Four contracts were noted, totalling $1,148,831, for important development works around the region. This included $645,289 which was awarded to local company Mawson Constructions Pty Ltd for the Marlboro Drive, Kialla development road upgrade. These works involve construction of road pavement and drainage works, roundabout and concrete footpath and are expected to commence in early May 2023 and be completed by June 2023.

A total of $222,733 was awarded to another local company, Cleaves Earthmoving and Drainage Pty Ltd, for the Monash Park, Shepparton footpath renewal. These works involve an upgrade to all of the footpaths in and around Monash Park to provide a compliant connecting footpath network. Works have commenced and will be completed by the end of February 2023.

More than $176,000 was awarded to Stantec Australia Pty Ltd for an exploratory study into the GV Trails. This follows a Feasibility Study and Development Report, compiled by the Goulburn River Trails Stakeholder Group, which seeks to develop a 46km multi-use trail from Shepparton to Murchison, via Mooroopna, Toolamba and Old Toolamba, with a 12km link to Tatura.

In order to better understand the cost and infrastructure requirements of any trail, Council is seeking to prepare an exploratory study that would identify all alignment, construction and planning issues before preparing detailed designs and costings. The study is expected to be completed by late 2023.

Lastly, $104,500 was awarded to Urban Enterprise for the development of the Economic Visitor Economy and Major Events Strategy. The focus of the strategy will be to identify opportunities to promote participation, visitation, investment and employment growth, while taking into consideration the recent flood emergency and the COVID-19 pandemic, and the changes on how businesses can and will operate.

Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, congratulated each of the businesses on their successful contracts.

“It is always great to note the awarding of these contracts at our Council Meetings, particularly for works that are important to the growth and development of our region,” he said.

“We look forward to seeing these works completed, in particular the footpath renewal at Monash Park and Marlboro Drive development road upgrade. We have no doubt the community will benefit from these works.”