The plan was noted to Greater Shepparton City Council at the March council meeting, with it outlining the five key themes that will focus on the group’s overarching aim, creating a ‘Mighty Murch’.
Mighty Murch
1. Mighty Murchison — focuses on the development of Murchison into a premier small town, focusing on community safety, liveability, business, technology, transport, tourism and facilities.
2. Riverside Murchison — aims to develop and promote Murchison’s connection to the Goulburn River and surrounding open spaces, focusing on recreation, liveability, public amenity and tourism.
3. Clean Green Murchison — will develop and promote the town as an attractive and sustainable town, by partnering with like-minded agencies, investing in renewable energy technologies and having a clean town.
4. Mindful Murchison - aims to develop and foster the physical and mental wellbeing of the Murchison community by supporting local sports clubs, art projects and community wellness initiatives.
5. Historic Murchison — to promote projects that reflect and celebrate Murchison’s history and cultural heritage, by creating a Murchison Tourism Plan based on historic sites and events, as well as promoting events and activities that have both community and visitor appeal.
Speaking at the March meeting, Cr Paul Wickham, whose ward Murchison sits in, congratulated the group on the plan.
“We have a very vibrant community down there in Murchison, and it’s wonderful to see they’ve put in all this work and that we can support them,” he said.
Cr Sam Spinks said the plan encapsulated how unique the Murchison community was within Greater Shepparton.
“This particular plan is deeply impressive. I’m very in awe of the pillars they are asking to aim for in their plan,” she said.
“It should be something the entire region should strive for.”
Mayor Shane Sali called the plan detailed and strategic.
“Murchison has a rich history and a strong sense of community,” he said.
“This plan sets a clear direction for the future, ensuring Murchison remains a vibrant and thriving community.
“One thing that stood out with me was their pillars ... and I think it’s an amazing job with what they’ve done, and they have a really clear strategic direction on what they want to achieve over the course of the next four years.”
The four-year plan incudes several actions the group will work towards, including:
- More community-based activities and events
- Creation of a Murchison Riverfront Masterplan
- Development of a Murchison Tourism Plan
- Installation of crossing lights at Meteorite Park
- Establishment of an EV charging station
- Ongoing flood recovery support
- Upgrades to the Murchison Football and Netball clubrooms
- Extension of the Murchison Rail Trail to Mooroopna and Rushworth
- Upgrades to the Murchison Tennis Club courts and clubrooms
The highest priority for the group is tackling the lack of community-based activities and events. This and the other high-priority actions to be taken were identified with community consultation.
The Murchison and District Community Planning Group was formed in 2011, with the goal of understanding and advocating for the community’s goals and priorities.
Through extensive community consultation, including surveys, meetings and events, the group created the 2025-2029 plan to drive positive change in Murchison.
The full plan is available on council’s website.
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