Council Plan 2025-2029 adopted

The Plan sets out strategic objectives that will guide decision-making, resource allocation, and service delivery throughout the current Council term.

The Plan was developed following extensive community consultation, beginning with an online survey and community pop ups from May to September 2024. A Community Panel was then established for deliberative engagement, with the panel coming together for several sessions to share their ideas for the Council Plan.

Workshops with Council staff and Councillors followed, before the draft Council Plan was released for public consultation last month for two weeks with the community given a final chance to review the document and have their say.

Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, said the final Council Plan reflects the aspirations of the Greater Shepparton community, building on the extensive consultation with residents, Councillors, Council staff, and a dedicated Community Panel.

“Development of a new Council Plan is a long process, and it is one heavily driven by the community. We are thankful to those who took the time to share their throughs and ideas during the document’s development – this feedback has ensured the plan for Council over the next four years reflects the aspirations of our residents,” he said.

The Council Plan is structured around five strategic themes:

Economy: A strong, adaptive, sustainable, and thriving region supporting agriculture and horticulture, growing existing industries, and attracting emerging sectors to diversify our economic base.
Infrastructure: Responsible management of infrastructure and assets to meet the current and future needs of our growing community, including roads, facilities, and digital connectivity.
Liveability: Access to quality housing, healthcare, education, and cultural opportunities creating a connected, safe, and inclusive community, supported by vibrant neighbourhoods and thoughtful urban design.
Environment: A resilient natural environment that we enjoy today, prosper from, restore, and protect for tomorrow through climate action, waste reduction, and environmental stewardship.
Your Council: A responsive Council that engages actively with the community, makes evidence-based decisions, ensures long-term financial sustainability, and advocates for local priorities.

Cr Sali said the Plan presents a solid way forward for the next four years, one which will drive outcomes while ensuring the region’s continued growth is supported and maintained.

“This Plan is about delivering real outcomes for our community. There are many highlights across the five themes, including resolving future stages of GV Link Enterprise Park, supporting business and industries to adapt to reach new markets, and strengthening the economy of our small towns,” he said.

“The Plan also includes measures around strategic and effective asset management, progressing the region’s Circular Economy, increasing the region’s tree canopy, activating the Goulburn River and Victoria Park Lake, and a review of our Shepparton and Mooroopna 2050: Regional City Growth Plan.”

The Council Plan also incorporates the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan, aligning health and wellbeing goals with broader strategic objectives. It serves as the foundation for Council’s Directorate and Business Plans and informs the individual responsibilities of Council Officers.

The Plan is underpinned by the Community Vision, adopted in 2021, and reaffirmed through the recent consultation:

A diverse, vibrant, and connected community valuing accessible opportunities for everyone. We adapt and respond in a way that is innovative, sustainable, and accountable. We acknowledge where we have been and look forward to where we are going. Together we are Greater!

“By working alongside the community, we have developed a Council Plan which reflects the wants and aspirations of our residents, while balancing Council’s commitment to maintaining a thriving region for today, tomorrow and the future,” Cr Sali said.