Greater Shepparton council reveals state budget priorities for sports, health, roads

A $90m cancer centre, $32m sports stadium and review of the bus network are among the key needs identified by Greater Shepparton council for the community.

Shepparton will lodge a half-a-billion-dollar wishlist for government investment in its major hospital ahead of next year’s state budget amid much-needed redevelopments.

It comes as Greater Shepparton City Council and Goulburn Valley Health revealed their masterplan for upgrades to the Shepparton Hospital.

The redevelopments include $440m for inpatient and clinical support facilities, $90m for an integrated cancer centre and an $18m regional pathology hub.

GV Health chief executive Matt Sharp said the upgrades were “so important” for the health service which was the largest employer in the region.

“When we have new and modern facilities we know it leads to better health outcomes for patients and better experience for patients and their loved ones visiting and creates a better environment for staff to work in.”

Mr Sharp said the service had outgrown the current cancer centre and had hoped to bring all services under one roof, including radiotherapy, more space for chemotherapy and expanded areas for wellness and recovery.

He said a new pathology hub would increase capacity to analyse samples through large specialist equipment, rather than having to transport it to Melbourne.
He said the hub would be open for use for hospitals across the region, not just Shepparton.

Greater Shepparton City Council and various community ad industry stakeholders launched the 2025-26 priorities for the region on Thursday. Picture: Abby Walter

Council is also advocating for $5m from the state government, $15m from the federal government and will commit $12m of its own for a new Shepparton Sports and Events Centre on Numurkah Rd.

The redevelopment would include four multi-use courts, a show court with seating for 3000 people and a space to host events.

Greater Shepparton Council mayor Shane Sali said it would provide the growing community with opportunities to play sports from basketball to badminton to pickle ball.

Roads were another item on the council’s agenda, which sought funding for safer intersections.

A render of the proposed Shepparton Sports and Events Centre. Picture: Greater Shepparton City Council

Mr Sali said a second river crossing was also “vital” as the city continued to grow after flooding in 2022 essentially cut the town off for a couple of days.

Moreover, council will ask for a review of the bus network for the first time in 15 years to meet public transport needs of people in Shepparton and rural areas.

The council has also advocated for financial support to plan for and respond to legislation and challenges in regards to water buybacks, drought and the Murray-Darling Basin plan.

Mr Sali said the council wanted to see a line item in the next state budget which set aside money for shovel-ready regional projects like the previous Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund.

He said since the funding was discontinued a few years ago there had not been a suitable replacement.