Please note: this is an archived news article release
This article was published on Thursday, 19 November, 2020. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate.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 Thursday 19th of November, 2020,
Council is pleased that the Victorian Government has today announced $80M funding in the 2020-21 State Budget for the final stage of the Shepparton Passenger Line Upgrade.
Stage 3 of the Shepparton Line upgrade will include track and signalling upgrades to enable trains to travel at up to 130km/h, cutting travel times by 20 minutes between Shepparton and Melbourne. This stage will also deliver nine daily return services between Shepparton and Melbourne, up from the current five daily services.
This funding follows the Federal Government’s announcement last month of $320M towards Stage 3 of the Shepparton Rail Project.
Stage 1 of the Shepparton Line Upgrade was completed in 2019, which included a stabling upgrade at the Shepparton Station, 10 extra train services per week between Melbourne and Shepparton, and extra coach services between Seymour and Shepparton.
Stage 2 will provide all of the infrastructure required to enable modern Vlocity trains to operate to Shepparton for the first time. This includes a new stabling facility and crossing loop, and station, track and level crossing upgrades. Construction is expected to be completed in late 2022.
Greater Shepparton City Council CEO, Peter Harriott, said “on behalf of the Council, I would like to thank the Andrew’s State Government for its significant contribution to the upgrade of the line. I would also like to acknowledge the significant funding of $356 million in construction funding for Stages 1 and 2 already provided by the State Government with the contracts for Stage 2 signed recently. I would like to thank the government for working collaboratively to realise this transformative project for Greater Shepparton.”
“This significant funding commitment represents the conclusion of a considerable phase of advocacy by individuals and organisations from across Greater Shepparton that have lobbied for the long overdue rail upgrades,” said Mr Harriott.
“Council has worked hard to demonstrate the significant benefits of upgrading passenger rail services on the Shepparton Line. The upgrades are an initial step towards bringing Shepparton’s passenger rail services up to a level that is aspiring to be comparable with other regional cities. This infrastructure will allow for even more frequent daily services in the future.”
“The improved rail services will result in wider social and economic benefits for Shepparton and the wider Goulburn Valley region; offering improved access to medical and education services, and employment opportunities; solidifying Shepparton’s growing importance as a regional city; and greatly assisting our community recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic,” explained Mr Harriott.
More News from Greater Shepparton
Friday 3rd of October,
Make your next career move at Council’s Early Years Recruitment Day
Greater Shepparton City Council is excited to announce its third Empowering Early Years Recruitment Day, designed to connect passionate people with rewarding careers in early childhood education. Read more
Thursday 2nd of October,
Greater Shepparton to host 2026 Murray-Darling Association National Conference
Greater Shepparton is proud to be announced as the host city for the 2026 Murray-Darling Association National Conference. Read more
Wednesday 1st of October,
Nominations now open for the 2026 Australia Day Awards
Greater Shepparton City Council invites individuals, community groups, and organisations to nominate local residents who have made a significant contribution this year, demonstrated outstanding service to the community, or positively impacted Greater… Read more
Tuesday 30th of September,
Greater Shepparton Heritage Advisory Committee achievements noted in Annual Report
The achievements of the Greater Shepparton Heritage Advisory Committee were highlighted in a 2024 Annual Report noted at Greater Shepparton City Council’s September Council Meeting last week. Read more
Monday 29th of September,
Community spirit shines at Tatura’s Dunk and Skate event
Greater Shepparton City Council, alongside local and regional partners, celebrated the completion of the new Tatura Skate Park and Basketball Court with a Dunk & Skate event on Monday 22 September 2025. Read more
Monday 29th of September,
Tatura and district community invited to engage with Police and Council at Tatura Community Meeting
Residents of Tatura, Murchison, Merrigum, and Undera and surrounds are invited to attend a community engagement meeting hosted by Greater Shepparton City Councillor Rod Schubert and local Victoria Police on Tuesday 7 October 2025. 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
Sunday 5th of October,
Sportz Lab Netball with the GV Stars
A two-hour netball clinic for students from Foundation to Grade 6. GVNL Stars and Sportz Labs head netball coaches, Charli Boschetti and Liv Kirby, will take the young athletes through elite drills focused… Read more
Monday 6th of October,
Victorian Seniors Festival - Travel the World Without Leaving the Library
Explore under the sea or travel to locations throughout the world using a virtual reality headset. Read more
Saturday 4th of October, – to Sunday 5th of October,
GV Rail Club Model Railway Exhibition
Get ready for a weekend of miniature marvels and railway nostalgia! The GV Rail Club Model Railway Exhibition is back this October, bringing together enthusiasts, families, and collectors for one of regional… Read more
Tuesday 7th of October,
Messy Play
Looking for a fun, hands-on activity for your little ones? Join us for Messy Play! Read more
Thursday 9th of October,
Riverlinks presents MSO for Schools - Brahms & Glinka
Join the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra in an exploration of Brahms’ First Symphony and the Overture to Glinka's opera, Ruslan and Lyudmila. View on Riverlinks
Tuesday 7th of October,
Tech 000 Drop in Session - Tech Help at Shepparton Library
Tech Help - Every Tuesday! Read more
See All Events