Several key infrastructure projects for Greater Shepparton received funding in the State Government's 2022/2023 Budget today, including an Early Parenting Centre and expansion of Goulburn Valley Health.
Council welcomes the allocation of $196 million to replace and expand the mental health facility at Goulburn Valley Health, to increase acute and community mental health services in our region. This development will enable improved models of care and will ensure our community has continued access to safe and high-quality mental health services.
$25 million was allocated to construct a 10-bed Early Parenting Centre in Shepparton to support families with children up to four years of age to enhance relationships and achieve their parenting goals. The centre will provide specialist support and deliver flexible, targeted services to provide better outcomes for local young children.
"We applaud the State Government for investing in both of these priority infrastructure projects for Greater Shepparton," said Mayor, Cr Kim O'Keeffe.
"Council, along with our community and project partners, have clearly communicated the need and value of these projects for our region and today these efforts have paid off."
The Budget also allocated $250 million to deliver 12 new VLocity trains that will support more services on the Shepparton corridor. These new trains will continue the replacement of the classic fleet and improve reliability, accessibility, and passenger experience on the regional network.
"We have been calling for improved train services for our region for many years now. These new VLocity trains are a welcome addition for our region and will provide better services for residents and visitors to our region," Cr O'Keeffe said.
Today's budget also allocated funding for improvements to the Goulburn Valley Highway and Graham Street intersection and more than $23.7 million for an upgrade to Verney Road School. Funding will also allow the Shepparton Drug Court program to continue and an expansion to the Assessment and Referral Court at the Shepparton Magistrates' Court.
As part of the 2022/2023 budget submission process, Council priorities included the Goulburn Valley Health redevelopment, Early Parenting Centre and a Clinical Health School. Funding for Stage One of the Goulburn Valley Highway Shepparton Bypass was highlighted as the major priority, however unfortunately this failed to receive funding once again.
"While the funding provided for the Greater Shepparton region in this year's State Budget is promising, we will continue to advocate for the projects desperately needed by our region, including the Bypass," Cr O'Keeffe said.
"The Goulburn Valley Highway in and around Greater Shepparton can no longer safely and efficiently support existing traffic volumes, and will impeded further regional economic and community growth risks if these inadequacies are not urgently addressed. We will continue to advocate for Stage One Bypass funding which the region desperately requires."
