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Hopes for Shepparton Bypass to be included on Infrastructure Australia’s Priority List
The Goulburn Valley Highway Shepparton Bypass is one step closer to fruition following a proposal lodged with Infrastructure Australia (IA) to have the major project recognised on its Priority List.
The submission outlined the urgent need to fund and commence construction of Stage One of the Shepparton Bypass. It also highlighted the importance of getting the bypass underway, acknowledging the rapid development and expansion of Greater Shepparton and its growing population, as well as addressing safety issues.
Not only would the Shepparton bypass create jobs and economic stimulus to the region, but it would also provide a much-needed upgrade to national highway connectivity across the state.
The Infrastructure Australia Priority List sets out the investment opportunities that can deliver nationally significant benefits to Australians, helping to guide decision-makers towards infrastructure that supports productivity and quality of life.
The bypass would form part of the greater road network between Melbourne and Brisbane. This project has been a priority for the region for decades and its implementation would not only service the district but the transport capacity of the eastern states of Australia.
The Shepparton Bypass is a nationally significant project, with $208 million in Australian Government funding already committed.
Greater Shepparton acts as a major food bowl and centre for Australian agribusiness, with the combination of primary production and food manufacturing meaning the region serves as a major freight transport hub.
Currently, there is only one river crossing for heavy vehicles, the Peter Ross Edwards Causeway, this will likely become even more of an issue in the future as the region’s freight task increases significantly.
Construction of the 36km four-lane Shepparton Bypass is the next logical step in providing a fully duplicated highway from Shepparton to Melbourne. The current priority is Stage One, a single lane carriageway in each direction extending from the Midland Highway west of Mooroopna to the Goulburn Valley Highway in Shepparton North – a total distance of more than 10 kilometres.
The Australian Government committed $208 million to deliver Stage One following strong advocacy for this transformative project. This funding will be delivered over a number of years in conjunction with funding from the State Government, which is outlined in the Bypassing Shepparton Business Case which is yet to be released.
The proposal submitted to Infrastructure Australia will now be assessed and considered at a board meeting later this year. Written feedback will then be provided before the final publication is released in February next year.
For more information visit the Bypass Project website.
Quotes attributable to Committee for Greater Shepparton Chief Executive Officer Sam Birrell
“Much of Greater Shepparton’s future planning and development relies upon the construction of the Shepparton Bypass.
“The region cannot continue in a state of limbo that uncertainty around the project creates.”
Quotes attributable to Goulburn Valley Highway Shepparton Bypass Action Group Chair Peter Johnson
“The Goulburn Valley Highway Shepparton Bypass Action Group welcomed the opportunity to participate in the preparation of the proposal lodged with Infrastructure Australia.
“The Bypass Action Group strongly endorses the direct lodgement of the proposal and congratulates Greater Shepparton City Council and the Member for Shepparton Suzanna Sheed for their proactive initiative.”
ENDS
Monday 20 September 2021 – Media Release
Read the Media Release here.
Copyright © Greater Shepparton City Council
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