While Australia comes in at number 3, the most liveable country in the world and Melbourne is regularly the most liveable city, Shepparton can be pleased that it ranks high when compared against the rest of Australia as the 14th most liveable region.
While it ranked above average in most of the characteristics, it fell behind on matters of safety, high-quality health services and prosperous economy.
Health services are one area that is soon to change, with stage two of the hospital soon to be completed and the new GenesisCare oncology clinic to be opened this year.
The economy is one area that presents contradictions. While many general industries, particularly the construction sector are booming, those associated with the agricultural sector are beginning to feel the flow-on effects that the water crisis is presenting it with.
Shepparton is also beginning to attract a lot of major sporting events with the recent V/Line Cup, and state championship events for rugby, hockey and tennis scheduled over the next few years.
As much as some of the physical characteristics that contribute to liveability, Shepparton scores high on the intangibles including access to the environment, a strong sense of community and social cohesion and when compared to major cities, a lack of road congestion.
According to Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Cr Kim O’Keeffe, “There are always opportunities to improve. People are putting us in line with Ballarat, Bendigo and Geelong which never came into the conversation.”
