$43.5 million will assist in working towards improving transport connectivity between Seymour and Shepparton via additional coach services and infrastructure that will see increased train services in the future.
Works include new train stabling and a crossing loop to be constructed to allow for additional train services to be provided from January 2020. In the meantime, an additional weekday and two daily coach services will be provided between Shepparton and Seymour.
$10 million has been allocated for Stage 1 of the GV Highway Shepparton Bypass - to assist with commencing the business case and pre-construction work required to link the Midland and Goulburn Valley Highways.
“We applaud the State Government in investing in these priority infrastructure projects for Greater Shepparton”, explains Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor Dinny Adem. “Council, along with our community and project partners have consistently and clearly communicated the need and value of these projects and today these efforts have paid off.”
As part of the budget submission process Greater Shepparton City Council priorities included $20 million for planning and preparatory works for Stage 1 of the Bypass, $750,000 for a business plan and preparatory works to progress passenger rail improvements, and $200,000 for a detailed business case for the proposed Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence (MCRE).
The MCRE business case was also funded in today’s budget, and will see the exploration of purpose built educational, sporting, cultural and community centre for the Goulburn Valley Aboriginal community.
Other wins for Greater Shepparton include upgrades to several local primary schools including Bourchier, Ardmona, Kialla West and Orrvale, creation of a Specialist Family Violence Court, free Wi-Fi and the $1 million for the 10-year Shepparton Educational Plan.
“There is a healthy mix of funding provided to the Greater Shepparton region in this year’s State Budget, from free Wi-Fi, primary school upgrades and introduction of family violence services”, suggests Mayor Adem. “As part of the Maude Street Bus Interchange Redevelopment an ask of $270,000 for a bus shelter was also on our wish list and we will continue to explore other funding avenues for this project.”
“Following today’s announcement we look forward to hearing from the State Government regarding the specifics of the funded projects”, explains Mayor Adem. “We’re keen to get on with the likes of the Bypass and passenger rail upgrades as they have been a long time coming and will result in significant gains for the Greater Shepparton region and our community”, suggests the Mayor.
