In Summary
- Greater Shepparton residents are invited to share feedback via an online survey by Friday 20 December 2024 to shape the upcoming Budget.
- Feedback is being sought earlier in the Budget development process and for a longer period, ensuring it better reflects community priorities.
- Past consultations have led to funding for key projects such as the Princess Park Pavilion redevelopment, Shepparton BMX Track lighting and the Shepparton Heritage Centre renewal.
- Residents can provide general feedback or specific proposals online and request in-person discussions with Council in February 2025.
The Budget sets where Council will allocate funding for the provision of capital works and delivery of services for the next financial year. The document outlines how resources will be prioritised to deliver over 120 important services to the community, along with the maintenance, renewal and upgrade of $1.9 billion of community assets.
This year, Council has changed the consultation process to allow more time for community feedback to be received and considered, to help shape the Budget document. Consultation will now be undertaken at the beginning of the Budget development process, for a longer period of time, to ensure the document better reflects the needs and desires of residents.
The community can provide their feedback on what they would like to see included in the 2025/2026 Budget for five weeks, from now until Friday 20 December 2024, via a survey on the Shaping Greater Shepp website. When filling out the survey, community members will be given the option to request an in-person submission to discuss their feedback with Council in February 2025.
The Budget document will then be developed, taking into account all of the community feedback received, before it is endorsed by Council in June 2025. The information Council receives through the Council Plan deliberative engagement will also influence the final Budget document.
“By engaging with the community before the Budget is developed, and for a longer period of time, we hope to better understand the needs of residents and find out what their priorities are for the next financial year,” Director Corporate Services, Chris Teitzel said.
“Community feedback is an extremely important part of compiling Council’s annual Budget. By undertaking early consultation and inviting residents to speak to us in February ahead of the document being developed, we are giving the community the best chance of influencing the Budget and where the money is allocated.”
Council have developed an online survey via the Shaping Greater Shepp website which allows residents to provide general input or feedback on Council’s 2025/2026 Budget, or submit a proposal for a specific idea or initiative to be included.
In 2023/2024 several success stories came from the community consultation period, including:
- Princess Park Multi-Purpose Community Sports Pavilion: The Princess Park user group and other members of the community made a submission to the 2024/2025 Budget requesting funding for the Princess Park Pavilion redevelopment. As a result, the 2024/2025 Budget includes funding for a concept design and associated cost plan for a new community facility at Princess Park in Shepparton. Additionally, the construction of this project is now identified in Council's ten-year Capital Works Plan.
- Shepparton BMX Track and Shepparton Velodrome Lighting Upgrade: The Shepparton Cycling Club made a submission to the 2023/2024 Budget requesting replacement of lighting around the velodrome. As a result, Council was successful in receiving funding under the Victorian Government's Regional Sporting Infrastructure Program, for several exciting developments at the Shepparton BMX Track and Shepparton Cycling Club Precinct. These include velodrome lighting upgrades and a new multi-use pavilion with amenities for the BMX Club.
- Victoria Lake Skate Park Lighting: Council received a submission to the 2024/2025 Budget requesting funding for lighting at the Victoria Lake Shepparton Skate Park. As a result, the 2024/2025 Budget includes funding allocation for lighting at the Skate Park.
- Shepparton Heritage Centre Renewal: Council received a submission to the 2024/2025 Budget requesting funding support for upgrade of the Shepparton Heritage Centre. As a result, the 2024/2025 Budget includes funding allocation for the renewal of the Shepparton Heritage Centre.
Mr Teitzel said this consultation will be the community’s only opportunity to provide their feedback on the 2025/2026 Budget, so he encouraged residents to get involved.
“The more feedback we receive from the community in the coming month, the better positioned we will be to understand the community’s needs and desires for Greater Shepparton, and where we need to be to achieve financial sustainability,” he said.
“We want to know what people would like to see funded, whether they know of any necessary upgrades to infrastructure or community facilities across the region, or if they would like funding for major programs. Community feedback is extremely valuable and I encourage everyone to have their say now.”
The 2025/2026 Budget consultation survey is open to all Greater Shepparton residents from now until Friday 20 December 2024. Visit shaping.greatershepparton.com.au/ to view the survey and have your say.
For more information or to chat with someone from Council’s Finance team, phone 5832 9700.
