The document reports against the final year of the 2021–2025 council plan, detailing council’s financial management over the past financial year and the strategic outcomes achieved.
It also outlines the major announcements and activities that shaped the municipality during this time, along with providing a snapshot of council’s achievements.
The report confirms delivery of a $44.71 million capital works program, including major upgrades to Tatura Park Western Oval lighting, the Shepparton BMX multi-use events pavilion, Tatura Skate Park and Wanganui Oval lighting and irrigation.
More than $1.2 million was spent on footpath renewals, $285,000 on playground shade sails, and $6.35 million on road resealing of almost 50km of roads in 19 locations.
Several road upgrades were undertaken to improve safety, drainage and traffic flow in key areas, including the Poplar Ave and Orrvale Rd intersection upgrade.
The report also recorded that council received $54.34 million in grant funding, including $14.14 million specifically allocated for capital works.
Major investment and projects included the GV Link Enterprise Park – with $21.3 million for the stage one contract.
The funding is from an $8.5 million investment by the Federal Government, as well as $14.4 million already committed by council.
There was also a $5 million commitment by the Federal Government to the upgrade of the Goulburn Valley Hwy and Hawkins St intersection, while Shepparton’s Drummond Rd and Mooroopna’s Lenne St drainage projects started.
The year also saw a busy calendar of sporting, creative and cultural events that brought thousands of visitors and an economic boost to the region.
Council hosted many major sporting events over the past 12 months, including the AusCycling BMX Racing National Series, Bowls Victoria Novice State Carnival, Softball Victoria Masters Championships and the AFS Shepparton Cup.
Creative and cultural events included the Shepparton Festival, Converge on the Goulburn, Melbourne to MOVE Rally, Spring Car Nationals, GT Nationals and several major exhibitions at the Shepparton Art Museum.
Other points of interest in the annual report included 600 tonnes of glass being collected from purple bins within Greater Shepparton, and 771,000 used nappies collected through the Nappy Collection Service.
The year also saw 371 people become Australian citizens, and 6796 maternal and child health consultations take place.
Also of note was that $451,681 was disbursed through council’s Community Grants Program, and that 1290 cats and 740 dogs were adopted from the Shepparton Animal Shelter.
Mayor Shane Sali said the past year had been one of transition for council, with a focus on strengthening relationships and delivering on key responsibilities.
“Our council is centred around its commitment to maintaining a thriving region for the community now and into the future, and the work undertaken throughout the year helped us set a solid strategic and financial direction,” he said.
“Our commitment to sound financial management supported a wide range of initiatives within the community, including investing in our existing assets to ensure our facilities remain fit for purposes and are well equipped to support the growing needs of the region.”
The full annual report can be viewed at greatershepparton.com.au/annual-report with printed copies available soon at council’s customer service counter at 90 Welsford St, Shepparton.
Where rates were spent (per $100 of income)
- Capital works – $25
- Governance and administration – $17
- Waste services – $11
- Aged and children’s services – $8
- Recreation, aquatics and open space – $8
- Maintaining community facilities – $9
- Building and planning – $5
- Tourism and economic development – $5
- Arts and libraries – $4
- Health, animals, law and safety – $4
- Community development – $3
- Environmental management – $1
