The new Bypass Action Group comprises Mayors, Council Members and CEOs from Greater Shepparton City, Moira Shire, Shire of Campaspe and Strathbogie Shire Councils, along with the Chair and six community representatives, who were selected for their interest in securing the Bypass, and the Committee for Greater Shepparton.
The Group is an advisory committee to council on issues related to the proposed Bypass. Its Terms of Reference were formally approved by Greater Shepparton City Council in May. It is charged with promoting community participation, lobbying state and federal governments and providing advice on promotion of the bypass.
Action Group Chair Peter Johnson said “This first meeting was very successful, with a focus on getting everyone up to speed on the project. We agreed that our immediate focus would be around advocacy and promotion activities to encourage action on the ground. There is increasing interest and support from State and Federal politicians and indications that the Goulburn Valley Highway is now seen as a key regional priority, enhancing freight efficiency and unlocking regional development.”
“A review of costs and benefits of the proposed Stage 1 of the Bypass set the costs at $260m and the return on investment at 0.37,” said Mr Johnson. “Predicted benefits include an increase in national and regional economic output of $590m and an additional 3170 jobs during construction.”
“Additional regional benefits include support for the region’s expanding export markets, certainty for land owners and investors in long-term land use and economic planning and the potential to activate other major regional projects including the Goulburn Valley Intermodal Freight Terminal,” he said.
The group will meet again in early 2016 to plan a range of advocacy and promotional activities.
