The Shepparton South East Precinct Structure Plan (PSP) has been approved by Victorian Minister for Planning, Sonya Kilkenny, unlocking more than 2,900 new homes, and creating space for over 7,000 future residents.
The government said the new suburb will feature walkable neighbourhoods, community facilities and local parks, while celebrating the area’s heritage and natural environment. The precinct is expected to create around 275 local jobs and deliver better access to essential services for new and existing resident.
Local MPs Wendy Lovell and Kim O’Keeffe have both raised concerns, highlighting that the new PSP and influx of residents and now homes necessitate improvements to Greater Shepparton’s public transport options and funding for the long-awaited Shepparton Bypass.
The proposed new suburb is situated along the western edge of Doyles Road, north of Broken River. Doyles Road currently forms part of the Shepperton Alternative Route for heavy freight vehicles. Ms Lovell, Member for Northern Victoria, said introducing significant additional vehicles and pedestrians onto a designated route for heavy vehicles will hinder the efficient flow of freight and raises safety concerns.
“Shepparton needs a dedicated bypass that will keep trucks out of the CBD and residential areas, and away from kids walking to school,” said Ms Lovell.
Ms O’Keeffe, Member for Shepparton District, said, “People must be able to access local bus services, and you would think that this would seem logical that increased bus services would be part of the plan when we are seeing such significant growth and currently have significant inadequate bus services.”
Ms Lovell also highlighted that the State Government has ignored calls to review the region’s bus services, despite funding being available in the state budget. Greater Shepparton’s bus services were last reviewed in 2009, over 15 years ago.
