The State Government has said the proceeds are available for infrastructure projects and programs that will benefit the agriculture sector, including transport, irrigation, and energy projects, as well as skills development programs and market access campaigns.
Acting CEO Chris Teitzel says the 10 per cent allocation for regional areas from the total $9.70 billion lease could fund some game changing projects for Greater Shepparton including the GV Highway Shepparton Bypass, the enhancement of key local freight routes such as Old Dookie Road and work on a number of bridges throughout the Shepparton irrigation area to accommodate increasing weight limits of heavy vehicles.
“The Minister for Roads and Acting Minister for Agriculture Luke Donnellan indicated yesterday that rural, regional, and outer-suburban councils should apply for funding for critical upgrades under a new The Local Roads to Market Program for local roads, intersections and bridges used by Victorian farmers, food transporters and agribusiness,” said Mr Teitzel.
“The government has allocated $25m to this new The Local Roads to Market Program. Greater Shepparton City Council will be looking at funding applications for critical road infrastructure upgrades in our municipality,” he said.
“We would also be very keen to see the funding criteria adjusted to accommodate an improved passenger rail service, something which Council and the community have been lobbying for very strongly over the last few years. Shepparton is predicted to grow in population and we need to have the infrastructure in place to service the increase in population and provide the liveability required to retain and attract the skills needed to service the agricultural sector,” said Mr Teitzel.
