Top priority: Stage one of the Shepparton bypass project is crucial, as shown by the impact the closing of the causeway between Shepparton and Mooroopna had during the October floods.
Photo by
Anna McGuinness
Following the state and federal elections, we now find ourselves in a position that we have not experienced for the better part of 10 years.
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So what does this mean for Greater Shepparton? How will we continue to attract investment into infrastructure that is so desperately needed? And what role can Greater Shepparton City Council and our community continue to play in being able to ensure our industries are supported?
We have seen key projects such as the Goulburn Valley Hwy bypass and the Shepparton Sports and Events Centre at the top of advocacy lists for many years, alongside the constant need for ongoing investment in the health sector. This also includes projects such as GV Link gaining momentum, as it continues to reinforce our position as a major regional city – in one of the fastest growing states in Australia.
With the latest flood event in October 2022, it clearly showed what happens when outdated infrastructure is relied upon to connect the east and west of regional Victoria, and its economic impact outweighs anything we could imagine. The current river crossing carries more than 30,000 vehicles a day, and as we have seen and experienced, when the causeway is down, our economy is impacted, our food supply is impacted, our access to medical services and supplies is impacted, and our emergency services are impacted.
The question I am asking when meeting with both levels of government is how we now continue investment into our region. I ask the state and federal governments to continue their investment into major infrastructure, especially for the Goulburn Valley Hwy bypass, which is an estimated $1.5 billion project that is far bigger than offering the people of Shepparton and Mooroopna a second river crossing. Stage one of the bypass is this region’s number one priority project, and this was reinforced to Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King on her recent visit to Greater Shepparton.
The project is crucial for the region to maintain its position as the ‘Food Bowl of Australia’, which the Victorian Government needs to keep acknowledging and celebrating, as we do not want our friends up north thinking they hold the title because they grow pineapples and mangoes, when nationally 46 per cent of apples and 90 per cent of pears are grown right here on our doorstep! Collectively we need to ensure we maintain this.
With 79 municipalities across Victoria it was a proud moment for Greater Shepparton to be featured as one of the five councils to feature prominently in the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games. We are proud to have played a leading role in developing the Victoria 2026 Games concept. As we know, Greater Shepparton has a long history and outstanding reputation for delivering large international events. Again, we acknowledge state Commonwealth Games Delivery Minister Jacinta Allan for her ongoing support and commitment to our region. To be showcased on the international stage is of high importance for our region.
Moving forward, our constant expectation of state and federal government is to keep investing in significant projects that support the state of Victoria and the nation, because without ‘Greater Shepparton’ the state of Victoria and the nation cannot meet its full potential!
This is my personal opinion.
City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali
Focus on infrastructure: City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
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