Greater Shepparton residents, businesses, and community groups are encouraged to have their say on the future of Shepparton's city centre, Goulburn River corridor and Victoria Park Lake, with just one week remaining to participate in the Returning Our City to the River consultation.
The consultation closes at midnight on Sunday 8 November 2026 and Council is encouraging anyone who has not yet completed the survey to share their thoughts before time runs out.
The Returning Our City to the River project is exploring opportunities to strengthen connections between the Shepparton CBD, the Goulburn River and Victoria Park Lake, helping create a more vibrant, accessible and connected destination for residents, businesses and visitors. The project will deliver a CBD Activation Plan, a River and Lake Activation Strategy, and an integrated framework bringing these key places together as one connected destination.
Community feedback will help inform the future direction of the project, including identifying opportunities to improve activation, accessibility, recreation, tourism, economic development and community experiences across these important city assets.
Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Councillor Geoff Akers, said the feedback received so far had been valuable, but it was important that as many community members as possible contributed before the consultation closed.
"The Shepparton CBD, Goulburn River and Victoria Park Lake are some of Greater Shepparton's most important and recognisable places, and this project is about understanding how they can work better together into the future," he said.
"We know people are passionate about these spaces and how they are used, and we want to ensure the community's ideas and priorities are reflected in the long-term vision for the project.
"If you have not already completed the survey, I encourage you to take a few minutes to share your feedback before consultation closes. Your input will help shape future priorities, projects and investment opportunities for years to come."
Cr Fern Summer, Yanha Gurtji Ward, said the final week of consultation was an important opportunity for community members to have their voices heard.
"This is a chance for residents, local businesses, visitors and community groups to influence how these key destinations evolve in the future," she said.
"Our city centre, river and lake are central to Shepparton's identity and offer enormous potential for recreation, tourism, local business and community wellbeing. The more feedback we receive, the better placed we will be to develop a shared vision that reflects what our community values most."
Community members can participate by completing the online survey on Council's Shaping Greater Shepp website. The survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete and remains open until midnight on Sunday 8 November 2026.
Feedback received during the consultation period will be used to help guide the development of the Returning Our City to the River project and inform future priorities, actions and investment opportunities.
