Launched in March this year, the Make Shepparton Greater campaign has been intensely lobbying both the Victorian Coalition Government and the Opposition in an effort to gain pre-election commitments to fund priority projects within Greater Shepparton.
“As the Victorian Government prepares to enter the pre-election caretaker period, this is an excellent opportunity to look back on what the campaign has achieved over the past seven months”, said Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Cr Jenny Houlihan.
“Naturally the campaign’s greatest success so far has to be the Coalition Government’s commitment to invest $73 million in a new court complex; however, there have also been some smaller wins along the way, such as the formation of the Shepparton Passenger Services Working Group and the introduction of the new passenger rail service that arrives in Melbourne before 9am on weekdays.
“A lot of groundwork is also being done behind the scenes to bring the campaign’s other priority projects to fruition. For example, Council is in ongoing discussions with the State and Federal Governments and various stakeholder groups in relation to constructing the Goulburn Valley Highway Shepparton Bypass”, she said.
The Greater Shepparton community has embraced Make Shepparton Greater, which has been vital to its success such as completing surveys, sending emails to the Premier and Opposition Leader, and participating in interviews.
“Without community support, the campaign could not achieve such excellent outcomes and I sincerely thank everyone who has taken the time to get involved”, said Cr Houlihan.
Make Shepparton Greater is a long term strategy as the needs of Greater Shepparton continue to evolve. Following the State election, the campaign will see continued lobbying of the Victorian and Federal Governments for funding of priority projects. New projects will be introduced as existing projects are delivered.
To keep up to date with the Make Shepparton Greater campaign, go to makesheppartongreater.com.au
