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This article was published on Tuesday, 25 September, 2018. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

New plans for townships adopted by Council

The Review updates and builds upon the Greater Shepparton Housing Strategy 2011, focusing on the nine townships that the Housing Strategy provided framework plans for, excluding the Shepparton, Kialla and Mooroopna urban areas.

Importantly, the Review assesses each township against a number of criteria, recognising that each township is different and a “one size fits all approach” is not always appropriate.

Following a Council resolution in March 2018 to endorse a draft document and release it for public comment, extensive public consultation was undertaken in collaboration with the community plan committees for the townships.

Greater Shepparton Mayor Councillor Kim O’Keeffe said “Community, agency and stakeholder consultation has been an integral part of the Review. This has offered an important opportunity to engage with members of the community for input into future long term identification and provision of residential land within Greater Shepparton.”

Key recommendations of the Review include updating the Framework Plans to address changes since the Housing Strategy was developed in 2011, identifying additional residential land in Tatura, and the need for Growth Plans to be prepared that consider the opportunities and constraints of each township and utilise a holistic approach to shape future growth.

“It is important that growth is maintained on a number of fronts, providing choice and variety in the housing market and accommodating projected population growth over at least a 15 year period,” Cr O’Keeffe said.

“Although the Shepparton, Mooroopna and Kialla urban areas will accommodate the majority of this population growth, the outlying townships continue to provide for a variety of housing and lifestyle opportunities, as well as supporting growth in our farming areas with community facilities, schools, local shops and industries.”

The revised Framework Plans for the townships will be implemented into the Greater Shepparton Planning Scheme through a future planning scheme amendment.