Suzanna Sheed
  • Home
  • About
    • About Suzanna
    • Shepparton District
    • How Suzanna can help
  • Priorities
    • Agriculture
    • Education
    • Health
    • Infrastructure
    • Our Achievements
  • News
    • Media Releases
    • Blog
    • Parliament
    • Photos
  • Resources
    • Newsletters
    • Out & About with Suzanna
    • COVID-19
  • Contact
    • Request a
      Congratulatory
      Message
    • Subscribe to our
      newsletter
  • Menu Menu

Hume region deserves regional sports academy

May 23, 2018/in Media Releases

Independent Member for Shepparton District Suzanna Sheed has urged the Victorian Government to support a proposal for a Regional Sports Academy in Victoria’s North East.

Ms Sheed said the Hume region deserved a regional academy for sport that would bolster the already strong culture of sporting participation in the Shepparton District electorate.

“It has been so pleasing to see long overdue investment begin to flow into Shepparton District during the term of this Parliament, but it is so disappointing to realise that as each hurdle is tackled, another glaring lack of historic neglect in our region arises,” Ms Sheed said.

“Shepparton District is home to an array of state-of-the-art sporting facilities and plays host to an increasing number of elite, highly patronised events across a breadth of sporting codes, yet the Hume region is the only region in Victoria that does not have a state-funded Regional Sports Academy.

 

“For our community, this means a significant lack of development pathways for athletes across all sporting codes, insufficient support for female athletes, reduced access for athletes with a disability of those from disadvantages backgrounds, and minimal opportunities for coaching and administrator development.”

Ms Sheed said she was pleased to see two organisations in North East Victoria – Valley Sport in Shepparton and Sport North East in Wangaratta – had put forward a proposal to the Victorian Government to fund a regional academy of sport for the Hume region.

“I first raised the lack of funding for a Hume region sporting academy with the Minister for Sport, John Eren, three years ago and I have now urged him to progress this project as a priority,” Ms Sheed said.

“We all know the benefits of sport to communities – sport promotes social cohesion, it teaches teamwork, perseverance and goal-setting, it improves mental health and it reduces the likelihood of obesity and associated negative health outcomes,” Ms Sheed said.

“It is unsatisfactory that almost 300,000 people across Victoria’s North East do not have access to such a positive, capacity-building program and I will take every opportunity to work with the Government to ensure a timely delivery of a Regional Sports Academy for our community and the broader region.”

ENDS

Media contact  

Riahn Smith 0419 138 978│riahn.smith@parliament.vic.gov.au

Click here for PDF version.

https://suzannasheed.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/default-post-image.jpg 240 330 Suzanna Sheed https://suzannasheed.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Sheed-Logo-V2.png Suzanna Sheed2018-05-23 22:26:552020-02-07 02:45:50Hume region deserves regional sports academy

No more water from food producers

May 11, 2018/in Media Releases

Independent Member for Shepparton District Suzanna Sheed says it is vital for the future of local food production in Northern Victoria that no additional water is taken out of irrigated farming communities.

Ms Sheed said while she was pleased to see the Australian Senate this week vote down a Greens’ disallowance motion on the Murray Darling Basin Plan to allow 605Gl of important environmental projects to proceed, she remained extremely concerned at a side deal done to ensure delivery of an additional 450GL of water.

“I was very disappointed to see that the Australian Agriculture and Water Resources Minister David Littleproud did a deal with the federal Labor Opposition to all but guarantee the recovery of an extra 450GL,” Ms Sheed said.

“It was always understood that this additional water would only be considered once the 2750GL of the original plan was achieved, and should only go ahead if there were no further negative socio-economic impacts to communities.

“Victoria has already given up 800GL of the most expensive high-reliability water and what many of the decision makers are failing to understand is that any further on-farm efficiencies in the Southern Basin will end up ripping water out of the Goulburn Murray region because of how water is traded.”

When pressed by Ms Sheed in Question Time yesterday, Victorian Water Minister Lisa Neville reiterated that Victoria is a signatory to the original 2750 GL plan and said she was concerned by some of the proposed changes to the Plan outlined in the Federal Government deal.

The Minister pointed out that the Plan was an agreement by the states and the Federal Government and so any changes would have to be approved by all parties at the Ministerial Council.

She also confirmed the Victorian Government would not agree to the current Goulburn Constraints Project, which she said delivers very little water to the river and potentially impact 570 landowners.

Ms Sheed said she welcomed the Minister’s comments and was confident she would continue to strongly protect the Victorian food-producing communities in Northern Victoria.

“The Minister is well aware of the serious socio-economic impact the Plan has had on our communities to date and it was encouraging to hear the Minister speak so strongly on behalf of Victoria’s food producers,” Ms Sheed said.

“She understands that the socio-economic neutrality test must be a community-wide test that reflects the impact of water removal across the community and confirmed that it is not simply whether or not a farmer wants to sell off his water.

“Any further water extracted from farms in the Goulburn Murray region could be disastrous for our communities.”

 

ENDS

Media contact

Riahn Smith 0419 138 978│riahn.smith@parliament.vic.gov.au

Click here for PDF version.

https://suzannasheed.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/default-post-image.jpg 240 330 Suzanna Sheed https://suzannasheed.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Sheed-Logo-V2.png Suzanna Sheed2018-05-11 07:13:082020-02-07 02:45:48No more water from food producers

Solar welcome but not at the cost of farmers

May 11, 2018/in Media Releases

Independent Member for Shepparton District Suzanna Sheed says solar farm investment in regional communities must not come at the cost of prime agricultural land.

Ms Sheed said while she supported renewable energy development and welcomed investment in solar farms in Shepparton District, a balance must be found that supports the region’s extensive food production industry.

“We are lucky to enjoy so many days of sunshine in Shepparton District and our potential to become Victoria’s Solar City has been touted for several decades,” Ms Sheed said.

“We all want to see investment in solar power, but agriculture is at the heart of our community and our regional economy, and it is important that this is protected so we can continue to do what we do best, and that is produce clean, green, high-quality food.”

Four planning applications for solar farms in Shepparton District will be considered by Panels Victoria next week after being called in by Minister for Planning Richard Wynne in February.

The outcome of the hearings will inform state-wide guidelines for solar planning currently being developed by the Victorian Government.

“I wrote to the Ministers for Planning, Water, Regional Development and Energy last year to raise my concerns about the lack of guidelines available to support local councils in making appropriate planning decisions in relation to solar energy in regional areas, and it is pleasing to see the Government taking action on this,” Ms Sheed said.

“We’ve seen the negative effect water buybacks have had on our irrigation network in terms of its ability to deliver water to farmers and I am concerned having largescale solar farms developed on high-value, highly productive irrigated land would be similarly detrimental.

“In researching this matter closely and speaking to individuals and government agencies, it has become clear to me that there is a range of available land in our region that is away from irrigated infrastructure and close to the grid, which would be much more suitable for solar developments that we could all welcome.”

For more information on the Panels Victoria process, visit www.planning.vic.gov.au/panels-and-committees/browse-panels-and-committees/projects/greater-shepparton-solar-farm-panel#overview

ENDS

Media contact Riahn Smith 0419 138 978│riahn.smith@parliament.vic.gov.au

Click here for PDF version.

https://suzannasheed.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/default-post-image.jpg 240 330 Suzanna Sheed https://suzannasheed.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Sheed-Logo-V2.png Suzanna Sheed2018-05-11 04:57:292020-02-07 02:45:44Solar welcome but not at the cost of farmers

New funding for Neighbourhood Houses welcome

May 4, 2018/in Media Releases

Independent Member for Shepparton District Suzanna Sheed has welcomed funding to support local Neighbourhood Houses in this year’s State Budget.

The 2018/19 Victorian Budget has earmarked $21.8m for the Victorian Neighbourhood Houses program, with three houses in Shepparton District now eligible for increased funding to bring them in line with others in the region.

Nathalia District Community Association, the Numurkah Community Learning Centre and Tatura Community House are each eligible for an additional 260 funded hours a year – a boost of $14,760 in their annual funding.

Ms Sheed said she met with representatives from all six local Neighbourhood Houses earlier this year to hear their concerns about the lack of appropriate funding and other matters and had raised the issue with the Victorian Government.

“Neighbourhood Houses do such positive work in our communities, and it was disappointing to see that their financial support from Government was so adhoc,” Ms Sheed said.

“While all the six houses in our electorate provide a large range of services, their funding provision varied considerably.”

“Following those meetings I raised these concerns with the Minister for Families and Children, Jenny Mikakos, and the Treasurer, Tim Pallas, and urged the Government to consider an immediate funding boost in this year’s Budget.”

Ms Sheed said it was important for the work of Neighbourhood Houses to be appropriately recognised.

“The scope of services provided by Neighbourhood Houses in our communities is extensive, and often far beyond what you might expect,” Ms Sheed said.

“In addition to more mainstream social, educational, childcare and health services, in small towns the co-ordinators and volunteers often pick up the work that other organisations are unable to offer.

“Some of that work can really be quite challenging, such as working with local police to support victims of family violence in crisis, enabling community members to meet their commitments in relation to Corrections Victoria and Work for the Dole programs, or transporting people to medical appointments.

“The contribution of Neighbourhood Houses in our electorate is invaluable, and I am so pleased to see their work acknowledged with this additional funding.”

The year’s Budget also includes funding for an additional 4,800 hours per year for mobile neighbourhood house networkers, allowing them to spend more time with individual house to improve access to key services and activities.

 

ENDS

Media contact

Riahn Smith 0419 138 978│riahn.smith@parliament.vic.gov.au

Click here for PDF version.

https://suzannasheed.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/default-post-image.jpg 240 330 Suzanna Sheed https://suzannasheed.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Sheed-Logo-V2.png Suzanna Sheed2018-05-04 01:48:262020-02-07 02:45:49New funding for Neighbourhood Houses welcome

Business boost for Shepparton District

May 4, 2018/in Media Releases

Independent Member for Shepparton District Suzanna Sheed says the 2018/19 Victorian State Budget will bring a welcome boost to business in the region.

Ms Sheed said several big ticket items for Shepparton District such as $313 million for the Shepparton train line and $63 million for the Shepparton Education Plan, road upgrades and the Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence, would have a significant flow-on effect to local industry.

She said a new regional jobs procurement office for Shepparton would also help local businesses get the most out of the Government investment.

“I am so pleased to see such major infrastructure projects funded in this year’s State Budget,” Ms Sheed said.

“This will mean more work for local tradespeople and suppliers, more customers in our shops and more patronage for our cafes, restaurants and accommodation businesses.

“We’re already seeing construction underway on Goulburn Valley Health’s $168.5 million redevelopment and the new Shepparton Art Museum and I look forward to seeing many more cranes in the sky and people coming to the city as these projects get going.”

Ms Sheed said other Budget announcements set to benefit regional areas include funding for a suite of 30 free TAFE courses and changes to payroll tax including lifting the tax-free threshold to $650,000 and cutting the regional payroll tax rate to 2.425 per cent, which is half the metropolitan rate.

“These measures will be such a boost to a regional community such as ours,” Ms Sheed said.

“We often hear how challenging it can be to find skilled labour in regional areas, and so it is great to see many of the free TAFE courses are directly relevant to the industries that form the heart of our local economy such as agriculture, horticulture and dairy, as well as nursing and aged care.

“There are also courses for building and construction, plumbing, concreting and engineering, skills which will be much needed in the area for our coming construction boom.

“Payroll tax can also be quite a challenge for country businesses so I would expect the significant changes announced in the Budget to be welcomed by the Shepparton District business community.   

 

ENDS

Media contact

Riahn Smith 0419 138 978│riahn.smith@parliament.vic.gov.au

Click here for PDF version.

https://suzannasheed.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/default-post-image.jpg 240 330 Suzanna Sheed https://suzannasheed.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Sheed-Logo-V2.png Suzanna Sheed2018-05-04 01:45:122020-02-07 02:45:48Business boost for Shepparton District

Record $313m for Shepparton train line

May 4, 2018/in Media Releases

Independent Member for Shepparton District Suzanna Sheed says the $313 million committed to the Shepparton train line in this year’s Victorian State Budget is game-changer for the region.

The 2018/19 Budget, handed down on Tuesday, is set to enable nine VLocity return services to run between Shepparton and Melbourne each day by 2021 and shave 20 minutes off the travel time.

With $43.5m of works on stabling and a passing loop to allow a fifth service to begin by the end of the year already underway, it brings the total investment in the Shepparton train line to $356.5 million in the past two years.

Ms Sheed said the announcement was a record windfall for the region’s rail infrastructure and would change the face of Shepparton District.

“To see $313 million for the Shepparton Train Line in this year’s Budget is just astounding,” Ms Sheed said.

“Our community has been calling for a better, faster and more frequent train service for so long and we have now been heard.

“This truly is a momentous turning point for the region and will open up so many opportunities – for increased business investment, for better access to health and education and a bigger slice of Victoria’s tourism pie, just to name a few.”

Ms Sheed said the money would fund track and signalling works on the line between Shepparton and Seymour, including upgrades to 54 level crossings, platform extensions at four key stations and further stabling for the additional trains.

“This is a huge project and there is so much work to do to ensure the modern VLocity trains can run on the line at speeds up to 130km/h,” Ms Sheed said.

“This second package of works is also expected to pave the way for a feasibility study into a third stage of line upgrades, so there’s hopefully much more good news to come.”

“So much community effort has gone into achieving this incredible win for our region and I look forward to continuing to work together to ensure the Government delivers these outcomes as soon as possible.”

 

ENDS

Media contact

Riahn Smith 0419 138 978│riahn.smith@parliament.vic.gov.au

Click here for PDF version.

https://suzannasheed.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/default-post-image.jpg 240 330 Suzanna Sheed https://suzannasheed.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Sheed-Logo-V2.png Suzanna Sheed2018-05-04 01:42:442020-02-07 02:45:48Record $313m for Shepparton train line

Budget a game-changer for Shepparton District

May 3, 2018/in Media Releases

Independent Member for Shepparton District Suzanna Sheed says the 2018/19 Victorian State Budget marks a turning point for the region.

Ms Sheed said the record funding for rail upgrades and significant investment in education, roads and the region’s indigenous community would deliver far-reaching benefits for the Shepparton District community.

This year’s budget brings total investment in the electorate since the 2014 election to more than half a billion dollars.

“This is an incredible time for Shepparton District,” Ms Sheed said.

“We have already had more than $230 million committed to major infrastructure projects such as the redevelopment of Goulburn Valley Health, the new Shepparton Art Museum and preliminary road and rail works by this Government, so to see that followed up with another huge investment is so pleasing.

“The $313m for the Shepparton train line will be a game-changer for the entire region and, together with the funding for the Shepparton Education Plan, will also help create so many opportunities for our young people.

“These have been priority areas for me since entering Parliament and I am just so excited about what this will mean for the future of our region.”

The budget includes:

  • $313m to upgrade the Shepparton train line and enable 9 VLocity return services each day by 2021;
  • $23m for the Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence;
  • $20.5m for the Shepparton Education Plan to fund a new super secondary school and Mooroopna Integrated Children’s Centre;
  • $20m to upgrade roundabouts on the Shepparton Alternate Route;
  • $500,000 for upgrades to Ardmona Primary School;
  • $400,000 for a masterplan for the Barmah visitor precinct;
  • A funding boost for Neighbourhood House programs; and
  • A regional jobs procurement office in Shepparton to ensure local businesses benefit directly from Government-funded projects.

Ms Sheed said the Shepparton District community should be proud of their sustained advocacy.

“It has been almost four years since our community set its agenda and I don’t think any of us could have imagined what such a massive investment in our region would look like, but here we are and it is wonderful,” Ms Sheed said.

“This community has spent a long time calling for a better deal for Shepparton District, so this is a big win for everyone who has contributed.

“It is a privilege to represent such an engaged and vibrant community and I look forward to continue working with you to deliver even more than we have already achieved.”

ENDS

Media contact

Riahn Smith 0419 138 978│riahn.smith@parliament.vic.gov.au

Click here for PDF version.

https://suzannasheed.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/default-post-image.jpg 240 330 Suzanna Sheed https://suzannasheed.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Sheed-Logo-V2.png Suzanna Sheed2018-05-03 06:31:492020-02-07 02:45:47Budget a game-changer for Shepparton District

Pages

  • About Suzanna
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • COVID-19
  • Get Involved
  • Home
  • How Suzanna can help
  • Media Releases
  • News
  • Newsletters
  • Our Achievements
  • Our Vision
  • Out & About with Suzanna
  • Parliament
  • Photos
  • Request A Congratulatory Message
  • Shepparton District
  • Subscribe to our newsletter

Categories

  • Blog
  • Latest News
  • Media Releases
  • Newsletters
  • Parliament
  • Uncategorized

Archive

  • June 2022
  • May 2022
  • April 2022
  • March 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • September 2021
  • August 2021
  • July 2021
  • June 2021
  • May 2021
  • April 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • February 2019
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • June 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015

Get in touch with Suzanna

Share this page and show your support.

Subscribe

5 Vaughan Street, Shepparton
T 03 5831 6944
E suzanna.sheed@parliament.vic.gov.au

Keep up-to-date.
Follow us on social media.

Get in touch with Suzanna

Share this page and show your support.

5 Vaughan Street, Shepparton
T 03 5831 6944   F 03 5831 6836
E suzanna.sheed@parliament.vic.gov.au

Keep up-to-date.
Follow us on social media.

Scroll to top
Subscribe to our newsletter