IN A bid to bolster healthcare services and address accommodation needs in Shepparton, Greater Shepparton City Council has authorised the sale of a portion of land at 45 Parkside Drive. This decision, reached during the March council meeting, marks a significant stride towards advancing healthcare infrastructure in the region.
The sale follows two separate expressions of interest last year from the Department of Health and Goulburn Valley Health, signalling their intentions for future development initiatives on the site.
The Department of Health plans to utilise a 5,985m2 allotment for an Early Parenting Centre, while GV Health aims to develop staff accommodation on an adjacent 7,761m2 allotment. This move comes in response to the region’s growing demand for healthcare professionals and the need to provide essential support to families.
45 Parkside Drive, previously considered for other projects, including affordable housing in 2022, stands as a vacant Council-owned site within the Parkside Gardens Estate. The site’s residential zoning aligns with its intended use.
Community engagement played a pivotal role in the decision-making process, with a four-week consultation period last year. Despite receiving nine submissions expressing varying opinions, ongoing feasibility studies to consider options of how to best develop the remaining stages aim to address any concerns.
Mayor, Cr Shane Sali, said the sale of land will assist in providing much-needed health services. He said, “Council considers the two proposals to be effective ways to improve health outcomes and social wellbeing for babies and their families in Greater Shepparton. It also provides much needed accommodation to attract and retain health service professionals in the region.
“These developments align with the future vision of Parkside Garden’s as a residential area, which is important to consider in any sale of land such as this. Council look forward to working with the Department of Health and GV Health to progress these projects,” Cr Sali said.
While Council has made the land available, it is now up to the purchaser to complete the appropriate due diligence and advance their respective projects.
