Greater Shepparton Victorian Government Priorities 2025/26
Greater Shepparton is Victoria’s fifth largest regional centre, serving around 250,000 people across the Goulburn Valley and southern New South Wales. Our population is growing steadily (68,873 in 2022), with a forecast increase of 1.2% per year until 2031.
This growth brings both opportunities and challenges, including:
- Better planning and construction
- Creating local jobs
- Improving roads and transport
- Protecting our environment
- Expanding affordable housing
- Helping industries adapt to change
Our evolving economy
Known as Australia’s agricultural powerhouse, Greater Shepparton is now also a centre for:
- Advanced manufacturing
- Health care
- Innovation and cultural activity
- Sustainability
Our water challenges
Our region has long relied on water. Now, due to changes in government policy and environmental pressures, we face a future with less water, presenting both challenges and opportunities.
Working together for a strong future
We believe in the power of partnerships. Achieving our goals requires teamwork across government, business, and the community.
Through strong advocacy and collaboration, we aim to secure support and funding to deliver projects that make Greater Shepparton a great place to live, work, study, and grow.
What we are advocating for:
Read below for a brief overview for each of the six priority projects for Greater Shepparton.
Click the tab buttons to switch between projects and for the full details, download the Victorian Government Priorities Document 2025/26.
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Transport
Greater Shepparton Road Network Resilience Package
Greater Shepparton: A growing transport hub
Greater Shepparton sits at the crossroads of two major highways, the Goulburn Valley Highway and the Midland Highway, connecting Melbourne, Brisbane, and beyond. With steady population growth expected (1.2% per year until 2031), the region also serves around 250,000 people across the Goulburn Valley and southern New South Wales.
Challenges we face
- More people and more freight are putting pressure on our roads.
- Industrial growth, especially at GV Link, will add to congestion and road wear.
- Without upgrades, traffic delays and poor road conditions could hurt our economy and quality of life.
- The Goulburn Valley Highway can no longer safely handle current traffic levels.
Why transport matters
Greater Shepparton plays a key role in moving goods across Australia, especially for agriculture and manufacturing. Reliable freight transport is essential for our region’s growth and competitiveness.
What needs to happen
To support growth and keep Greater Shepparton moving, we need to improve and manage our transport network, both in the city and surrounding areas. The Greater Shepparton Road Network Resilience Package is key to making this happen.
Investment
With the loss of the $208 million bypass funding and a further $130 million cut from the Roads of Strategic Importance (ROSI) Toowoomba to Seymour program there are opportunities to advocate to both the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments for the delivery of key road infrastructure projects in Greater Shepparton that will significantly improve our regional road transport network.
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New Goulburn River Bridge 1
The October 2022 Floods highlighted the critical deficiencies in the safety and capacity of our evacuation routes and transport network. During the flood, the only existing Goulburn River crossing option of the Midland Highway (the Causeway between Mooroopna and Shepparton that currently takes over 30,000 vehicles per day) was inundated with water leading to a multi-day closure.
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Key Road Projects: Road enhancements/Intersection upgrades;
These intersection upgrades will crucially provide a more efficient and safer road network along the Goulburn Valley Highway corridor, and serve as a major connection point to the rest of the primary road network improving congestion and connectivity in and around Shepparton.
- River Road, Kialla (estimated $15m to $20m) 2
- Ford Road/Wanganui Roads, Shepparton (estimated $7m additional funding) 3
- Shepparton Alternative Route and Goulburn Valley Highway, Congupna (estimated $20m) 4
- Toolamba Road/Echuca Road/Midland Highway, Mooroopna 5
- Inner East Link Road, Shepparton 6
- Welsford Street, Shepparton 7
The population and growing freight demand on our local roads is increasing along with the cost of maintaining roads, the contributory funding to help Council from Victorian and Australian Governments has not kept pace.
Solution
To fix Greater Shepparton’s road limitations and build a safer, more efficient network, the plan includes:
- Building a new Goulburn River Bridge
- Upgrading key intersections
- Investing in road maintenance to support community growth and the local economy
Victorian Government Projects
- New Goulburn River Bridge – funding to update design, costs, and scope
- Roundabout at River Road and Goulburn Valley Highway (Kialla) to improve safety
- Roundabout at Shepparton Alternative Route and Goulburn Valley Highway (Congupna) to improve safety
- Funding for Ford Road/Wanganui Road signalised intersection upgrade
- Upgrade of Toolamba Road/Echuca Road/Midland Highway (Mooroopna) to reduce congestion
Economic Benefits
These projects will strengthen the transport network and deliver wide benefits by:
- Cutting travel times and improving productivity
- Supporting local businesses and attracting new investment and jobs
- Strengthening national freight connections through the Principal Freight Network
- Providing reliable alternative routes to keep goods moving during disruptions
- Reducing freight costs and supporting export competitiveness
Road closures during the October 2022 floods had significant impacts on key supply chains and the freight industry as well as the connection of communities, as was seen in Shepparton and Mooroopna where the community was separated by floodwaters for several days.
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Facilities
Shepparton Sports & Events Centre
Greater Shepparton has over 150 sporting clubs with around 15,000 members, offering many opportunities for sport and active recreation.
Shepparton Sports Stadium
The Sports Stadium opened in the 1970s and, despite regular maintenance, it is now outdated and limits our region’s potential.
Key issues include:
- No disability access compliance
- Not suitable for major basketball tournaments
- Fails to meet requirements for other sports such as netball and badminton
- Limited parking (including accessibility parking) and poor access paths
Why redevelopment matters
The aging stadium makes it harder for Shepparton to attract major tournaments and events compared to other regional centres like Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Mildura, and Traralgon. As a result, our community misses out on significant social and economic benefits that a modern facility could deliver.
The aging Shepparton Sports Stadium creates a distinct disadvantage for our region when it comes to attracting significant tournaments and events in comparison to other regional venues. Accordingly, the economic benefits accruing to our local economy are far below what would be the case if the redevelopment was realised.
Solution
A modern sports and events complex
Greater Shepparton City Council is proposing to create a major sporting, entertainment, and events complex of regional and national significance.
Key features include:
- Four national-standard courts for basketball, netball, and multi-use sports
- Show court with seating for up to 3,000 people
- Multi-purpose room for events, functions, and stadium programs
- Sports house/administration space for organisers and users
- Modern change rooms for all players, officials, and elite competitions
- Accessible and family-friendly facilities, including change rooms for people with mobility or special needs
- Welcoming entry, lobby, café, and reception
- Improved external access, including roads, signage, landscaping, footpaths, bike parking, bus drop-off, and car parking
Investment
$32m
- Australian Government: $15m.
- Victorian Government: $5m.
- Greater Shepparton City Council: $12m.
Projected Outcomes
The redevelopment of the Sports Stadium is the final step in completing Shepparton’s Sports City, which, with support from the Australian and Victorian Governments, has transformed over the last 15 years into a leading sporting precinct in regional Victoria.
This project will create a major hub for the Goulburn and Murray regions, serving more than 250,000 people across six municipalities.
Benefits to the community and economy:
- $73.96 million generated during construction, supporting 210 local jobs
- 134,200 new visitors expected over 10 years from tournaments and events
- $149.78 million total economic impact over 10 years, including:
- $84.35 million from new events
- $65.43 million from retaining existing events
- Growth in local industries such as retail, hospitality, accommodation, attractions, entertainment, and event services
- 79 additional local jobs supported through increased visitation and spending
Download the full document for more outcomes and economic impact.
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Transport
Bus Transport Network Review
Greater Shepparton: The need for better bus services
The Victorian Government’s Bus Plan (2021) aims to make bus travel simple, safe, and reliable. However, Greater Shepparton’s bus network has not kept up with the city’s growth. It has been more than 15 years since the last review, despite new housing, schools, and developments.
Current issues
- Services in Shepparton and Mooroopna are limited on Saturdays and do not run on Sundays.
- Many housing estates and key facilities are not connected to bus routes.
- Smaller towns have very few options. For example, Tatura residents face bus trips of 40 minutes to two hours for a journey that takes 20 minutes by car.
- Irregular services make buses unsuitable for work, study, or daily use.
Why it matters
- Growing freight, housing, and industry demand better transport connections.
- Businesses struggle when workers cannot rely on buses.
- Lack of services reduces liveability and discourages investment.
- Public transport is vital for older residents, young people, workers, people with disabilities, tourists, and those in smaller towns.
The way forward
Greater Shepparton urgently needs more bus routes, more frequent services, and better connections across the region.
A modern, reliable bus network will support our growing community, strengthen local businesses, and ensure everyone can access opportunities in larger centres and beyond.
“The regularity and timetable of our existing bus transport network does not adequately support our smaller communities including our workforce, youth and aging population. It also prevents visitors to our regional city venturing further to smaller towns, which provide unique visitor experiences and attractions. The welfare of our community and liveability of our town is being limited by the lack of services that are considered ‘as of right’ elsewhere.”
CARL WALTERS, Chair Tatura Community Planning GroupSolution
Council is asking the Victorian Government to fund a major review of the bus network and support the rollout of a modern, faster, more reliable, and sustainable service for the community.
Listening to the community is essential to understand how people use buses now, and what would encourage them to use them more, such as preferred routes, times, and destinations.
Economic Benefits
- Improved connections will make it easier for workers to reach their jobs
- Create opportunities for those with limited transport
- Help visitors explore the region, not just travel to and from metropolitan areas.
Download the full document for more outcomes and economic impact.
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Health
Regionally Significant, Contemporary Public Health System
Integrated Goulburn Valley Health Priority Projects
Completing the remaining 50% of the GV Health Shepparton Hospital Redevelopment
Current situation
In 2021, a new masterplan for GV Health’s Shepparton Hospital was developed, after significant portions of the existing facility were identified as being no longer fit-for-purpose and in need of replacement.
The first stage of the GV Health Shepparton Hospital Redevelopment commenced in 2018 with major construction completed in 2024.
Despite this, around 50% of the site still needs to be redeveloped (as detailed in the masterplan), and new capital funding is required to deliver this vital work.
Completing the full redevelopment is necessary to address critical gaps in the availability of contemporary care and treatment facilities for the communities of the Goulburn Valley and surrounding regions, particularly in relation to cancer care treatment, pathology services, inpatient capacity, specialist clinics, ambulatory services and car-parking.
Proposed solution: Completing the Shepparton Hospital Redevelopment
A new funding commitment to complete construction of the full masterplan is vital to closing the gaps in care in our region and improving access to care and services for local people.
Three components of the masterplan are required as urgent priorities:
- Integrated Cancer Centre
- More inpatient beds
- Regional Pathology Hub
Other critical elements of the masterplan which are also priorities include: a cardiac catheterisation laboratory (cath-lab) to support local delivery of critical cardiology services; expanded MRI capacity; and a new multi-deck car park to improve hospital access for patients, families and staff.
GV Health Integrated Cancer Centre - Stage 2
Fully deliver the Integrated Cancer Centre at Shepparton Hospital.
Investment
$90m+
Cancer and related wellbeing services at GV Health are currently provided from limited multidisciplinary care and treatment spaces, including chemotherapy, a restricted haematology service, and an inadequate wellness service. Existing consulting rooms and treatment spaces are undersized, and there are not enough to meet clinical service delivery needs.
GV Health is the only Regional Public Health Service in Victoria that does not have an Integrated Cancer Centre offering comprehensive cancer treatment facilities. This limits the scope of cancer services provided and requires patients to travel long distances for care, such as for treatment of head and neck cancers and other tumor streams.
While an initial stage of the GV Health Integrated Cancer Centre has been funded by the Australian Government, it will only expand the capacity of existing services, and does not deliver the fully integrated Cancer Center in the Shepparton Hospital masterplan. Further, this will mean cancer and related wellbeing services will be delivered from two locations on the Shepparton Hospital site which is suboptimal for patients and staff, while also noting publicly funded radiotherapy services are provided in the Shepparton CBD by a private provider.
Completing the full Integrated Cancer Centre project is essential for addressing inequitable access to integrated, comprehensive cancer care in our region.
Projected outcomes
- The full range of cancer care services offered in a single building, including: more day haematology and oncology treatment spaces and services; specialist and supportive consulting; radiotherapy services onsite; wellness and support centre; clinical and non-clinical support areas for research, teaching and staff spaces.
- Provides integrated, local access to essential cancer care services.
- Reduces the need for patients to travel long distances for cancer treatment.
- A fully Integrated Cancer Centre would eliminate additional costs associated with the current model of coordinating care across multiple public and private providers.
- Addresses disruptions to continuity of care for patients currently relying on off-site publicly funded radiotherapy treatment services delivered in the Shepparton CBD by a private provider.
- Improved amenity for staff including a contemporary Multi-Disciplinary Planning and Review space for patient diagnosis and care planning.
New Inpatient Wards and Clinical Support Building
New GV Health inpatient facilities at Shepparton Hospital
Investment
$440m
In 2024, new inpatient facilities were completed at GV Health’s main hospital campus in Shepparton, partially replacing aged infrastructure as part of the first stage of the Shepparton Hospital Redevelopment.
However, older parts of Shepparton Hospital do not meet contemporary standards for hospital care in Australia.
Current facilities include shared inpatient rooms with up to four beds, and the absence of ensuite bathrooms, requiring patients to use shared facilities.
These older inpatient facilities at Shepparton Hospital are at the end of their useful life and are physically separated from the newer parts of the hospital, creating challenges for clinical teams.
Additionally, there is limited capacity to support patients requiring bariatric care.
New inpatient wards and clinical support facilities are urgently needed to replace this outdated infrastructure, meet the expectations and needs of patients and staff, ease pressure on existing wards, and accommodate growing demand for acute care across the region.
Proposed solution
- Construction of a new inpatient and clinical support building to deliver a significant increase in acute-care bed capacity, replacing existing aged infrastructure.
- A critical element of the next stage of the Shepparton Hospital Redevelopment.
Projected outcomes
- Significantly improved patient experience with access to contemporary facilities that meet expectations for quality, comfort, and privacy.
- Enhanced staff and clinician experience with modern facilities that support efficient and effective care delivery.
- Improved access to care, with better patient flow throughout GV Health’s Shepparton Hospital, to meet growing demand and reduce pressure on existing wards.
Download the full document for more outcomes and economic impact.
Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory
Equitable access to interventional cardiology services for people across the Goulburn Valley and surrounding regions.
Investment
$25-30m*
* Estimated capital cost range.
GV Health is the only Regional Public Health Service in Victoria without a Cardiac Catheterisation Lab. This means patients experiencing heart attacks or other cardiac events often need to travel long distances – for example, to Bendigo or Melbourne – for urgent, life-saving procedures.
This delay in access to interventional cardiology increases risk and has the potential to impact health outcomes for regional patients
Proposed solution
GV Health Cardiac Catheterisation Lab
- Construction of a purpose-built Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory on-site at GV Health’s Shepparton campus, aligned with the GV Health masterplan.
- Delivery of diagnostic and interventional cardiology services locally, including angiograms and stent procedures.
- Integration with GV Health’s existing acute, intensive care and emergency services to provide seamless cardiac care.
Projected outcomes
- Faster access to life-saving cardiac procedures, improving survival and recovery outcomes.
- Reduced patient transfers to metropolitan hospitals, improving patient experience and reducing pressure on metropolitan services.
- Supports workforce development and recruitment of specialist cardiology staff.
- Strengthens GV Health’s role as a comprehensive regional health provider in Victoria’s central-northern region.
Download the full document for more outcomes and economic impact.
Regional Pathology Hub
Equitable access to the full range of pathology services at GV Health and enabling improved services for public hospitals in our region.
Existing pathology facilities at GV Health’s Shepparton campus are no longer fit for purpose and their condition has been rated as “very poor”, with no material investment in the pathology building facilities in around 30 years.
As a result, the range of pathology services available at GV Health and in the region is suboptimal compared to other similar regional health services.
This means delayed access and prolonged waiting times for diagnostic results.
Proposed solution
GV Health Regional Pathology Hub
- Construction of a comprehensive regional pathology hub, on-site at GV Health’s main campus in Graham St, Shepparton, in line with the GV Health masterplan.
- The full range of pathology services offered in one place for patients within the GV Health catchment.
Projected outcomes
- Faster access to more pathology services, reducing wait times and improving patient outcomes.
- Eliminate additional costs associated with the current model of coordinating care across multiple public and private providers.
- Facilitates enabling works for subsequent stages of the full Shepparton Hospital redevelopment at GV Health.
Download the full document for more outcomes and economic impact.
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Sustainability
Adapting to a Sustainable Future
Investment
This is a pivotal moment for the future of our region, and it is critical that we take a strategic, well-resourced approach to planning. To implement a model similar to the Murrindindi Forestry Transition Program, we require specialised expertise and adequate resourcing to ensure that our planning is informed, robust, and results driven.
As outlined, time is of the essence. We are therefore seeking a contribution of $250,000 per annum over the next two years to build the necessary capability to respond to the ongoing impacts of the Murray–Darling Basin Plan (MDBP), the Restoring Our Rivers legislation, and the longterm challenges posed by drought.
Greater Shepparton is eager to work in partnership with the Victorian Government to achieve the outcomes set out in the Planning Our Basin Future Together Prospectus. This initiative represents a vital step towards sustainable development and responsible resource management within the Basin.
We respectfully request that the Victorian Government submit an application to the Federal Government’s $300 million Sustainable Communities Program, which is specifically designed to help minimise the socio-economic impacts on Basin communities.
This funding would enable the State Government to establish a tailored program, modelled on the successful Forestry Transition Program, targeted at regions like Greater Shepparton that are directly impacted by MDBP policies, related legislation, and water buybacks.
“In years of drought, with less water allocations/availability and higher water market prices, the horticulture businesses in regional communities are particularly vulnerable because permanent plantings require water to keep trees alive.”
MICHAEL CRISERA, Grower Services Manager Fruit Growers VictoriaChallenges and Opportunities
The implementation of the Murray Darling Basin Plan (MDBP) continues to be a complex and challenging endeavour, reflecting the intricate interplay of environmental, social and economic factors for our region. These challenges are further compounded by our region now facing drought conditions that are also occurring more frequently, which further strains water availability and increase pressure on local ecosystems and agricultural output. Stakeholders, including the Victorian Government, local communities and agricultural and associated industries, face ongoing challenges in balancing water allocation and usage while ensuring sustainable practices that protect the health of river systems.
Importantly, the Greater Shepparton community has taken the position to strongly oppose water purchasing occurring within the Murray–Darling Basin. Initially there was an understanding that any water buybacks would come from river diverters but now we see the Federal Government trying to buy water out of irrigation networks which threatens the viability of the entire system.
This threat is exacerbated during drought periods, when reduced inflows make the irrigation system even more vulnerable to degradation and inefficiencies, a situation we are currently confronted with.
It is anticipated that buybacks will drive up the cost of water, increase the cost of maintaining irrigation networks, and ultimately raise food prices. Any further buybacks need to be paused to make way for the implementation of the Victorian Government's Planning our Basin Future Together Prospectus that provides alternative water recovery solutions, with the need to cease buybacks even more important as we head into drought.
Solution
Council recognises the value in adopting the existing Forestry Transition Program model, as implemented by Murrindindi Shire Council and more recently in the Yarra Ranges, to support Greater Shepparton’s transition to a future with less water. By leveraging the insights, frameworks, and lessons learned from these successful transitions, we can develop a strategic plan that helps future-proof our region.
This proven model, endorsed by the Victorian Government, is highly relevant to the unique challenges and opportunities facing Greater Shepparton. It provides a practical foundation to guide industry adaptation, encourage economic diversification, and support long-term regional resilience.
By embracing this approach, Greater Shepparton will be well-positioned to thrive in an evolving economic landscape while continuing to make a strong contribution to Victoria’s economy.
This strategic plan or business case will:
- Assist impacted industries to adapt to a future with less water
- Diversify our industry base
- Ensure the resilience of our community
- Secure a sustainable future for our region
- Consolidate our strategic importance to the region, state and nationally
- Ensure that the significant investment thathas been made into the $2B state of the art irrigation infrastructure across the GMID to safeguard the Agricultural Powerhouse of Australia is not wasted.
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Build
Enabling Infrastructure Fund
Investment
A new grants-based regional Victoria community and private infrastructure fund to assist with large-scale local government and industry projects with a focus on fast tracking planning, supporting enabling infrastructure, job creation and retention.
Challenges and Opportunities
The Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund (RJIF) was established to create and retain jobs, leverage private sector investment, grow and diversify our significant regional economy, enable regional population growth, improve liveability, economic and social outcomes for over 1.5 regional Victorians.
This funding package provided Greater Shepparton with significant investment to realise the redevelopment of game changing infrastructure including the Maude Street Mall, Shepparton Art Museum (SAM), and Shepparton Food Share, along with a number of integral private sector investments to support our large industry base.
This package which was very beneficial to all of regional Victoria has since been discontinued by the Victorian Government and without a suitable replacement package, our region is at risk of not securing meaningful financial support to plan for and drive long-term regional growth through key economic development projects and community-led projects in response to social and economic challenges.
Solution
A reimagined program that can enhance priority projects to meaningfully support regional Victorian communities to address complex local challenges and lay the groundwork for future growth. This refreshed program should broadly focus on the following key strategic objectives:
- Capitalise and increase private sector project investment across regional Victoria.
- Enhance productivity and improve regional Victoria’s long term competitive advantages through innovation and diversification to new growth opportunities.
- Support the development of regional Victorian communities to became more liveable cities and precincts supporting the attraction and retention of families and young people to live, work and play.
- Support the response to market failures that prevent high quality and transformative economic projects in Regional Victoria from reaching shovel ready investment stage.
- Drive long term regional growth through the support of key economic development projects and the delivery of community led responses to social and economic challenges.
Economic Benefits
- Create, diversify and retain jobs.
- Attract investment to regional Victoria.
- Leverage private sector investment and diversification of local industry.
- Improve liveability in our cities.
- Improve economic and social outcomes.
- Assist with delivering on the Australian and Victorian Government Social and Affordable Housing targets.
- Expenditure planning processes.
Download the full document for more outcomes and economic impact.
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Victorian Government Priorities Document 2025/2026
Greater Shepparton is experiencing significant growth, and this growth brings opportunity, however there are still challenges that need to be addressed.
This document highlights the key priorities for Greater Shepparton. These projects will collectively contribute to strengthening economic and social activity and improved liveability for our region.
Download the Victorian Government Advocacy Document 2025/26 PDF format - 4MB
Setting the strategic direction for 2025/2026
The following documents provide additional insights into setting a strategic direction for the Greater Shepparton region and shaping public policy to address key challenges and opportunities.
Fact Sheet - Community Connector Program
The Committee for Greater Shepparton (C4GS) urgently needs to scale up this vital program to support business, education and health.
Fact Sheet - Goulburn Murray Regional Prosperity Plan Activation
The prosperity outcomes described in the Plan combine to drive the economic prosperity of the whole community and support the achievement of Closing the Gap targets.
Fact Sheet - Queensland Fruit Fly
If Area Wide Management for Queensland fruit fly is not adequately funded, the horticulture industry in the Goulburn Valley will be at catastrophic risk.
Disclaimer
The information contained in this document is correct as at the date of publication; however, is subject to change.