Please note: this is an archived news article release
This article was published on Tuesday, 26 August, 2025. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.
Posted on Tuesday 26th of August, 2025,
Greater Shepparton City Council is on the front foot and is heading to Melbourne tomorrow to advocate for funding of key priorities for the Greater Shepparton region.
The two-day agenda will involve meetings at Parliament House with Ministers and Shadow Ministers on priorities for the region, including a safer and more resilient road network, a significant and contemporary regional public health system, a bus network review, infrastructure funding to enable growth, and funding to ensure a sustainable future.
Greater Shepparton’s current population of 71,028 is forecast to grow to 81,022 in 2046, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, said this growth required significant investment.
“The current infrastructure and funding for our region has not kept up with this growth and will be totally inadequate in the future. We need a resilient road network and transport solutions to meet this demand, along with creating local jobs and supporting industries as they adapt to changing demands,” he said.
Greater Shepparton plays a vital role as a major service centre for the Goulburn Valley and southern New South Wales, supporting a population of approximately 250,000 people. It is a strategic hub in the national freight and logistics chain, underpinning agricultural and manufacturing industries with freight movements between all capital cities and ports.
Cr Sali said the increasing freight activity is placing strain on infrastructure, particularly the Goulburn Valley Highway.
“Council’s Road Network Resilience Package proposes a comprehensive solution including the construction of a new Goulburn River Bridge, upgrades to key intersections, and investment in road maintenance,” he said.
“Public transport options for smaller towns outside Shepparton are very limited with Tatura residents facing travel times of up to two hours to Shepparton, despite being only a 20-minute drive away,” Cr Sali said.
Council is calling on the Victorian Government to commit development funding in next year’s budget for a major review of the bus network and to fund the implementation of a modern, faster, more reliable, and environmentally sustainable transport system for the region.
“Council is also advocating for a strategic, well-resourced planning approach to secure a sustainable future for industry and community,” Cr Sali said.
One of Greater Shepparton’s top priorities is upgrading the Shepparton Sports Stadium — the last step in completing Sports City. Over 15 years, with support from State and Federal Governments, Sports City has become regional Victoria’s leading sports hub. The new Shepparton Sports and Events Centre will host major sports, entertainment, and events, attracting visitors and strengthening Shepparton’s status as a destination.
“We’re working with others and speaking up to get the support, funding, and action our region needs,” Cr Sali said.
To find out more about Greater Shepparton City Council’s Victorian Government Priorities 2025/26, visit our advocacy website.
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