Greater Shepparton City Council has allocated about $500,000 to complete a revised detailed design for a potential industrial and freight hub in Mooroopna, called GV Link.
The project at 250 Toolamba Rd, Mooroopna, has been in the works since 1997 with federal and state funding support but has not gotten off the ground.
In 2014, council voted to postpone further investment until either an investor was secured or funding for the Shepparton bypass announced.
While neither has happened, council officers have reported receiving investment inquiries but had limited avenues for securing investment due to the outdated designs.
City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali said a design revision would confirm potential construction costs and scope, enabling the project to proceed with greater certainty.
“Council commenced investigation into the feasibility of developing an intermodal terminal or inland port in the region 25 years ago, and updated work is now needed to ensure the project’s relevance,” he said.
“A lot has been done for this project however a lot more is still needed, especially updated detailed designs due to the changing landscape, freight and industrial needs.
“There is no doubt that the economic impacts in relation to this project are significant and therefore council understands that updated designs are required to ensure its success.
“The project creates the potential for large-scale operators to function in close proximity and access rail to ensure efficient processes.”
Past progress on the project saw all the land associated with the site secured, rezoned and all planning matters associated with subdividing the land resolved.
It’s estimated the revised detailed design could cost about $500,000.
“This work we will now undertake enables council to respond quickly to any investment inquiry, providing options to proceed to the sale of council land and provide certainty on the delivery timeframe for the works,” Cr Sali said.
“We look forward to seeing work progressing on GV Link and taking the next steps forward for the project’s success.”