In Summary
- Council has noted the Murchison and District Community Plan 2025–2029, developed by the Murchison Community Planning Group (CPG) following extensive community consultation.
- The Plan focuses on four key pillars – Riverside Murchison, Clean Green Murchison, Mindful Murchison, and Historic Murchison – under the overarching theme of ‘Mighty Murch’.
- Top priorities include more community-based activities and events, a Riverfront Masterplan, tourism development, infrastructure upgrades, and flood recovery support.
- Council will support the CPG to implement the Plan through advocacy, funding support, stakeholder engagement, and capital project development.
The Plan was developed by the Murchison and District Community Planning Group (CPG), which was established in 2011 to understand and advocate for the community’s goals and priorities. Through extensive community consultation, including surveys, meetings, and events, the CPG identified key focus areas and priority actions to drive positive change in Murchison.
The Plan involves a series of pillars that focus on the overarching aim of ‘Mighty Murch’, with four support pillars to achieve this being Riverside Murchison, Clean Green Murchison, Mindful Murchison, and Historic Murchison.
The Plan includes several actions which the CPG will work towards. The top priority action identified through the community consultation was a lack of community-based activities and events, which has been classified as a high priority for the CPG moving forward. Other high priority actions identified were:
- Creation of a Murchison Riverfront Masterplan
- Development of a Murchison Tourism Plan
- Installation of crossing lights at Meteorite Park
- Establishment of an EV charging station
- Ongoing flood recovery support
- Upgrades to Murchison Football and Netball Clubrooms
- Extension of the Murchison Rail Trail to Mooroopna and Rushworth
- Upgrades to Murchison Tennis Club Courts and Clubrooms
Since the CPGs formation in 2011, the group have worked to achieve many positive outcomes for the Murchison and district community, including funding for the Murchison Rail Trail, Heritage Centre redevelopment, installation of a community noticeboard, and support for the building and development of the Murchison Men’s Shed.
Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, highlighted the importance of the new Plan in guiding future growth and development in Murchison.
“The Murchison and District Community Plan 2025-2029 reflects the vision and aspirations of the Murchison community. Council looks forward to supporting the CPG and working together to achieve these goals,” he said.
“Murchison has a rich history and a strong sense of community. This Plan sets a clear direction for the future, ensuring Murchison remains a vibrant and thriving community.”
Councillor Paul Wickham praised the Plan as an important step for Murchison’s future.
“This Plan reflects the community’s vision and priorities, I commend the Community Planning Group for their dedication in bringing this Plan to life.”
The CPG will work in partnership with the community, Council, businesses, and government agencies to implement the Plan’s objectives. Council will provide support through advocacy for funding opportunities, connecting stakeholders, and developing capital project bids.
For further information, please call Council on 5832 9700 or email council@shepparton.vic.gov.au.
