The advocacy document will be presented to all major political parties, and is designed to address critical infrastructure gaps, community safety concerns and sustainable growth management across Moira Shire.
Chair administrator Dr Graeme Emonson said the priorities reflected extensive community consultation across a shire with a population projected to increase from 30,522 in 2021 to 35,888 by 2046.
“This growth presents many opportunities, however we also recognise the need for investment to address the challenges that come with this growth,” Dr Emonson said.
“The identified projects and initiatives are essential, practical investments that reduce long-term cost, protect livelihoods and unlock local participation and economic opportunity.”
Identified Projects
• Yarrawonga Mulwala Bridge - The century-old Yarrawonga Mulwala Bridge carries 13,000 daily vehicles but no longer meets modern freight and safety requirements, forcing heavy vehicles to take inefficient alternate routes. A new bridge would improve safety, freight productivity and connectivity for the twin towns experiencing rapid growth and 500,000 annual visitors. A joint funding commitment is needed from Victorian, NSW and Federal governments.
• $15 million for a Belmore Street bypass in Yarrawonga - Moira Shire’s road network has a fatal crash rate 33 per cent above the Victorian average, with 12 deaths in 2023, the highest in 30 years. Priority improvements also include $5 million for the Numurkah/Naring/Tocumwal Road intersection upgrade, $3.6 million additional intersection improvements, and $2.3 million in school crossing safety upgrades.
• $18 million education precinct at Yarrawonga P-12. This would consolidate facilities onto one site adjacent to the new multisport stadium, supporting VCE, VCAL and VET pathways. Yarrawonga’s 18.7 per cent population growth has created critical constraints for the P-12 school across two ageing campuses. This would position Yarrawonga as a regional education hub while similar capacity planning is needed for other growing schools within the shire.
• New Cobram police station supporting 24-hour operations Moira Shire is experiencing increasing rates of family and domestic violence, with recent data showing one of the highest per capita rates in regional Victoria. Current resourcing creates inconsistent after-hours response across the 4,045 square kilometre region, with potential 1.5-hour delays for remote locations. A new station would enable rapid response and visible community safety presence.
• $12.56 million southern levee Numurkah Numurkah floods approximately every 18 years, with the 2012 event damaging 93 properties and forcing the hospital evacuation. The levee would protect 119 homes and mitigate impacts on 760 properties. Federal Government funding of $6.45 million has been received for this project.
• Scott Reserve Pavilion, Cobram - The 1970s pavilion contains asbestos and cannot be renovated to meet modern standards or community needs. A new $7 million facility would provide AFL and Netball Victoria-compliant facilities, accessibility and emergency evacuation capacity for north Cobram's only community facility.
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