Funding pledge might break bypass deadlock: Shepparton Bypass Action Group

By Max Stainkamph

Nov 8, 2022

Funding pledge: Greater Shepparton City Councillors pore over plans for stage one of the Shepparton bypass with Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell, Victorian Nationals leader Peter Walsh and Victorian Opposition Leader Matthew Guy. Photos: Rechelle Zammit Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Commitment from the Victorian Coalition to fund stage one of the Shepparton bypass could be the thing which breaks a decade-long deadlock over the project, Shepparton Bypass Action Group president Peter Johnson says.

Mr Johnson was “delighted” to see funding committed to building part of the bypass, with the Coalition pledging $260 million for stage one of the bypass on Tuesday, November 8, should it be elected this month.

The Coalition would still need the Federal Government to commit 80 per cent of the funding for stage one, which would include a second major river crossing.

“This is the first time we’ve had a potential state government make a commitment in relation to stage one of the project,” Mr Johnson said.

“I think there’s every chance that will create far more pressure on the state government.”

Mr Johnson said it was “without a doubt” the closest the project had come to get off the ground after being in limbo for more than five years following back-and-forth over the state government refusing to release the business case for the project.

Happy as Larry: Shepparton Bypass Action Group chair Peter Johnson is delighted to finally have money pledged to the project. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Victorian Opposition Leader Matthew Guy said he would ask the Federal Government to come to the table with the remaining money, with the exact figure unknown due to the business case still being under wraps.

Mr Guy said he would release the business case should the Coalition win government.

“We’re very confident that $260 million figure is accurate,’’ he said.

“It’s what’s been discussed for a long period of time and we know this project needs to happen.

“We know local people, certainly because of the tragedy of the recent floods, know that this needs to happen and there needs to be more connectivity between Shepparton and Mooroopna.

“Everyone knows just having the causeway between the two towns isn’t enough.”

Mr Guy expected the Federal Government to come to the table once the Victorian Government stumped up the funds as he proposed to do should the Coalition gain power.

“I think the Federal Government is pretty straightforward on roads of national importance,” he said.

"We’re pretty confident that they’re very common sense on this and they’re just waiting for the state to come to them with a request and that’s what we are saying we will do.“