Please note: this is an archived news article release
This article was published on Tuesday, 29 July, 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 The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate.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 29th of July, 2025,
Greater Shepparton City Council is proud to announce it has won the Rural and Remote Programs Award at the 14th Annual Australian Road Safety Awards, recognising the important work on the Poplar Avenue and Orrvale Road Blackspot Intersection Roundabout Upgrade.
In summary:
This award-winning project has transformed one of regional Victoria’s most dangerous intersections, previously the site of 19 crashes over 20 years including three fatalities and 38 injuries, into a much safer environment for all road users.
Funded through the Federal Government’s Black Spot Program, the upgrade is the result of a four-year, $1.62 million program led by Council in close partnership with Goulburn Murray Water and the Department of Transport and Planning.
The project included replacing open irrigation channels with underground pipework, major drainage improvements, and ultimately constructing a modern roundabout designed to reduce speeds and improve visibility at the high-speed rural intersection.
Director Infrastructure, Gary Randhawa, said the award is a testament to the impact of strong collaboration and long-term planning.
“This intersection has been the site of extreme trauma for residents and road users. Winning this national award is a powerful recognition of our community’s determination to make meaningful safety improvements,” he said.
The roundabout upgrade used more than 1,000 tonnes of recycled materials, including crushed concrete, glass and rubber, reflecting Council’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure.
Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, congratulated the team and the community on a well-deserved national win.
“This project was never just about roads, it was about saving lives,” he said.
The intersection, located just one kilometre from Orrvale Primary School, is a key route for parents and local families. Council is now building on the success of this upgrade through its recently adopted Greater Shepparton Mobility and Road Safety Strategy, with a long-term vision of zero serious injuries and fatalities by 2050.
For more information about the project, please visit our Major Projects page.
For further information, please call Council on 5832 9700 or email council@shepparton.vic.gov.au.
More News from Greater Shepparton
Wednesday 22nd of October,
Have your say and help shape Council’s 2026/2027 Budget
Work is already underway on Greater Shepparton City Council’s 2026/2027 Budget, and the community are encouraged to share their feedback to help shape the upcoming document. Read more
Wednesday 22nd of October,
AFS Shepparton Cup is back and set to draw thousands to Greater Shepparton
Shepparton Sports City and Mooroopna Recreation Reserve will again play host to the Australian Football Skool (AFS) Shepparton Cup this weekend, from Friday 24 October to Sunday 26 October 2025. Read more
Thursday 16th of October,
Community invited to participate in Aussie Bird Count
Greater Shepparton City Council and RiverConnect are encouraging community members to participate in Australia’s largest annual citizen science event – Aussie Bird Count. Read more
Tuesday 14th of October,
Council awards contract for construction of new Cosgrove Landfill Cell
Greater Shepparton City Council has awarded the construction contract for the next landfill cell at Cosgrove Three, securing future waste disposal capacity and supporting sustainable waste management across the region. Read more
Monday 13th of October,
Greater Shepparton secures back-to-back Australian Junior Motocross Championships
Greater Shepparton City Council, in partnership with the Goulburn Valley Junior Motorcycle Club, is proud to announce it has been selected to host the Australian Junior Motocross Championships in both 2026 and 2027. Read more
Thursday 9th of October,
Council urges community to have their say on VicGrid’s Renewable Energy Zone proposal
The Victorian Government, through VicGrid, has released its Victorian Transmission Plan, identifying several Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) across the state, in areas it considers most suitable for future solar and wind farm development. Read more
See All News
Want to get the latest news and events in your Facebook feed?
Just go to our Facebook page and click the Like button.
More Events in Greater Shepparton
Saturday 1st of November,
St Andrews Road Spring Festival
All Welcome! This is a celebration of community with activities and market stalls from some of our wonderful St Andrews Road community groups. There will be food trucks, live music, story times, market… Read more
Friday 31st of October,
Puff Walk
A new day, a new walk! Read more
Wednesday 29th of October,
Tweens Yoga
Did you know that children who practice yoga enjoy incredible benefits for their body, mind, and emotions? Read more
Sunday 2nd of November,
Women Only Swimming
Aquamoves Women Only Swimming Sessions are all about empowering women to get active and overcome feelings of judgment. View on Aquamoves
Saturday 1st of November,
Jeff Carter presents Rockaria - The ELO EXPERIENCE
A tribute to the unforgettable sound of Jeff Lynne's THE ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA View on Riverlinks
Monday 27th of October,
Connecting with the Past at Shepparton Library - Guide to the State Library of Victoria Resources
An introduction to the amazing historic resources offered by the State Library Victoria. Read more
See All Events