It’s hard to narrow down the needs of Greater Shepparton into just a handful of topics.
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The News this week has been covering Greater Shepparton City Council’s Australian Government Priorities 2025/26, diving into the big three priorities.
Alongside these, council has complied six additional priorities they're seeking federal, state and local funding for.
“In setting a strategic direction for Greater Shepparton, we must look to address the key challenges and opportunities which our region faces,” City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali said.
“While we have three key infrastructure priority projects we are advocating for, we also have six policy items which need further Australian Government support.
“These policy documents address the need for further funding for these key services for the region — services which enhance liveability, improve lifestyles and continue to create a more thriving economy for Greater Shepparton.”
In Monday’s edition, The News is covering the next two secondary priorities, after covering the first two in Friday’s edition. Be on the lookout in Tuesday’s News for the final two priorities.
Community Connector Program
Many working professionals find themselves moving to Greater Shepparton from all over the place.
The Community Connector Program has provided a safe landing point for arrivals into Greater Shepparton, starting before the move and continuing well after arrival.
Since 2021, it has supported more than 700 professionals relocating to roles in over 100 businesses, injected more than $50 million per annum into the local economy and supported regional business growth and enabled delivery of health, education and care services.
Run by Committee for Greater Shepparton, it was initially funded by the Victorian Government, but now C4GS and local businesses are funding a scaled-back program, with funding support needed to bring the program back to its full potential.
“I describe it as a warm country hug,” C4GS chief executive officer Linda Nieuwenhuizen said.
“It’s such a different experience to be met by a human compared to saying ‘here’s a website’, or ‘here’s a booklet’.”
Program organiser Fiona Blick said the program came about to give Greater Shepparton a “point of difference” compared to other regional hubs.
“The workplace takes up 40 per cent of someone’s life... but then there’s this whole 60 per cent of their life left that has to be successful, secure, connected, safe and comfortable,” she said.
“I think once a person knows there is this other person there they can reach out to and ask all the questions they want to ask, but you would never ask your boss or manager, I think it is that safety net and they feel very comfortable talking and having that connection.”
C4GS is seeking a government contribution of $150,000 per annum for three years to co-fund the Community Connector Program.
This will supplement the existing contributions from local industry and from C4GS.
Through multi-year funding, the program will continue to provide ongoing confidence to clients, industry and staff employed to deliver the program, and to support expansion to full-time in line with demand.
What do businesses and workers have to say about Community Connect?
Gouge Linen and Garment Services chief executive officer John Calleja
“When we tell candidates about the program we see an immediate change in their willingness to consider relocating to Shepparton rather than a capital city.”
GV Health chief people officer Karen Linford
“We are the largest employer in Greater Shepparton but we still rely on the program because we know our staff and especially their families benefit from networks outside of their workplace.”
Paul Baker, project manager
“Other employers sent us booklets and links to websites, but it was so much easier and better to talk to a local person. Just for the peace of mind that someone was there to ask if we needed it was so reassuring.”
Neethu Joe, registered nurse
“When they told me there was a person who we could talk to before we left New Zealand and would be there when we arrived, it was such a relief and a key reason why we chose Shepparton.”
Sustainable Communities
Adapting to a low-water future is something Greater Shepparton and the wider community need to be conscious of.
The implementation of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan continues to face challenges, with environmental, social and economic factors at play.
The Victorian Government, local communities and agricultural and associated industries face ongoing challenges balancing water allocation and usage while ensuring sustainable practices protect the health of river systems.
Council said the Greater Shepparton community had opposed water purchasing within the Murray-Darling Basin.
“It is critical that we plan for our future. Water buybacks could decimate a community like ours, which relies so heavily on water to supplement our major agriculture and horticulture industries,” Cr Sali said.
“Buybacks will likely drive up the cost of water, increase the cost of maintaining irrigation networks, and ultimately raise food prices.
“The policy is also expected to reduce farm production and lead to job losses in both agricultural and secondary industries.”
Council said there was urgency for Greater Shepparton to develop a strategic plan to access the $300 million Sustainable Communities Program.
This plan aims to:
- Assist impacted industries to adapt to a low-water future
- Diversity the industry base
- Ensure the resilience of the community
- Secure a sustainable future for the region
- Consolidate the strategic importance to the region, state and nationally
- Ensure that the investment that has been made into the $2 billion irrigation infrastructure across the Goulburn Murray Irrigation District to safeguard the agricultural powerhouse of Australia is not wasted
A $250,000 per annum contribution over two years would fund council to respond to the implications of the MDBP and Restoring our Rivers legislation.
“Greater Shepparton is the fruit capital of Australia,” Cr Sali said.
“We are the hand which feeds the nation. Taking water away from the food bowl is not the answer.”
What do stakeholders have to say?
Fruit Growers Victoria grower services manager Michael Crisera
“Further buybacks would mean even less water is available on the allocation market — the impact on permanent horticulture, which has fixed water demands, and is highly reliant on the allocation market, especially in seasons when allocations are reduced, is potentially disastrous. In years of drought, with less water allocations/availability and higher water market prices, the horticulture businesses in regional communities are particularly vulnerable because permanent plantings require water to keep trees alive.”
Goulburn Murray Irrigation District Water Leadership Group co-chair Andrew Mann
“Community is critical to the region’s successful transition and requires a skilled ongoing focus in its own right — to work with and complement the work with irrigators and industry.”
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