News Article

Report finds more Government investment needed for Greater Shepparton

Council believes that the critically important strategic role of Greater Shepparton as the economic base serving a large regional catchment is not fully understood by the State Government, as is indicated by Greater Shepparton not being listed as a Major Regional City under the Regional Victoria Settlement Framework, which plays a major role in the economic development of regional Victoria.

"Greater Shepparton is expected to play a significant role in the future growth and development of northern Victoria in terms of providing future employment, health, education, aged care, training and retail services as the regional population expands and demand for a range of services continues to grow", explains Mayor Houlihan.

"To be able to deliver essential services we need government to invest in our infrastructure. Recent funding announcements by Victorian Deputy Premier Minister Ryan will go a long way in creating more jobs in our region, but we also need long-term investment in our capital projects to meet the needs of our community and industry, that will in turn deliver benefits to the whole state", contends Mayor Houlihan.

The Greater Shepparton Economic Benchmarking Study undertaken by Essential Economics identifies Greater Shepparton as an important regional centre, particularly with regard to agriculture production (where it is identified as the national ‘Food Bowl') and in providing a wide range of services to the broader region. However, apart from investment for irrigation modernisation (which benefits the broader north of Victoria), funding to modernise the municipality has not over been provided by government (especially in the areas of transport and health) commensurate with its strategic regional role and population growth outlook.

In reviewing the 2012/13 State Budget, Shepparton did not receive any direct funding for key infrastructure in contrast with similar size municipalities such as Bendigo, Ballarat, Warrnambool, Latrobe and Mildura. In the 2013/2014 State Budget, while Greater Shepparton received $42.5 million, Bendigo and Ballarat received in excess of $600 million and Latrobe $225 million.

The Greater Shepparton Economic Benchmarking Study re-enforces Greater Shepparton's position as a ‘major regional centre'. "There is no denying that Greater Shepparton is Australia's ‘Food Bowl' and is the fourth largest provincial centre in Victoria" contends Mayor Houlihan. "Our anticipated population growth, central location, proximity to Melbourne and being home to several of our nation's major industries, cements our status as a ‘regional city'. There is currently no major regional city located with the Hume Region, despite being a key transport link between Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. As indicated by the Economic Benchmarking Study Report, Greater Shepparton is poised to take on this role."

The report provides the data necessary for Greater Shepparton City Council to lobby both the state and federal governments in making a long-term planning and financial commitment to support Greater Shepparton to strategically address social and economic issues and accommodating for on-going growth.

Council plans to use the Greater Shepparton Economic Benchmarking Study Report to seek government support in generating additional and more diverse employment opportunities and funding key infrastructure projects, such as the GV Bypass and redevelopment of GV Health, as well as encourage private investment in the area.

 

The report can be downloaded below.