Greater Shepparton continues to play a vital role in Victoria's future, with the capacity to deliver more housing, jobs and lifestyle opportunities while supporting the state's food production, manufacturing and freight industries. Council is advocating for targeted investment into six key projects to ensure the region has the infrastructure and services required to keep pace with growth.
The six priority projects are:
Shepparton Sports and Events Centre
Investment ask $37m
- Victorian Government $12m
- Australian Government $15m
- Greater Shepparton City Council contribution $10m
The Shepparton Sports and Events Centre will deliver a modern, expanded multi-court indoor sporting and events facility that will increase participation opportunities, support women and girls in sport, improve accessibility and enable Greater Shepparton to attract major state and national sporting events. The project, which will complement existing investments including the Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence, is expected to generate significant economic activity, support local jobs and strengthen the region's visitor economy.
Greater Shepparton Road Network Resilience Package
Investment ask:
- New Goulburn River Bridge (second river crossing) design concept
- New Goulburn River Bridge construction
- Key road projects: Road enhancements/intersection upgrades:
- River Road, Kialla (estimated $15m to $20m)
- Ford Road/Wanganui Roads, Shepparton (estimated $7m additional funding)
- Shepparton Alternative Route and Goulburn Valley Highway, Congupna (estimated $20m)
- Toolamba Road/Echuca Road/Midland Highway, Mooroopna (estimated $15m)
- Inner East Link Road, Shepparton (estimated $14m)
- Welsford Street, Shepparton (estimated $7m)
- Increased funding for local road maintenance and investment
Investment in critical transport infrastructure to improve road safety, network reliability and flood resilience, ensuring communities, businesses and freight operators remain connected during extreme weather and natural disasters. The package will support regional productivity and improve access across the municipality.
Regional Health Infrastructure
Investment ask $125.7m
- Integrated Cancer Centre: $95 million
- Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory: $30.7 million
- Victorian Government Partnership to deliver the next stages of the Shepparton Hospital redevelopment
Targeted investment to improve access to healthcare services closer to home, reducing the need for residents to travel long distances for treatment and ensuring health infrastructure keeps pace with the region's growing population and service demands.
Fit-for-Purpose Bus Transport Network Review
Investment ask:
- Victorian Government funding to undertake a comprehensive review, redesign and implementation of a modern, accessible and future-focused bus network for Greater Shepparton.
A comprehensive review and redesign of the local bus network to better connect residents with education, employment, healthcare and community services, creating a public transport system that reflects the needs of a growing regional city.
GOTAFE Regional Trades Training Precinct
Investment ask $15m
Development of a state-of-the-art training precinct to build the skilled workforce needed to support regional industry growth, address workforce shortages and provide local pathways into trades and vocational careers.
Regional Growth Fund
Investment ask:
- GV Link Enterprise Park - Stage 2: $28m
- Kialla West Growth Area Enabling Infrastructure: $21m
- Banmira Specialist School – Stage 2: $30m
A dedicated fund to support strategic infrastructure and economic development projects across regional Victoria, enabling Greater Shepparton to continue attracting investment, creating jobs and supporting population growth.
Deputy Mayor, Cr Geoff Akers said the priorities represent projects that are ready for investment and will deliver significant benefits not only for Greater Shepparton, but for regional Victoria and the state as a whole.
"Greater Shepparton is not seeking investment to prepare for growth. We are seeking investment to manage growth that is already happening," he said.
"Our region has an important role to play in Victoria's future. We have the capacity to deliver more housing, attract new residents, create jobs and support key industries, but we need the infrastructure and services to match.
"These six priority projects have been carefully identified because they will deliver real outcomes for our community while supporting broader state objectives including flood resilience housing growth, workforce development, healthcare access, freight efficiency and economic resilience."
Cr Akers said Greater Shepparton was uniquely positioned to help drive Victoria's future growth, but continued investment was essential.
"Our region is a powerhouse of food production, manufacturing, logistics and innovation. By investing in Greater Shepparton, the Victorian Government can help deliver housing growth, healthcare closer to home, stronger communities, improved connectivity and long-term economic prosperity."
Council's advocacy campaign will continue throughout the lead-up to the State Election, with community members encouraged to learn more about the priorities and share their stories about how access to infrastructure and services impacts their daily lives.
"The message is simple: Greater Shepparton is ready to deliver for Victoria. These projects will help unlock our next chapter of growth and ensure our region remains a great place to live, work, invest and raise a family,” Cr Akers said.
Council has already begun its advocacy, with meetings held with Members of Parliament to outline these priorities, and further meetings scheduled in the coming weeks.
