In Summary
- Council has endorsed the Mobility and Road Safety Strategy and Action Plan 2025–2029, providing a clear direction to reduce road trauma and improve travel safety across the municipality.
- The Strategy aims to halve road fatalities and serious injuries by 2030, aligning with the Victorian Road Safety Strategy and focusing on Safe People, Speeds, Roads and Vehicles.
- Community feedback played a key role in shaping the final Strategy, with updates made to address road surface conditions, intersection safety, pedestrian access, and clearer Council/State responsibilities.
- Performance measures and transparent reporting will help track progress, with the full Strategy now available on Council’s website.
The Strategy aligns with the Victorian Road Safety Strategy 2021–2030 and aims to halve fatalities and serious injuries on our roads by 2030. It focuses on four key themes – Safe People, Safe Speeds, Safe Roads and Safe Vehicles – and outlines targeted initiatives, clear timeframes and performance measures to track progress.
The draft Strategy was released for public consultation earlier this year, receiving detailed submissions and feedback. Community members provided input on a range of issues which were then analysed and incorporated into the final version of the Strategy. Key themes that emerged during consultation included:
- Concerns about poor road surfaces and the urgent need to address potholes and general road maintenance.
- A strong desire for safer intersections and clearer crossings, particularly in high-traffic and school areas.
- Requests for better footpath connectivity and improved kerb ramps to support pedestrians, including older adults and mobility aid users.
- Clarification about the roles and responsibilities of Council versus State Government when it comes to road upgrades and maintenance.
- A call for more transparency and regular reporting on road safety progress and performance measures.
Based on this feedback, several updates were made to the Strategy, including:
- A stronger focus on road surface improvements and pothole repairs.
- Specific commitments to intersection upgrades at identified high-risk locations.
- Enhanced actions to improve accessibility for vulnerable road users.
- Clearer explanations regarding jurisdictional responsibilities.
- A renewed emphasis on key performance indicators (KPIs) and reporting mechanisms to track outcomes.
The final Strategy retains a strong focus on behaviour change, speed management, education, and the promotion of safer vehicle technologies.
Mayor, Cr Shane Sali, said the Strategy had been significantly strengthened through extensive consultation and a strong response from the community.
“Community feedback played a central role in shaping this Strategy. We have listened closely to residents and made sure the final plan addresses what matters most, safer intersections, better road surfaces, clearer pedestrian connections and more transparent progress reporting,” he said.
“This is a whole-of-community approach. Everyone deserves to feel safe getting from A to B, whether they are driving, riding, walking or using a mobility aid.”
View the full Mobility and Road Safety Strategy and Action Plan 2025–2029 here.
For further information, please call Council on 5832 9700 or email council@shepparton.vic.gov.au.
