Strategic Cycling Corridor – Shepparton Railway Station to the Greater Shepparton Secondary College and Victoria Park Lake
The Strategic Cycling Corridors (SCC) will connect significant destinations, being the Shepparton Art Museum and Greater Shepparton Secondary College. The SCC also connects with existing trail networks extending north and south along the rivers, thus supporting an active transport option for students attending the Greater Shepparton Secondary College.
Background
The Shepparton CBD Strategy 2008 and the Shepparton Railway Precinct Master Plan strongly support the development of the Shepparton Railway Station Precinct, highlighting its potential as a strategic gateway to the broader city. These plans advocate for higher-density development on currently underutilised land adjacent to the railway and call for significant improvements to streetscapes, pedestrian corridors, and cycling infrastructure.
A key priority outlined in the CBD Strategy is the creation of a safe, well-connected pedestrian and cycle-friendly environment. Strengthening physical and visual linkages between the CBD, riverine areas, and the Railway Station is seen as vital to enhancing mobility, accessibility, and placemaking for the wider Shepparton community. These measures will better integrate the Railway Precinct into the broader urban fabric, contributing to a cohesive city experience that supports economic growth, cultural vitality, and sustainable transport choices.
The proposed Strategic Cycling Corridor (SCC) aims to establish a low-stress environment for both cyclists and pedestrians, featuring separation from motorised traffic to ensure comfort, safety, and appeal for a broad spectrum of the community. This initiative will deliver a safe and accessible cycling route by constructing off-road paths and enhancing road and rail crossings along a strategic cycling corridor.
By connecting key destinations and trip generators along the corridor, the SCC will serve as a vital local transport link. It is designed to encourage a shift from private vehicle use to active transport modes, contributing to improved public health, reduced congestion, and a more sustainable urban mobility network
Benefits
- Enhanced Cycling Network
The Shepparton SCC project is designed to create a low-stress, fully connected cycling network, making active transport a safe and attractive option for all age groups. - Strategic Connectivity
The SCC will link major destinations including the Shepparton Art Museum, train station, and Greater Shepparton Secondary College. It also integrates with the broader riverside trail network connecting Kialla, North Shepparton, and Mooroopna. These connections offer residents a reliable, low-cost alternative to driving, easing traffic congestion while improving everyday accessibility. - Socioeconomic Inclusion
Upgraded cycling infrastructure ensures critical services, jobs, and education are accessible to all including those without access to private vehicles. - Active transport options for school students
The project will alleviate the pressure on the road network and enable safe and healthy travel for student attending the Greater Shepparton Secondary College - Intersection Safety
The inclusion of the Goulburn Valley Highway and Hayes Street intersection in the SCC network significantly improves safety for all road users, establishing a seamless and fully connected SCC route. - Strategic Significance
The SCC aligns seamlessly with major developments—including the expansion of Greater Shepparton Secondary College, the evolution of the Shepparton Art Museum, and the ongoing Shepparton Railway Line Upgrade. As city wide initiative, it will redefine Shepparton’s transport network and serve as a foundation for future growth.
In 2018, Council developed concept plans for shared path connections linking the Shepparton Railway Station to the CBD and Victoria Park Lake. As part of this initiative, Liesl Malan Landscape Architects Pty Ltd designed streetscape improvements to enhance key corridors—connecting the Railway Station to the CBD via High Street, and to Victoria Park Lake and the new Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) via Purcell Street, Baker Street, and Hayes Street.
To elevate both comfort and visual amenity, the designs feature:
- Shade trees and garden plantings for a greener, cooler experience
- Street furniture and lighting to support usability and safety
- Wayfinding elements to guide movement and encourage exploration
- Functional upgrades including improved drainage, pedestrian crossings, kerbs, and car parking
These enhancements promote walkability, celebrate local identity, and establish stronger connections between cultural, commercial, and recreational destinations across Shepparton.
The concept plans were developed through extensive consultation with key stakeholders, including adjoining landowners and occupiers, as well as the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP). This collaborative process played a key role in shaping both the location and connectivity of the Strategic Cycling Corridor.
Community and stakeholder feedback is documented in the Conversation Report – Draft Shepparton Railway Station Pedestrian Overpass Concept Plan and the Draft Shepparton Railway Station Shared Pathway Linkages Concept Plans (March 2019), providing valuable insights into the development of a connected, accessible precinct.
In 2020, the State government released updated guidelines for such routes within the Victoria Cycling Strategy 2018-2028, which envisions an increase in the number, frequency and diversity of Victorians cycling for transport by investing in a safer, lower-stress, better-connected network and making cycling a more inclusive experience. The State government seeks to achieve these goals by prioritising the Strategic Cycling Corridors (SCC), which identify key cycling routes to and near essential services, such as work and education, as well as local trips such as public transport stations, shops and schools. This strategy also sets out the strategic basis for State Government funding commitments to develop the SCCs, to provide safer and lower-stress routes by including off-road shared pathways to reduce the risk of motor vehicle accidents with cyclists.
To ensure practical and timely delivery, the Shepparton Strategic Cycling Corridor has been divided into clearly defined, deliverable sections. This staged approach supports a flexible rollout, allowing each segment to be developed as funding and resources become available.
This staged delivery will enable the corridor to evolve while maintaining momentum toward a well-connected cycling network that links key destinations throughout Shepparton, promoting healthier transport options, safer travel, and greater access to key community destinations.
Victoria Lake to Shepparton Railway Station
Concept plans have been prepared for the proposed Shepparton Strategic Cycling Corridor (SCC) route, connecting Victoria Lake to Shepparton Railway Station. The planned corridor will traverse Hayes Street, Baker Street, Purcell Street, St Georges Road, Thompson Street, and Railway Parade, forming a key spine through Shepparton’s urban landscape.
The route features a combination of on-road cycling lanes and off-road shared paths, designed to improve safety, accessibility, and connectivity for cyclists and pedestrians alike. This mix of infrastructure supports active travel and aligns with Shepparton’s vision for a healthier, more sustainable transport future.
Between 1 April and 2 May 2022, the concept plans for the Shepparton Strategic Cycling Corridor were shared with the community as part of a formal consultation process. During this period, Council actively engaged with residents, occupiers, and key stakeholders to gather feedback on the draft designs.
A total of 12 submissions were received, reflecting a range of perspectives and suggestions. In response, Council prepared a Conversation Report that outlines:
- the extent of consultation undertaken,
- the key themes and concerns raised in the submissions,
- and Council officers’ responses to those themes.
This report helps ensure transparency and demonstrates how community input has informed the development of the cycling corridor.
Council received and noted the Conservation Report - Strategic Cycling Corridors at its 21 June 2022 ordinary meeting.
Next steps
Council is committed to making it safer and easier for everyone in Shepparton to get around by bike. To do this, the Shepparton Strategic Cycling Corridor is being delivered in stages, with each section developed as funding becomes available.
We’re working closely with the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) to find funding opportunities—because this project aligns with the Victorian Cycling Strategy 2018–2028 and supports healthier, greener ways to travel.
Once funding is obtained Final designs will be prepared for construction.