Greater Shepparton residents, businesses, visitors and community groups are being encouraged to have their say on the future of Shepparton’s city centre, Goulburn River corridor and Victoria Park Lake, with public consultation for the Returning Our City to the River project opening today.
The project is an exciting opportunity to create a stronger connection between Shepparton’s CBD, the Goulburn River and Victoria Park Lake, helping to shape a more vibrant, accessible and connected city for future generations. The project will deliver a CBD Activation Plan, a River and Lake Activation Strategy, and an integrated framework that brings these key places together as one connected destination.
Community feedback opens today, Monday 5 October 2026, and will play a vital role in informing the project’s future direction.
Residents are invited to complete an online survey and share their ideas about what they value most about Shepparton’s city centre, river and lake, how they currently use these spaces, and what opportunities they see for the future.
Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Councillor Geoff Akers said the project represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to strengthen the relationship between some of the municipality’s most important assets.
“The Shepparton CBD, Goulburn River and Victoria Park Lake are central to our identity as a community, but they have often been planned and experienced separately,” he said.
“Returning Our City to the River is about understanding how we can better connect these places, improve access and activation, and create a stronger sense of place that benefits residents, businesses and visitors alike.
“We want to hear from as many people as possible. Whether you live, work, study, visit or spend time in these areas, your feedback will help shape the future vision for our city.”
Cr Fern Summer, Yahna Gurtji ward, encouraged residents to get involved, saying it was an exciting opportunity to have a say in how some of the region’s most important community spaces evolve over the coming years.
“Our river and lake are among Shepparton’s greatest natural assets and have enormous potential to enhance the way people live, work and spend time in our city,” she said.
“By understanding what the community values most, we can help create welcoming public spaces that support recreation, tourism, local business and community wellbeing.”
Community members can participate by completing the survey on Council’s Shaping Greater Shepp website, with the survey available until midnight on Sunday 8 November 2026.
Feedback received during the consultation period will be used to help guide the development of the Returning Our City to the River project and inform future priorities, actions and investment opportunities.
