$21M contract awarded
By Deanne Jeffers
THE first stage of the long-awaited GV Link project is set to get underway this month after decades of planning and delays. Greater Shepparton City Council awarded the contract for GV Link Stage 1 to BMD Constructions Pty Ltd at its meeting last week, marking a significant step toward the project’s commencement.
The $21,326,135.09 contract will see the development of the first four-lot subdivisions of the site, including a roundabout upgrade at the intersection of Toolamba and Simson Roads. Additionally, the contract includes the supply and extension of several essential services like power, water, and sewerage to the site.
GV Link is a strategically planned enterprise park located south of Mooroopna at 250 Toolamba Road. The development of GV Link has been a long-term strategic goal for Council, with the project expected to generate significant economic benefits including the creation of hundreds of construction and ongoing jobs and attracting large-scale commercial investment over the next two decades.
The project is funded by $9.6M from the Federal Government, comprising of $1.1M through the Local Roads Community Infrastructure Program and $8.5M through repurposed rail freight funding. Council has also committed $14.4M to the project.
Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, congratulated the successful tenderer saying Council looked forward to working with them to bring this “game changing” development to life.
“GV Link is a journey that has been going for over 30 years, with multiple councils involved to get here today. GV Link was identified as a critical project for the region and one which I am pleased to now see resolved and a way forward decided upon,” Cr Sali said.
“People want to live in Greater Shepparton but people also want to do business here, and through GV Link we are opening up opportunities for people to do business. This project will grow jobs, grow infrastructure and grow investment. It has been a long time coming and it is great to now get it done.”
Paul Wickam, Goulburn River Ward, said he looked forward to seeing a shovel in the ground and the project getting underway. “I acknowledge the great benefit that GV Link will bring to Greater Shepparton by unlocking parcels of land for industry, logistics and manufacturing.
“I would also like to recognise the contribution of the former Mayor Geoff Dobson, former Deputy Mayor Kevin Ryan, all previous Councillors and previous Council who have been involved over the years in bringing this project to fruition.”
Information regarding the commencement of construction at GV Link is set to be announced in coming weeks.
