Victorian election 2022: Sheed, Hammer, O’Keefe in Shepparton electorate race

Shepparton fruit grower Mitchell McNab says labour is one of the burning issues for primary producers this election.

In Victoria’s fruit bowl, the springtime sunshine heralds the season for picking.

But instead of pears and plums, Shepparton voters like Mitchell McNab are picking politicians.

Covering horticultural hamlets such as Ardmona, Congupna, Katunga, Strathmerton, Tallygaroopna and Toolamba, the race for Shepparton is keenly watched by Spring Street observers.

Independent MP Suzanna Sheed holds the electorate on a margin of 5.3 per cent, reasonably safe but not necessarily secure.

Premier Daniel Andrews and Opposition Leader Matthew Guy have paid several visits to Shepparton in recent months, highlighting its hot seat status.

All the political attention has not gone unnoticed by Mr McNab.

The Fruit Growers Victoria chairman grows apples and pears at Ardmona.

Mitchell McNab is an orchardist in the Shepparton electorate. PICTURE: ZOE PHILLIPS

He says labour shortages are the burning issue for primary producers not just in his district, but statewide.

“There’s just not enough workers to go ‘round,” he said. “It’s both a state and federal issue, as it hits the local economy here as well as when you go to buy food at the supermarket.”

Floodwaters covering the Goulburn Valley in recent weeks have also reinforced calls for greater funding for regional roads.

“Of course, roads are a big issue here in Shepparton – like everywhere,” Mr McNab said.

Shepparton was once the jewel in the Country Party crown – held by erstwhile leader Peter Ross Edwards from 1967 to 1991.

Another National Party grandee, Jeanette Powell, also represented Shepparton in Spring Street.

But when Ms Powell, a minister in the Baillieu-Napthine governments, retired ahead of the 2014 election, the National Party swiftly fell out of favour in its old heartland.

Shepparton solicitor Ms Sheed made history on 2014 state election night as the constituency’s first independent MP. She won an increased majority at the 2018 poll.

“Much was achieved in my first two terms because of my advocacy, community support, and the appeal of a marginal seat,” Ms Sheed said.

“Making Shepparton a marginal seat with an independent as the community’s advocate has brought in more than $1.5 billion to the district and that is unprecedented.”

Ms Sheed listed $1 billion for the Shepparton train line as well as $229 million for the redevelopment of Goulburn Valley Health and $163 million to build a new mental health facility, as among her achievements.

Seeking a National Party revival is former Shepparton mayor Kim O’Keefe.

“Our community is feeling the impact of ever-expanding surgery waitlists and the issues that are affecting Victoria’s crippled health system,” the Shepparton Nats candidate said.

“Travelling the electorate, I’ve witnessed the dire state of our roads that link our smaller towns to Shepparton, local families and business rely on these roads and we have been let down by years of under-investment.”

Shepparton Liberal candidate Cheryl Hammer said recent floods have highlighted the need for a second river crossing.

“The Shepparton Bypass, or more specifically a second river crossing between Mooroopna and Shepparton, is very topical at the moment due to the recent floods,” she said.

“The two locations were cut from each other for about a week, isolating thousands of people from critical medical and other services, including their work.”

The Labor Party is yet to preselect a candidate for Shepparton.