An elected Coalition Government will provide $1 million to complete the upgrade of the Welsford Street arterial, one of the busiest north-south routes in Shepparton, and $1 million to extend the shared pathway network from Victoria Park Lake to the Shepparton Railway Station and Greater Shepparton Secondary College.
Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell said the priority projects for Greater Shepparton will significantly improve connectivity in the city.
The first four stages of Welsford Street from Knight Street through to Fryers Street have already been completed and a Coalition government is committed to finishing the job.
“This is one of the busiest and most important arterial links in Greater Shepparton,” Mr Birrell said.
“Stages five and six will deliver upgrades from Fryers Street through to the intersection of Sobraon Street and Wyndham Street, including two right turn lanes, better separation and improved pedestrian safety.”
The service relocation works will shift the powerlines underground between High Street (Shepparton Police Station) and Sobraon Street (Shepparton Lawn Tennis Courts).
“While we continue to work on a second river crossing at Shepparton, we need to ensure the arterial links we have are kept to the right standard.”
Mr Birrell said extending the shared pathway network to connect the Victoria Park Lake and Shepparton Art Museum precinct to the Shepparton Railway Station and through to Greater Shepparton Secondary College will encourage walking and cycling.
“The Yahna Gurtji Shared Path Network runs for 40 kilometres, through the river flats and along the magnificent Goulburn River to Kialla and Seven Creeks but what is missing is a connection to key urban parts of Shepparton.”
Greater Shepparton City Council would contribute $500,000 to the $1.5 million project, enhancing Shepparton’s reputation as a tourist destination for day-trippers and cyclists utilising public transport.
“With Coalition funding to increase the speed and frequency of daily train services to Shepparton, there will be ample opportunity for day trips and this path will make it a seamless experience for visitors.”
The commitments are part of the Coalition’s plan to strengthen our local communities and get our country Back on Track.
