The Mooroopna Community Plan 2022-2026 has been updated, but what exactly has changed?
The plan was first developed in 2010, with the 2022-2026 plan endorsed by Greater Shepparton City Council in 2022.
The plan identifies and prioritises almost 60 actions under 19 focus areas, informed by community engagement.
The Mooroopna Community Plan Steering Group has recently conducted a review and update of the actions contained in the plan, noting their achievements.
The group has planned, advocated, sought funds and delivered on community priorities identified in the plan since it was initially developed in 2010.
Recent achievements include:
- Railway station safe pedestrian crossing and path
- Solar lighting installed along Midland Hwy walking path from Elsie Jones Dve to recreation reserve entry
- Shade sails installed at Charles St playground
- Support for off-leash dog park and outdoor exercise equipment proposals
- Four successful funding applications for defibrillators from Council’s Community Planning Implementation Fund Specialist funding
- Tree planting in CBD — streets behind McLennan St and along south side of McLennan St.
After recent engagement surveys, the group identified that the people of Mooroopna loved the small-town feel; however, several concerns were put forward.
From the feedback, the group created an updated priority list for future and ongoing projects, with high-priority projects including the Mooroopna Railway Station, shared paths, public transport and secondary education.
Mid-tier priorities included recreation spaces, community art projects, Indigenous art and history, environment, community groups, youth engagement and infrastructure.
Low priority was tourism and signage.
Ongoing projects and priorities included Goulburn River trails, McLennan St, historical buildings, community plan promotion, economic development and festive decoration.
Speaking at the August council meeting, Cr Ben Ladson commended the group members on their continued efforts to strengthen the town.
“I just want to thank the steering committee for the time they put into the projects that are worthwhile,” he said.
Cr Anthony Brophy also spoke highly of the group and the people driving for change.
“They are people with passion, they are people with commitment, and they are the ones that actually drive change,” he said.
Mayor Shane Sali acknowledged the hard work of the group, highlighting one particular recent undertaking.
“The railway station safe pedestrian crossing, that was a prominent piece of infrastructure that was undertaken, led by the Mooroopna community and that was great to have that project achieved,” Cr Sali said.
“Now we work towards the other priorities, and it's really important that we have that list of priorities there because it gives everyone something to work towards.
“We’re heading into a ward structure, and this gives greater opportunity for those representing Mooroopna and that part of Greater Shepparton to really focus and try and deliver some of these projects.”
The motion to note the updated plan was accepted unopposed.