Greater Shepparton City Council, in partnership with Campaspe Shire Council and Moira Shire Council, officially signed the Economic Accord today, signalling a commitment to regional collaboration and economic resilience.
In Summary
- Greater Shepparton, Campaspe and Moira councils have formally signed the 2025 Economic Accord, committing to a regional partnership that supports economic growth and resilience.
- The Accord outlines shared strategies to address regional challenges including water buybacks, manufacturing sustainability, infrastructure needs, and workforce development.
- The initiative follows consultation with local industry and community leaders, and supports advocacy for government funding and private investment across all three municipalities.
- The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration between councils and promote job creation, regional liveability, and long-term economic prosperity.
The Economic Accord sets out shared principles and coordinated strategies to support local businesses, attract investment, and respond to region-wide challenges including the impacts of water buybacks and the sustainability of the manufacturing sector, across all three local government areas.
Greater Shepparton Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, and CEO, Fiona Le Gassick, joined Campaspe Shire Mayor, Councillor Daniel Mackrell, and CEO, Pauline Gordon, and Moira Shire Chair Administrator, Dr Graeme Emonson PSM, and CEO, Matthew Morgan, to sign the Economic Accord and formalise this positive way forward.
"All three Councils formally endorsed the Economic Accord at their respective Council Meetings, and it is fantastic to now get the partnership signed and underway. The Economic Accord lays the groundwork for attracting investment, enhancing job opportunities, and addressing the unique challenges faced by our collective regional economies," Cr Sali said.
"Regional cities like ours are the backbone of the state and our success greatly impacts the wider economy. This new partnership allows a unified approach between our regions to advocate for necessary government funding and private investment, to improve services and the liveability of our regions."
The Economic Accord builds on extensive engagement with local manufacturers, industry leaders and community representatives. At a manufacturer's roundtable in February 2025, participants identified key priorities for regional advocacy, including:
- Mitigating the adverse effects of water buybacks through job creation and investment.
- Supporting manufacturing growth and sustainability.
- Advocating for key infrastructure upgrades and energy security.
- Promoting workforce development through education and health initiatives.
- Advocating for further investment in Queensland Fruit Fly mitigation.
Campaspe Shire Council Mayor, Cr Daniel Mackrell, said the Accord was a significant regional initiative that actively supports the three council's local economies.
"Campaspe Shire Council is thrilled to be part of a unified approach and ongoing collaboration and advocacy initiatives to promote regional economic prosperity," Cr Mackrell said.
Moira Shire Council Chair Administrator, Dr Graeme Emonson PSM, said the Accord partnership would help to amplify the opportunities that matter most to the region.
"Working alongside Greater Shepparton and Campaspe is a great way for us to address common challenges that face our broader region and advocate for stronger outcomes. Agriculture and manufacturing are two industries that play a crucial role in Moira Shire's economy and are a feature of this Accord," Dr Emonson said.
