Tuesday,20 December 2022


Adjournment

Shepparton bypass


Shepparton bypass

The flood crisis impacted many members of the Shepparton electorate, with many residents evacuated or stranded in their homes for many days. The river rose to a height of 12.06 metres and forced the closure of the Peter Ross-Edwards Causeway, a 3.7-kilometre stretch of road that is the sole connecting thoroughfare between Shepparton and Mooroopna. The severity of the floods also impacted other access points to the north and south, and without a second river crossing our city was divided, with Mooroopna completely cut off from the rest of the state. This meant that Mooroopna residents had no access to the hospital or other services located in Shepparton.

The floods proved the absolute necessity for a second river crossing between Shepparton and Mooroopna to allow access between the two towns. This was recognised by the Liberal-National coalition that committed $260 million, being the state’s full contribution to the estimated $1.3 billion cost of stage 1 of the Shepparton bypass. This commitment was overwhelmingly embraced by voters who on 26 November removed Suzanna Sheed and elected a coalition member. The result was also a message to Minister Allan and the government that we are sick and tired of Labor ignoring the project and in turn the wellbeing of our community. Daniel Andrews has stated he will govern for all Victorians. He must not punish the Shepparton electorate for electing a coalition member by not funding the Shepparton bypass.