The redevelopment of the Shepparton Sports Stadium in time to host events at the 2026 Commonwealth Games has been put forward as a priority project for the region ahead of the November state election.
As the Birmingham Commonwealth Games comes to a close, pressure is mounting on the Victorian Government to commit to supporting infrastructure and events in Shepparton.
The alternative Liberal/Nationals government has already committed to making Shepparton, where the idea for a regional games was born, a hub city and event host.
“Council is proud to have played a part in the early stages of this project, and our community is eagerly awaiting further detail on what sporting and cultural events our region will host,” City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali said.
“A confirmed investment into the Shepparton Sports and Events Centre would enable the facility to host competition as part of the regional schedule. The regionally and nationally significant sporting, entertainment and events complex would cater for a variety of users, and would remain an exciting legacy project for Greater Shepparton.”
Funding for the stalled Goulburn Valley Hwy Shepparton Bypass is at the top of the priority list for Greater Shepparton City Council.
The priorities document says while Greater Shepparton is experiencing significant growth and many new opportunities, certain challenges need to be addressed to ensure the region’s continued success and prosperity, including Stage 1 of the Shepparton Bypass.
Council argues the Goulburn Valley Hwy in and around Greater Shepparton can no longer support existing traffic volumes, and future regional economic and community growth is at risk if these inadequacies are not addressed.
“Greater Shepparton City Council is extremely grateful for the Victorian Government’s ongoing support for the region, specifically in relation to the Maude St Mall redevelopment, new Shepparton Art Museum, the Greater Shepparton Secondary College and the Museum of Vehicle Evolution,” Cr Sali said.
“With this being said, there are still many major projects which are needed for our region to ensure its continued prosperity. The bypass is the highest priority, and we — alongside the entire community — will continue to advocate for its completion.
“The bypass is a game changer for this region in terms of liveability, efficient movement of freight, productivity, global competitiveness and safety.”
The other infrastructure priority projects include the allocation of funding for Stage 2 of the Goulburn Valley Health redevelopment, funding to deliver a tech school for Greater Shepparton, and investment in early years education, including an integrated children and families centre and early childhood education and care workforce.
Council is also advocating for funding for Stage 2 of the Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence, which will service and support the Goulburn Murray region, along with an allocation of $2.665 million for Shepparton Foodshare to construct its permanent home.
“The region has demonstrated that we have the capacity to deliver complex projects, and each dollar spent here by the Victorian Government generates many more in economic activity, not only across Greater Shepparton but across the state more broadly,” Cr Sali said.