and water concept ready for funding bids.
Council adopted its 2024 priorities document in September which outlines the development of precinct plans for Bridgewater and Inglewood to support growth and infrastructure investment after an earlier councillor briefing on current advocacy priorities.