Greater Shepparton City Council has formally adopted a five-year strategy to drive investment, job creation, and economic resilience across the region.
Developed in partnership with Urban Enterprise Pty Ltd, the Economic Development Strategy 2025-30 combines economic development, the visitor economy, and major events into one overarching plan.
It is structured around four core themes: population and workforce support, regional growth through Infrastructure investment, business development and industry attraction, and positioning Greater Shepparton as a leading visitor and events destination.
Council says the strategy was shaped by community and stakeholder feedback, involving workshops and a five-week public exhibition period.
This led to a stronger focus on water security, agriculture and food processing, innovation, and sustainability.
Mayor Shane Sali said the strategy reflects local priorities and provides a roadmap to attract investment and support long-term economic growth. “It sets the foundation for the next five years,” Cr Sali said.
Councillors were broadly supportive of the strategy, with Cr Brophy describing it as a “significant document” and emphasising that its success lies in execution.
“The key word is in the doing,” he said.
Cr Spinks raised concerns about the lack of a parallel social development strategy. “We also need to look through a community lens and ask how we live when we’re not earning or spending,” she said.
The new strategy replaces the previous economic development, tourism and major events strategy and builds on key projects such as the Shepparton Art Museum, the GV Health redevelopment, White Night, and the UCI BMX Supercross World Cup.
To read the full Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan 2025-29, visit greatershepparton.com.au