City of Greater Shepparton

Annual Report highlights Council’s community focus

The successful Street Rider late-night bus service, a new exporters’ network and the revolutionary SmartPark system are among the many community-focused initiatives outlined in Greater Shepparton City Council’s 2008-2009 annual report.

The report, which was presented to Councillors at tonight's Ordinary Council Meeting, also highlights Council's commitment to growing the region's economy by supporting small business through the Greater Shepparton Business Centre and promoting the state-of-the-art Goulburn Valley Freight and Logistics Centre.

Greater Shepparton Mayor Geoff Dobson said Greater Shepparton was still experiencing a steady population increase of about 1.4 per cent and Council was actively planning to accommodate this growth.

He said the annual report showed that the Council was in a sound financial position, despite the global economic crisis.

"The steady flow of work can partly be attributed to the state and federal governments' commitment to inject $2 billion into the local economy for the irrigation infrastructure upgrade. This level of spending in the region is unprecedented and as I understand, equates to about $1 million each day being pumped into our region. This has been a real driving force in keeping the economy strong and maintaining confidence in the Food Bowl."

Cr Dobson said Greater Shepparton had established an enviable reputation as a leading destination for events, conferences and activities and was striving to become the event tourism capital of regional Victoria.

"During the year, Council was able to secure major events such as the Australian Open Bowls, an AFL NAB Challenge match and the Asia Oceania Junior Davis Cup and Junior Federation Cup tennis, just to name a few. Already Council has been able to secure more sporting events for 2009-2010, including a Melbourne Victory soccer match, 2010 BMX Nationals and the return of the Australian Open Bowls," he said.

Among the new community-focused projects and programs established by Council in the last financial year was the Street Rider bus service, which operates between 1.00am and 6.00am on Sundays to transport people home safely from the central entertainment precinct. The benchmark program began as a three-month trial and is now considered sustainable with more than 800 patrons having used the service.

Council has also supported the formation of the new Greater Shepparton Exporters' Network which brings together the Food Bowl's wine and gourmet food producers, manufacturers, horticulturalists and fresh produce suppliers and trains them in export requirements.

In a first for Australian councils, Greater Shepparton City Council introduced the SmartPark in-vehicle parking meters in April this year. The system makes it easier for frequent users to pay for parking in the central business district.

Lifestyle Dookie, Mooroopna Traders, the Young Professionals' Network, a multicultural soccer competition, drought-focused workshops and a new residents' calendar are also among the Council's community-focused initiatives outlined in the annual report.

The annual report is available on Council's website www.greatershepparton.com.au.