Wednesday, 23 September 2026

 Kim O’KEEFFE (Shepparton) (10:27): Regional communities have continued to miss out on their fair share under this city-centric Labor government. The government has ignored our pleas for a second river crossing. With over 25 per cent of the state’s trucks registered in the region and being a major transport route, a convoy of trucks and heavy vehicles continues through the main streets of Shepparton and Mooroopna, impacting businesses and people’s safety. The 2022 floods also highlighted the need for an alternative route to support communities, emergency services and transport operators.

Goulburn Valley Health is the only major regional Victorian health service without an integrated cancer centre, and as a result patients have to travel long distances for care. This makes an already incredibly difficult time more difficult for the patient, their families and loved ones, as well as adding the stress of extra financial costs associated with travel and accommodation.

The Shepparton Sports Stadium is a run-down facility built back in 1972 and is no longer fit for purpose. The coalition, both state and federal, have supported this much-needed redevelopment, yet Labor has denied the community this critical sporting facility upgrade.

It has been over 18 years since we have had a bus review. Across the electorate we have towns with limited or no bus services at all. This has a significant impact on the community, jobs, education, health care, community services and tourism. On this side of the house, we will support regional communities and guarantee regional Victoria gets its fair share.