Current Priorities
To ensure the continued economic growth and development of the region, the Council is currently pursuing:
- a Federal Goverment commitment to continued funding for the duplication of the Goulburn Valley Highway to Shepparton;
- the implementation of the Greater Shepparton Public Health Plan, and support for the best possible healthcare facilities and services in the region;
- support and facilitation of a range of initiatives to address the impact of drought on the local community and to assist with community recovery from drought;
- a very fast train link between Shepparton and Melbourne, including improved access to airports and surrounding facilities;
- redevelopment of the Shepparton Showgrounds into a first class area of public open space and site for the future growth of the Shepparton show, along with assisting the relocation of the Shepparton Greyhound Racing Club to the Kialla Paceway;
- the Mosaic of Gardens concept, under which all residents of Greater Shepparton will have ready access to areas of high quality public open space;
- the revitalisation of the North Shepparton, including support for the Parkside Estate renewal; development of a Mosaic of Gardens project adjacent to Wanganui Secondary College; and the redevelopment of Parkside Gardens as a residential subdivision in conjunction with the Urban and Regional Land Corporation;
- upgrading and maintenance of the regional and local road network;
- provision of water, sewerage, gas and electricity services sufficient to satisfy the increased demands particularly associated with the growing industrial sector;
- innovative social capacity building programs with government support, such as the Community Building Project and the Best Start Programme;
- awareness and increased use of the recently established Electronic Trade Facilitation Centre, to help local exporters become more efficient;
- high speed telecommunications infrastructure to ensure local businesses can compete both nationally and internationally;
- an increased presence of tertiary education facilities through the development of Greater Shepparton as 'University City';
- the establishment of a freight hub logistics centre;
- floodplain management strategies for Tatura and Merrigum;
- a range of environmental initiatives, such as roadside management plans, water sensitive urban designs, and waste services;
- an ongoing programme of urban and township enhancements, through streetscape projects, 'small town renewals' and a series of urban design frameworks.