VIC · Goulburn Valley · Local council, made simple
Greater Shepparton City Council
Greater Shepparton City Council is the council for Shepparton, Mooroopna and the surrounding towns and farmland in Victoria's Goulburn Valley, home to about 70,000 people — from Tatura and Murchison to Dookie and Merrigum. Nine councillors, one per ward, choose the Mayor; Cr Geoff Akers was elected Mayor in September 2026. The council runs your bins, local roads and footpaths, parks, libraries and planning, and sets your rates. Here's the snapshot, followed by what affects your week.
Everyday essentials
The things people actually need from the council — fast.
Get to know your council
The basics, in one tap — open any card for key facts and a link to the official source.
This year's rate rise, how your bill is worked out, and when it's due.
2026–27: rates within the 2.75% cap; bin charges slightly lower
Open →Budget & financesGreater Shepparton's financial indicators, each shown next to the Victorian median.
Average rate per property: $2,449 (Vic median $1,937)
Open →Crime & safetyGreater Shepparton's recorded offence rates, side by side with the Victorian rate.
10 of 11 offence rates above the Victorian rate
Open →Mayor & councillorsYour ward councillor, the Mayor, and how to contact them.
Mayor: Cr Geoff Akers (elected 15 Sep 2026)
Open →Elections & votingWhen the next council election is, and the 2024 results ward by ward.
Next council election: Sat 28 Oct 2028 (by post)
Open →Contact & servicesHow to reach the council: phone, email, offices and hours.
Phone: (03) 5832 9700
Open →City profileThe basics: how many people live here, how big the area is.
Population: 69,865 (ABS, June 2025)
Open →What's happening
7 updatesRecent items from Greater Shepparton City Council's public channels, in plain language.
- Policy
First-year progress report on the 2025–2029 Council Plan
A report noted at the September 2026 council meeting says that of the Council Plan's 133 actions, 2 have been completed, 118 are progressing and 13 are scheduled to begin in 2026–27.
What this means for you: You can follow each action on the council's online Council Plan dashboard.
- Development
Residential and industrial land supply assessments presented
Assessments presented at the September 2026 council meeting estimate zoned urban greenfield land could hold about 6,400 dwellings, with about 9,700 more in identified future growth areas, and about 1,500 approved lots in the development pipeline. They estimate existing general industrial land at about seven years of supply, with a further 18 years in identified future industrial land.
What this means for you: The council says the findings will inform an upcoming review of the Shepparton and Mooroopna 2050: Regional City Growth Plan.
- Council meeting
Cr Geoff Akers elected Mayor, Cr Rod Schubert Deputy Mayor
At an Additional Council Meeting on 15 September 2026, councillors elected Cr Geoff Akers (Pine Lodge Ward) as Mayor and Cr Rod Schubert (Midland Ward) as Deputy Mayor, each for a one-year term. The council also adopted the Councillors Statement of Expectations for the Mayor.
What this means for you: The meeting can be re-watched on the council's Facebook page.
- Policy
Proposed Central North Renewable Energy Zone will not be declared
The council reported that the Victorian Government confirmed the proposed Central North REZ, which included parts of Greater Shepparton such as Dookie, Pine Lodge and Cosgrove, will not proceed to declaration. The council had called for more consultation and consideration of productive agricultural land.
What this means for you: The council says it will keep advocating for local voices in any future discussions.
- Council meeting
Cr Shane Sali steps down as Mayor
The council announced that Cr Shane Sali stepped down as Mayor on 7 September 2026, after holding the role since June 2022. The council said he would seek a leave of absence from the council until the results of the November 2026 state election are declared. Deputy Mayor Cr Geoff Akers took on the Mayor's responsibilities until a new Mayor was elected.
What this means for you: Cr Sali remains the councillor for Balaclava Ward.
- Waste
Free household chemical drop-off on Saturday 3 October
The Victorian Government's Detox your Home event comes to Shepparton on Saturday 3 October 2026, for free, safe disposal of household chemicals such as weedkiller, pesticides, bleach, pool chemicals, brake fluid and old fuel. It no longer takes paint, cosmetics or oils.
What this means for you: Registration is required through the event's booking page, linked from the council's announcement.
- Policy
2026/27 budget adopted
Council adopted its 2026/27 budget at its May meeting, with rates and charges rising in line with the 2.75% cap, a $55.2 million capital works program and no new borrowings. The council says more than 70 submissions were received during consultation.
What this means for you: The first rates instalment is due on 30 September 2026. The council's rates calculator gives an estimate for your property.
Email alerts aren't switched on yet
We haven't started sending email, so we're not taking addresses for now. New items from Greater Shepparton City Councilshow up under “What's happening” above as we find them, each linked to its official source.