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This article was published on Friday, 25 July, 2025. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

Community invited to provide feedback on Draft Special Charge Scheme Policy

In Summary

Council has endorsed the Draft Special Charge Scheme Policy for public consultation, with community feedback invited from Monday 4 August to Friday 12 September 2025.
The Policy aims to provide a clear and consistent approach to how Council considers and administers Special Charge Schemes for infrastructure upgrades.
It outlines how costs may be shared among property owners who directly benefit from projects like road or drainage upgrades, rather than being funded by all ratepayers.
Feedback will help shape the final version of the Policy, ensuring it is fair, transparent and legally sound, and reflects the expectations of Greater Shepparton residents.

The draft Policy has been developed in response to increasing enquiries from stakeholders seeking the upgrade of Council-owned assets. It aims to provide a clear and consistent approach for how Council considers and administers future Special Charge Schemes.

Community members and key stakeholders are encouraged to have their say during a six-week consultation period, which will run from Monday 4 August to Friday 12 September 2025.

The draft Policy outlines how Council may recover part of the cost of infrastructure projects, such as drainage systems or road upgrades, from those who directly benefit, rather than from the wider ratepayer base. It ensures Council decisions are legally sound, equitable, and consistent.

Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, said community feedback is vital in ensuring the Policy reflects the needs and expectations of Greater Shepparton residents.

“We know how important it is to get the balance right when it comes to funding local infrastructure. That’s why we are asking our community to review the draft and have their say,” he said.

“We want this Policy to be fair, transparent and grounded in local values. Your input will help shape how these projects are managed into the future.”

The draft includes updated guidance on how project costs may be apportioned among property owners, and how financial arrangements are to be handled, based on a legal review and benchmarking against other Victorian councils.

Community feedback will play a key role in shaping the final version of the Policy, with a further legal review scheduled following the consultation period.

The Policy has been prepared under Section 163 of the Local Government Act 1989, and seeks to ensure a transparent, fair and consistent approach to the development of infrastructure that benefits specific areas or groups.

For further information, please call Council on 5832 9700 or email council@shepparton.vic.gov.au.