Please note: this is an archived news article release
This article was published on Wednesday, 6 September, 2017. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate.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.
Posted on Wednesday 6th of September, 2017,
The Victorian State Government has given the green light for the new Shepparton Art Museum development that’s set to create jobs, boost tourism and grow the local economy.
Minister for Planning Richard Wynne has approved an amendment to the Shepparton Planning Scheme to allow the development of the new Shepparton Art Museum to proceed in a timely manner. The Minister for Planning will become the Planning Authority for this project. Council is pleased that the State Government has agreed to assist with the planning approvals for this project.
Once complete, the new SAM is expected to attract more visitors to the region from right around the state and nation, boosting local visitor spending by more than $6 million annually.
Construction of the project will create 72 direct and 109 indirect jobs, injecting $34.5 million into the local economy.
Planning approvals follow a $10 million investment by the State Government to help Shepparton showcase its strengths as a cultural hotspot for the arts. The $34.5m project is also funded by Greater Shepparton City Council, the Commonwealth Government and from philanthropic donations through the SAM Foundation.
The project will see the Shepparton Art Museum relocated to the more prominent and accessible location of the Victoria Lake Park.
The State Government is working to strengthen Shepparton as a cultural destination, creating more local jobs, boosting visitor numbers and attracting business investment and consumer spending in the region’s retail, hospitality and accommodation sectors.
The Shepparton Art Museum will showcase unique ceramics, indigenous and multicultural collections to visitors in turn boosting business for local hotels, cafes and other small businesses.
Greater Shepparton City Council Deputy Mayor, Kim O’Keeffe said the decision was welcomed and will ensure the project can progress quickly to the build stage.
“We are on track to have the former Shell Service Station and café demolished before the end of the year ensuring the two year build can commence in 2018,” said Cr O’Keeffe.
“This is a very exciting project for the municipality and an important one that positions Greater Shepparton as a progressive region not only in the arts world but as tourism destination.”
“Developments such as these instil confidence amongst business that Shepparton is growing and prepared for the future and will attract new investment to the area,” said Cr O’Keeffe.
More News from Greater Shepparton
Tuesday 21st of April,
Budget commitment marks progress for Shepparton rail services
Greater Shepparton City Council has welcomed the Victorian Government’s budget commitment to increase train services on the Shepparton line, following sustained advocacy by Council since 2023. Read more
Monday 20th of April,
Massive week of BMX in Greater Shepparton
Greater Shepparton City Council has wrapped up another massive week of sport, with the 2026 GWM BMX Racing National Championships concluding on Saturday 18 April. Read more
Friday 17th of April,
Greater Shepparton secures headline BMX Racing event ahead of Olympic Games
Greater Shepparton City Council is pleased to announce that Shepparton will become the focus of international BMX Racing when it hosts two rounds of the UCI BMX Racing World Cup in 2028. Read more
Wednesday 15th of April,
Council continues targeted engagement ahead of Murray-Darling Basin Plan review
Greater Shepparton City Council is intensifying its advocacy and engagement efforts to ensure local community and industry voices are heard as part of the Murray Darling Basin Plan (MDBP) review, with public submissions closing on 1 May 2026. Read more
Tuesday 14th of April,
Shepparton BMX Multi-Use Events Pavilion named finalist for 2025 Victorian Sport Award
Greater Shepparton City Council is proud to announce that the Shepparton BMX Multi-Use Events Pavilion has been named a finalist in the Local Government Initiative of the Year category at the 2025 Victorian Sport Awards. Read more
Tuesday 14th of April,
New Payble option gives Greater Shepparton residents more flexibility in paying rates
Greater Shepparton City Council has introduced Payble as a new way for residents to pay their rates, providing more choice and flexibility with payments. Read more
See All News
Want to get the latest news and events in your Facebook feed?
Just go to our Facebook page and click the Like button.
More Events in Greater Shepparton
Friday 24th of April,
Art in the Park
Art in the Park is finally returning, and we couldn’t be more excited to bring creativity back into the sunshine. Read more
Friday 24th of April,
Riverlinks presents Where is the Green Sheep? -- A Monkey Baa Theatre Company - and QPAC's Out of the Box co-production
A wild, fun and magical journey to find that elusive green sheep. View on Riverlinks
Friday 24th of April,
Keg Touring presents Luke Kidgell - Good Intentions
Luke Kidgell continues new World Tour in Australia in 2026! View on Riverlinks
Saturday 25th of April,
ANZAC Day Services in Greater Shepparton
ANZAC Day is one of Australia's most important national commemorative occasions. It marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First… Read more
Sunday 26th of April,
Shepparton Gators - Round 5
Big V Basketball is here!! Get ready for high-energy basketball and show your support for the Women's and Men's Big V Gators. Go GATORS! Read more
Wednesday 22nd of April,
Less is Necessary - A Workshop on Burnout and Pushing Back for Shepparton's Creative Community
In this session, we invite local creatives, creative workers, managers, leaders and board members in Greater Shepparton to come together for an honest conversation about arts sector burnout: what's driving… Read more
See All Events