28 Sept 2026
Committee for Greater Shepparton (C4GS) says regional engine rooms like Greater Shepparton are key to delivering a strong, growing economy that will enable the incoming Victorian Government to restore Victoria’s budget, reduce debt and lower taxes, while also delivering quality roads, hospitals, schools and services for all Victorians.
Committee for Greater Shepparton (C4GS) says regional engine rooms like Greater Shepparton are key to delivering a strong, growing economy that will enable the incoming Victorian Government to restore Victoria’s budget, reduce debt and lower taxes, while also delivering quality roads, hospitals, schools and services for all Victorians.
C4GS Chair Leigh Findlay said Greater Shepparton’s food production and manufacturing sectors were primed to capture a bigger share of domestic and global food demand.
"Greater Shepparton has never been more important to Victoria's success. We are Victoria's food and manufacturing engine room, and our industry is ready to grow faster, create more jobs and export more. We are calling on our local candidates and their parties to match our ambition. "
“We are calling for commitments to deliver key regional infrastructure that matches peer cities, that will help us attract and retain the workforce we need and will boost regional productivity and growth that benefits all Victorians,” said Leigh.
WORKFORCE
A key focus in C4GS’s election priorities is workforce attraction, retention and development.
“Ensuring industry has the talent they need today, and we can train the talent we need for tomorrow is key to unlocking our region’s growth,” said Leigh.
Community Connector Program (CCP): The CCP has encouraged more than 900 professionals to bring their expertise and families to the region while supporting more than 100 local businesses to source the skills they need. Previous funding programs no longer exist.
“Our CCP supports business and relocating professionals with local knowledge that money can’t buy,” said Leigh.
Bus network review: A comprehensive upgrade to routes and schedules to connect more people to local jobs, education and healthcare.
“In the 20 years since our bus services were last reviewed our city footprint has changed. We need bus services that locals and visitors can rely on to get to work, health and education.”
NVITAFE Regional Trades Training Precinct: Consolidate and modernise trades training in Shepparton, creating an industry-aligned hub for automotive, electrotechnology and other priority skills.
“Our local TAFE facilities can’t match the needs of local industry at a critical time when sector expertise is rapidly aging out of the workforce and new tech is reshaping skills needs.”
Health and Sports infrastructure. C4GS says the region’s health, education, sport and community infrastructure gaps disadvantage local industry in their efforts to recruit, retain and maintain workforce
“Our employers are competing for talent in extremely competitive regional, national and international employment markets. We know from experience that liveability is often the deciding factor – and that’s where a Shepparton Sports and Events Centre and a fully upgraded hospital are key.
Delivering health care closer to home is also important to our community and workforce.
“We are the only regional city without a fully integrated cancer centre or cardiac cath lab and patients travel hours out of the region for critical cancer and cardiac care - its fragmented, costly and disruptive for patients, carers, and employers.”
ROADS, WATER AND ENERGY
C4GS said industry has been investing in its people and sites for decades.
“Unlocking the next wave of growth requires governments to ensure the roads, water, irrigation and energy networks match the needs of industry,” said Leigh.
C4GS priorities include:
Investment to target the pinch points on the state and national freight networks beginning with the second Goulburn River crossing at Shepparton, and and multi-year funding for regional road maintenance and upgrades..
Accelerated investment in enabling infrastructure — roads, irrigation reconfiguration, water, sewerage and drainage — that unlocks the housing supply needed to attract and retain workers.
Advancing negotiations with the Commonwealth Government to secure funding to for the Goulburn Murray Irrigation District (GMID) channel network that’s too big and too expensive for remaining users.
Investment to ensure reliable energy supply for regional manufacturing.
C4GS has invited all confirmed candidates to individually meet with C4GS to discuss these priorities in the lead-up to the November 2026 Victorian state election and they will also feature at the C4GS Victorian Election Candidates Forum scheduled for Monday 9 November.
