At its April Council Meeting, Greater Shepparton City Council adopted Community Infrastructure Needs Assessments for the urban areas of Shepparton, Mooroopna and Kialla to better understand what infrastructure is required to meet future population growth and development.
Community Infrastructure Needs Assessments (CINA's) aim to identify the demand for community infrastructure generated by future urban development. The assessments analyse the gaps in infrastructure provision and how these gaps can be addressed to cater for the expected growth in population.
The CINA's specifically looked at the areas of Kialla, Mooroopna, Shepparton North and Shepparton South and analysed the existing and planned community infrastructure within Greater Shepparton. The assessments resulted in individual recommendations which will now be incorporated into Council's strategic planning program and future township structure plans, and will guide where community facilities may be provided in the structure plan areas and surrounds.
The delivery of new or upgraded community infrastructure will be the responsibility of multiple service providers, including Council, state government agencies or authorities, or private organisations.
"Shepparton, Mooroopna, and Kialla are expected to experience significant population growth over the next three decades because of new residential development. This population growth will increase the demand for our community infrastructure, including early years facilities, community meeting spaces, medical facilities and open space," Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali said.
"We recognise how important community infrastructure is to support and strengthen our communities, provide spaces for interaction and community events, and allow participation and engagement in activities. These Community Infrastructure Needs Assessments will ensure we are ready for the future."
Cr Sali said Council will now look at incorporating the recommendations into future strategic plans and work with the multiple service providers required to achieve these new or upgraded community infrastructure facilities.
"These Community Infrastructure Needs Assessments are important documents in helping us better plan for the future. Our population is growing and our region is expanding and we need to ensure we are able to accommodate this," he said.
"Council will now be able to incorporate these recommendations into our strategic planning documents to ensure our community facilities are adequate."
