Local company breaking ground on GV Link works

The new enterprise park at 250 Toolamba Rd, Mooroopna will aim to encourage large-scale commercial and industrial investment with Greater Shepparton, and facilitate the expansion and growth of existing businesses, accommodating investment from local, national and international investors.

City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali said the turning of the sod was a significant milestone in the project’s history.

“Getting here today is a result of persistence in making this ambitious project a reality, and it marks another defining moment on our journey,” he said.

“GV Link Enterprise Park has been decades in the making, and I am proud that we can now turn the sod and see work commence at the site.

“As the need grows for industrial land within Greater Shepparton, so too does our desire to achieve outcomes.

“Once developed, this significant enterprise park will send a strong message to the region, the state and the nation, that Greater Shepparton and the Goulburn Valley is well and truly open for business.”

Cr Sali said given the anticipation, there was a “sense of urgency” to get the project under way.

He said works were expected to be completed by the end of 2025, however acknowledged the disruptions to residents, and the road and traffic management that were required.

“These types of projects don’t come without any form of disruptions, and disruption usually means good outcomes at the end of it,” he said.

Cr Sali said the project would grow jobs, infrastructure and investment.

“The development of GV Link Enterprise Park will provide significant job opportunities in the region, while reinforcing our region’s potential to grow as the agricultural powerhouse of Australia,” he said.

“Once we complete stage one and as we progress through the late 2020s and into early 2030 that 720 direct and 540 indirect jobs will come from stage one.”

During its March meeting, council awarded the stage one contract of $21,326,135.09 to BMD Constructions Pty Ltd.

Goulburn River Ward Councillor Paul Wickham said it was fantastic to see a local group involved in the project.

“It is fantastic to now be at this stage in the development where we can see shovels in the ground and works start to take place,” he said.

“This is a groundbreaking project for Greater Shepparton, and one which cements our connection to major international and interstate freight gateways.

“I’m excited for the locals of Mooroopna, especially Tatura, Toolamba and also Murchison, to witness what happens here and what grows over the next year and into the future.”

BDM Urban National general manager David Moody said they were looking forward to working on the GV Link project in the region, with about 80 per cent of the project being supplied by local businesses.

BDM regional manager Greg Stevens said it was a good opportunity for workers to “deliver something really significant in their own community while also living at home”.

Stage one works will involve developing four services industrial lots, including site clearing and earthworks, construction of internal roads, drainage infrastructure and catchment basins and installation of fencing and landscaping.

The works will also see a roundabout constructed at the Toolamba and Simson Rd intersection.

The first stage has been funded by $9.6 million from the Federal Government, including $1.1 million through the Local Roads Community Infrastructure Program, and the $8.5 million that was announced in February through repurposed rail freight funding.

Council has also committed $14.4 million.