SCCs are important transport routes for cycling and are a subset of the Victorian Government’s Principal Bicycle Network. The designs focus on linking the Railway Station to Victoria Park Lake and the Greater Shepparton Secondary College (GSSC) to ensure ease of access around the municipality.
In June 2018, Council undertook draft consultation with residents and businesses along proposed shared path alignments connecting the Shepparton Railway Station with the Shepparton CBD and Victoria Park Lake. In December 2018, Council considered all submissions and summarised this consultation phase in a conversation report before finalising the designs for the shared paths and the proposed pedestrian overpass at the Railway Station. The designs and costings sought to assist in advocacy efforts to realise construction funding for this infrastructure.
Since then the Victorian Government has introduced updated guidelines for priority pedestrian and cycling routes within the Victorian Cycling Strategy 2018-2028. During this time, the former Shepparton High School site was also identified as the location for the GSSC. As a result, Council updated the proposed designs to align with these new requirements, and to provide a connection to the GSSC and recently constructed Shepparton Art Museum (SAM).
“The Strategic Cycling Corridor network will support the needs for commuters to undertake essential trips to work, education, shops or public transport,” Mayor, Cr Kim O’Keeffe said.
“In regional areas, the network links up important destinations that include employment and activity centres as well as other significant locations.”
The draft designs provide for both on and off-road connections along Hayes Street, Baker Street, Purcell Street, St Georges Road, Thompson Street and Railway Parade. The designs will provide improved safety for both cyclists and pedestrians strengthening the connectivity within the eastern areas of Shepparton. The delivery of the SCC will have an impact on parking in some locations necessitating the removal of some on-street parking spaces.
The SCCs also align with Council’s Greater Shepparton Cycling Strategy 2013-2017 that guides all investment in the commuter and recreational cycling network across Greater Shepparton. Draft designs are expected to be completed in March 2022 and consultation will be undertaken between 1 April and 2 May 2022. Final designs will be prepared in mid-2022 and will inform Council’s advocacy for construction funding to the Victorian Government.
“Shepparton’s Railway Station will receive more patrons with the introduction of nine return services and new Vlocity trains. Given this, Council wants to provide better pedestrian and cycling connectivity to and from the station to key landmarks across Shepparton,” Cr O’Keeffe said.
“The Strategic Cycling Corridors will provide infrastructure that will support pedestrians, and commuter and recreational cycling along these dedicated routes. I am looking forward to the feedback and input from the community regarding this project.”
Feedback can be left on Council’s website at: https://shaping Greater Shepparton
