GREATER Shepparton City Council has adopted the 2024/2025 Budget, which focuses on significant infrastructure investments for residents, while seeking to maintain financial stability.
The draft budget, made available for public review in May and June, was shaped by community consultations held in November and December 2023. Public feedback has influenced key allocations, including funds for concept designs and a cost plan for a new community facility at Princess Park and the renewal of the Shepparton Heritage Centre.
The 2024/2025 Budget features a $69.97M capital works program aimed at enhancing both new and existing assets, encompassing nearly 100 projects across the municipality. Among these is the development of Stage 1 of GV Links, which will create development-ready industrial land.
Highlighting GV Link’s regional benefits, mayor Cr Shane Sali said, “The development of GV Link will provide significant new job opportunities, while reinforcing our region’s potential to grow as the food bowl of Australia to generate long term economic benefit. GV Link is a game changer for Greater Shepparton in unlocking industrial land and economic potential.”
Other notable projects in the 2024/2025 program include major drainage improvements in areas like Lenne Street in Mooroopna, Margaret Street in Tatura, and Drummond Road in Shepparton. Additionally, the budget funds the construction of a new skate park in Tatura, lighting upgrades at the Victoria Lake Skate Park, enhancements to Council’s BMX facilities and Sports Stadium (supported by the State Government), new playground shade sails throughout the municipality, and the conversion of the Orrvale Road and Poplar Ave intersection in Shepparton into a roundabout (backed by the Federal Black Spot Program).
“In delivering the 2024/2025 Budget, Council made significant changes to address the operating deficit we were facing,” said Cr Sali. “Despite these changes and the financial challenges we face, we still managed to deliver a strong Budget, which includes a healthy capital works program for projects right across the municipality and funding for all of the services, facilities and assets which the community know and love.”
This budget marks the last one presented by the current group of Councillors, with elections scheduled for October. Reflecting on their term, Cr Sali acknowledged the challenges faced due to the COVID pandemic in 2020 and regional flooding in 2022. He concluded, “However, we have strived to deliver a robust and financially viable Budget for the community. I believe we have achieved a strong balance to ensure the continued growth of our great region.”
To view the adopted 2024/2025 Budget, go to: https://greatershepparton.com.au/council/rates-finance-property/finance/budget
To view the revised adopted 2021-2025 Revenue and Rating Plan, including a rates calculator, go to: https://greatershepparton.com.au/council/rates-finance-property/rates/rating-details#section-revenue-and-rating-plan
