Sheed calls for Shepparton Bypass funding in Federal Budget

Independent Member for Shepparton Suzanna Sheed is calling on the Federal Government to fund the Shepparton Bypass following the delivery of the business case to the relevant ministers last month.

Ms Sheed said the Victorian Government allocated $10.2 million in the 2017-18 budget to develop a business case and conduct preparatory works on the bypass and the Federal Government offered $208 million for the project.

“The long-awaited business case is now in the hands of the relevant Federal and State ministers and the estimated cost of the bypass is under wraps, but I believe it will cost much more than the $208 million allocated,” Ms Sheed said.

“In November 2019, Victorian Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan indicated the cost of this project would be far greater than the money the Federal Government put on the table and more federal funding would be needed.

“We are relying on the extra funding from the Federal Government and the support of the Victorian Government to deliver this essential project.

“I trust Minister Allan and the Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack have taken a close look at this business case and realise that funding and supporting this project is an urgent priority.

“The Shepparton bypass is an essential safety and freight project for our region, allowing for a second river crossing of the Goulburn River north of Shepparton.

“Its implementation is critical to the freight supply chain, removing heavy traffic from the central business districts of Shepparton and Mooroopna.

“Once this project begins, it will create job opportunities for our community over the next 10 years, so its implementation will have a twofold benefit.”

 

ENDS

Media contact:   Elaine Cooney 0447 820 466│elaine.cooney@parliament.vic.gov.au