Treasurer Tim Pallas has visited Shepparton to meet with the Member for Shepparton, Suzanna Sheed, to promote jobs and investment in the region, and talk about the health infrastructure needs of the district.
At a forum held in central Shepparton, Mr Pallas outlined how the Andrews Labor Government is boosting investment and employment in the Shepparton region.
Mr Pallas referred to the Government’s Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund, which has driven jobs growth in the region, and supported the recent $120 million investment by Fonterra at its facility in nearby Stanhope.
Recent data indicates that unemployment in Greater Shepparton has fallen to 6.5 per cent from a high of 8.7 per cent in December 2014.
Mr Pallas also toured Goulburn Valley Health, a crucial piece of regional healthcare infrastructure and spoke to staff and management about their vision for the hospital.
Goulburn Valley Health received $1 million for redevelopment planning in the 2015-16 State Budget.
Goulburn Valley Health currently services over 230,000 residents - a number that is expected to grow as Shepparton continues to experience strong population growth.
Mr Pallas said he was pleased to once again visit Shepparton and praised the constructive and passionate advocacy of the Independent Member for Shepparton, Suzanna Sheed.
Quotes attributable to Treasurer Tim Pallas
"Regional cities like Shepparton are important drivers of Victoria’s economy, providing key services and vital infrastructure to surrounding areas.”
“It was great to hear from a wide variety of stakeholders in Shepparton about their vision for the region and take in firsthand where they are looking for support from this Government.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes
“I have been working hard to put the concerns of northern Victoria front and centre during government deliberations and it is terrific to have the Treasurer here to discuss some of our key priorities.”
“It is consistently Labor that has invested in our regional cities and towns. Goulburn Valley Health barely rated a mention under the previous Government.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Shepparton Suzanna Sheed
“I have worked hard to advocate for the redevelopment of Goulburn Valley Health. I’m pleased the Treasurer was able see the hospital first-hand while the State Budget is being framed.”
“The visit was also a valuable opportunity for presentations on other major local projects such as better passenger rail service, the Shepparton by-pass and the CBD revitalisation.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020