The GMID Water Leadership Forum described the outcome of Friday’s meeting of the Ministerial Council of Water Ministers as an abject failure of leadership.

“In a rare moment of bi-partisanship, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia had agreed to jointly address some matters of great significance. They came to the meeting with the genuine intention of working together on some of the well-known problems relating to the implementation of the Basin plan,” co-chair David McKenzie said.

“Key issues for final implementation of the plan include the completion of the sustainable diversion limit projects by 2024, the concerns over future deliverability for environmental and consumptive water, and the overall unrealistic timeframes for many aspects of the plan. But incredibly, the bi-partisan approach was effectively ignored by the Federal Water Minister Keith Pitt.

“He failed to capitalise on the goodwill in the room, and effectively directed the States to adopt his approach – to wilfully ignore some worrying realities that confront the final stages of the Plan. If the Federal Water Minister is not going to show leadership on these issues of national importance, then communities have to ask; “what is his role and purpose?” Mr McKenzie said.

Co-chair of GMID Water Leadership Forum, Suzanna Sheed expressed her extreme disappointment in the approach adopted by the federal government at the meeting.

“The Federal Minister says the time for reports is over. In my opinion it is time he started acting on the recommendations of the many reports that have been produced and try to achieve a result that is fair and equitable to all stakeholders,” she said.

“He has ignored the recommendations of the Productivity Commission and the Sefton reports. These are the very reports commissioned by his own government. We were dismayed by with the Federal government’s response to the Sefton report and can now see a complete lack of willingness on the government’s behalf to properly address the issues at hand and to make some hard decisions. The Minister holds the threat of buybacks in his back pocket, threats we heard from Minister Littleproud just over a year ago,” she said.

“This failure of leadership leaves our southern basin communities anxious and without certainty. It continues the negative impacts we have had to live with so long and shows an extraordinary lack of willingness to grasp the nettle and make some decisions that are clearly warranted at this time,” Ms Sheed said

ENDS

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Jacqui Hawkins 0403 657 267│jacqui.hawkins@parliament.vic.gov.au

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Independent Member for Shepparton District Suzanna Sheed has today welcomed the state Budget and what it delivers for Shepparton District community members.

“The $80 million to enable rail works to continue and to help provide VLocity trains on the Shepparton line is very welcome.”

“This is something the community has worked towards for many many years and will finally provide Shepparton Line passengers with the modern, reliable public transport services they deserve.”

“I am also delighted that, in this Budget, the State Government has underlined its commitment to a guaranteed minimum investment of $45 million to build new social housing in Shepparton.”

“This investment is expected to cut the waiting list for homes in the Shepparton area in half.

“I look forward to working with the government and the community to ensure that this investment is maximised for the benefit of community members who need it most, those who are suffering homelessness and insecure housing.”

“I see the next step as working to find even more investment so that the waiting list can be cut entirely and we can eliminate the scourge of homelessness from our communities across Victoria.”

“I also welcome $119 million confirmed today for the Shepparton Education Plan, which includes funds to continue support for the merger of four secondary schools to create Greater Shepparton Secondary College at a new purpose-built campus.

The college will offer the Shepparton community new facilities and provide students more subject choices than ever before.

This builds on previous budget announcements that provided funding a new integrated early learning centre in Mooroopna also a part of the Shepparton Education Plan.

“Investment in education is essential for the Shepparton area. It will help transform student outcomes by empowering all students to learn and achieve, provide high-quality teaching and give students the best possible conditions for lifelong learning.

“This investment will help change lives, providing young people with the confidence and skills they will need to achieve for themselves, their families and for the broader community.

“Only an independent local member, working hard with and on behalf of the community, has been able to deliver investments on this scale for Shepparton District, which had previously been overlooked for decades.

“Independent MPs are delivering for communities right across Victoria.

“Instead of being bound to a party system, Independent MPs can concentrate on what matters most, representing their communities with integrity, focus and grit and fighting for what communities really need.

“I will continue to work hard on behalf of Shepparton District, consult as widely as possible and work to ensure that the region gets what it needs most,” Ms Sheed said.

“There is no doubt that, as the pandemic eases, debt and how we pay it off will become an issue. In the meantime, we must use the stimulus available and ensure that every dollar is invested wisely, that jobs are created and that the needs of the community are prioritised.

Budget announcements that affect Shepparton

Together with a federal contribution we now have $400 million for the Shepparton Rail Line Upgrade Stage 3 which will enable nine daily return passenger services to Melbourne.

Other Shepparton-based initiatives include:

• $45 million for social housing on Greater Shepparton

• Upgrade funding towards the University of Melbourne’s Dookie campus from the Agricultural College Modernisation Fund

• $1.2 million for the Shepparton Family Drug Court Treatment program to help parents escape dependency and be there for their children

• Shepparton Art Museum to receive funding for external works from the $34.7 million Regional Creative Infrastructure Projects Initiative

• Shepparton will also receive funding through the ‘Social Cohesion Through Education’ program ($0.7 million this year) to support school communities and young people to be more engaged and informed, to reduce the risk of isolation, marginalization and attraction to violent extremism.

• Strathmerton Primary school is to receive $3.686 million for school upgrades

• $1.5 million for upgrades to Currawa Primary School

• Waaia Yalca South Primary School gets about $800,000 for upgrades

• $12.6 million to go to Goulburn Murray Rural Water Corporation this year for new projects

• $27.3 million to go to Goulburn Valley Regional Water Corporation this year for new projects

• $5.75 million has been made available for the Barmah National Park Joint Management Plan Implementation as part of the governments building works program

• $2.4 million has been made available for upgrades to Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE (GOTAFE) as part of the $55 million TAFE maintenance fund. Some of the other regional initiatives that should benefit Shepparton

Some of the other regional initiatives that should benefit Shepparton

• $2.2 million has been allocated towards ‘Supporting Improved Settlement Outcomes’ for Victorian humanitarian cohorts and emerging migrant communities and to provide increased capacity for regional community hubs

• The Regional First Home Owner Grant (Part of COVID tax relief) has been extended

• Support is being put in place for businesses to open, relocate and expand in regional Victoria (including 50 per cent stamp duty concessions for business to move to rural and regional Victoria) • An increase in the payroll tax threshold

• $120 million Regional Health Infrastructure fund to fund local health initiatives

• The Government’s $350 million Higher Education State Investment Fund is open to projects based in regional campuses including La Trobe University in Shepparton.

• $300 million to eradicate Mobile Black Spots in populated areas of regional Victoria

• $250 million to co-fund business-grade broadband connectivity for regional communities through the Gigabit State program.

• $65 million investment will back Victoria’s farmers, growers and producers, with our state’s new agriculture strategy.

ENDS

Media contact
Jacqui Hawkins 0403 657 267│jacqui.hawkins@parliament.vic.gov.au

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Independent Member for Shepparton District Suzanna Sheed has today welcomed the Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan to Shepparton to announce the beginning of works on the next step in the Victorian Government’s investment along the Shepparton line.

The minister has also made an $80 million pre-budget announcement to enable works to continue and help provide VLocity trains on the Shepparton line.

Ms Sheed said:

“I’m delighted that the Shepparton Rail project is getting an extra $80 million and that so much of the work has either already been done or started,” Ms Sheed said.

“It’s been five years since the All Aboard campaign, including many community members and myself, travelled to the steps of the Victorian Parliament calling for better rail services for Shepparton.”

“I am proud to say that Shepparton locals worked hard to ensure their voices were heard and that our community’s needs are being met because of that hard work.

Today the minister has announced that work is now underway to deliver the infrastructure that will take VLocity trains to Shepparton for the first time and give Shepparton Line passengers the modern, reliable public transport services they deserve.”

“This announcement is a great example of what can happen when local people come together with their Independent member to clearly advocate for what is needed.”

“The rail upgrade work is vitally important to the Shepparton community and the local economy, bringing greater services to and from metropolitan Melbourne and Shepparton.”

“It is also heartening to see that the government is prioritising local suppliers and giving local contractors the chance to work on the project. This is great news for local jobs and should enhance the skills available in the Shepparton area into the future.”

“Shepparton is looking forward to the project almost doubling the number of services each weekday and delivering faster journeys.”

“We are particularly looking forward to the day when the faster, longer and more comfortable VLocity trains begin travelling on the line.”

The announcement details

• $80 million to enable works to continue seamlessly and help provide VLocity trains on the Shepparton Line

• Crews start early works to inform construction of the $356 million project’s second stage – undertaking non-destructive digging, feature surveys, geotechnical drilling and excavating test pits for soil and groundwater samples.

• Upgrade train detection technology at 59 level crossings between Donnybrook and Shepparton, with 32 crossing also being upgraded from Stop and Give Way signs to boom gates, bells and flashing lights – boosting safety for train passengers and local drivers.

• New stabling facility north of Shepparton Station. • Platform extensions at Mooroopna, Murchison East and Nagambie stations to make room for the longer VLocity trains.

• A crossing loop extension at Murchison East – giving trains more room to pass each other and reduce unexpected delays.

• Construction will focus on engaging as many local suppliers as possible.

Stage 2 of the Shepparton Line Upgrade is set to be complete in late 2022, with interested businesses encouraged to register at www.gateway.icn.org.au to get involved in upcoming industry engagement sessions.

Rail Projects Victoria is also getting on with planning and design work that will inform Stage 3 of the project – which will deliver even more benefits for Shepparton passengers, almost doubling the number of services each weekday and delivering faster journeys.

Stage 3 will deliver the signalling infrastructure between Seymour and Shepparton to enable nine weekday return services, more stabling for VLocity trains and track upgrades so trains can travel faster.

ENDS

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Jacqui Hawkins 0403 657 267│jacqui.hawkins@parliament.vic.gov.au

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Independent Member for Shepparton District Suzanna Sheed asked the Minister for Transport Infrastructure in parliament last week when the Victorian State Government would step up and contribute the outstanding $80 million to complete stage 3 of the Shepparton rail line upgrade works.

“The Victorian State Government has funded stages 1 and 2 of the Shepparton line upgrade at a cost of some $356 million,” Ms Sheed said.

In its recent budget the federal government made a $320 million contribution towards the final stage 3 of the project and foreshadowed that a further $80 million would be required from the Victorian government to bring it to completion.

“I, along with my community expect the Victorian government to come to the table now to ensure the Shepparton line upgrade will be funded in its entirety.”

“For far too long our community had been neglected on rail. It took a grassroots community All Aboard Campaign travelling to the steps of Parliament in 2015 to put rail on the government’s radar, resulting in a $356 million investment to fund stages 1 and 2,” Ms Sheed said.

Stage 1 works have been completed allowing for 10 additional train services between Melbourne and Shepparton and 29 bus services weekly as well is additional stabling at the station.  Stage 2 will include platform extensions, new stabling and up to 59 level crossing upgrades to enable VLocity trains to travel to and from Shepparton and early works are now underway.

The Minister for Transport Infrastructure stated that the government would have more to say about its contribution very soon and committed to having VLocity trains running on the line for the first time at the end of 2022.

ENDS

Media contact

Jacqui Hawkins 0403 657 267│jacqui.hawkins@parliament.vic.gov.au

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