O’Keeffe wants Shepparton bypass funding to be protected

By Georgia Tacey

Jun 21, 2023

Safeguard: State Member for Shepparton Kim O’Keeffe is pushing for funding to be protected for the Shepparton bypass. Photo by Contributed

State Member for Shepparton Kim O’Keeffe has called on Victorian Transport and Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan to safeguard the $208 million that has been committed to the Shepparton bypass.

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Ms O’Keeffe said she spoke to Ms Allan in parliament this week, and asked her to appeal to federal Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Minister Catherine King to ensure the bypass remained an ongoing project.

“We do not want to see the Shepparton bypass scrapped by the federal Labor Government’s independent infrastructure review. I want the minister to ensure that she protects the millions of taxpayer dollars already committed to this vital project,” Ms O’Keeffe said.

The previous federal government contributed the $208 million after an initial $10.2 million was set aside in the 2017-18 Victorian budget for early works on the bypass.

The 2023-24 Victorian budget allocated a further $1 million for “planning the Shepparton bypass and improving links in Shepparton”.

Ms O’Keeffe said even though the Goulburn Valley served as a significant transport hub, Shepparton remained the only major regional city without a bypass, and urged Ms Allan to act.

“Minister, you are well aware of the long history and the critical need of this project — we need this bypass, and the future of this is in your hands now,” she said.

“Failure to save the Shepparton bypass from further delays or abandonment has a detrimental impact on our region.”