Unsurprisingly, funding for the long-awaited stage one of the Shepparton Bypass was on top of the list that Greater Shepparton desperately needs.
In its submission, council called on the state government to work with its federal counterparts and agree on a cost and start date.
“With regional freight expected to increase on the route between Melbourne and Brisbane it is imperative this project receives two tier funding as soon as possible,” City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Kim O’Keeffe said.
The submission detailing the Bypass Shepparton project includes comment by long-standing prominent Shepparton figures Peter Johnson Goulburn Valley Highway Shepparton Bypass Action Group chair and the chief executive of Kreskas Bros Transport Peter Hill.
Both pointed out safety and traffic concerns the region faces without a bypass.
Funding for the Shepparton Bypass was also a top priority for funding requests by Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell and Member for Shepparton Suzanna Sheed.
Sticking with the theme of road infrastructure, council listed six intersections that require upgrades (as followed):
● Hawkins St/Numurkah Rd
● Graham St/Numurkah Rd
● Hayes St/ Wyndham St
● North St/ Midland Highway
● Fryers St/ Railway Parade
● Hayes St/Johnson St
Council said it’s seeking action from both state and federal governments to provide funding.
“The intersection upgrades will support significant government investment projects such as the Greater Shepparton Secondary College and hospitals,” the submission said.
It said it will also be required to allocate funding to the projects.
Continuing through the submissions, council listed an early parenting centre, clinical health school, technical school, trade skills centre, upgrades to WestSide Performing Arts Centre in Mooroopna and GOTAFE's Fryers St campus, and affordable housing, as major funding priorities.
“Greater Shepparton City Council is extremely grateful for the Victorian Government’s ongoing support for the Greater Shepparton region, specifically in relation to the Greater Shepparton Secondary College, the new Shepparton Art Museum (SAM), Goulburn Valley Health, Museum of Vehicle Evolution (MOVE), the Native Fish Hatchery and significant improvements to the Shepparton to Melbourne Rail Network,” Cr O'Keeffe said.
“We have demonstrated that we can deliver complex projects.
“Each dollar spent here by the Victorian government generates many more in economic activity, with GDP growth outstripping many regions last year and contributing to a resurgent economy in the region.”
Committee for Greater Shepparton chief executive Sam Birrell said the high costing infrastructure projects such as the bypass help Greater Shepparton's planned growth for the next 20 to 30 years.
“Additionally, the impact of COVID19 has seen an unprecedented demand for regional housing as people seek to move out of city locations,” he said.
“The pressure on local government to provide the additional services needed for a significant increase in population will impact on future budgets and resources.
“We have a resilient and enterprising community but we need to be able to keep pace with the significant changes we are going to experience in the not too distant future.”
No official date has been set for when the Victorian budget will be delivered, however it traditionally falls around the month of May.
Last year Victorian treasurer Tim Pallas delivered the 2020-21 budget in November due to the COVID-19 lockdown causing a delay.
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