The Nationals Member for Shepparton, Kim O’Keeffe spoke in parliament this week on the Land (Revocation of Reservations) Bill 2023.
The Bill is for an Act to provide for the revocation of certain permanent reservations of Crown land across the state at 13 different locations, including Victoria Park Lake in Shepparton.
The Crown land adjoins the Victoria Park Lake Caravan Park, and the Greater Shepparton City Council has advised the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action that it wishes to purchase the Crown land portion of the Caravan Park, in order for the park itself to be refurbishes to cater for the increased tourism rates experienced across the region.
Ms O’Keeffe said “the Bill presented to Parliament this week and once passed, it will enable conservations to start between government and interested parties as well as the appropriate consultation.
“By reserving the land temporarily for public purposes, it ensures that the Greater Shepparton City Council retains appropriate management control over the land following revocation.”
Currently, Victoria Park Lake is permanently reserved for the purpose of public land, and the Greater Shepparton City Council is the reserve’s committee of management.
“The Crown land portion of the caravan park at Victoria Park Lake, is located in a prime location at the gateway of the city next to the Shepparton Art Museum which is one of our major tourist attractions that sits on our beautiful lake precinct. The caravan park has been operated by council for more than 60 years.
“There has been significant investment also in the lake precinct over the years, however, the caravan park on the land owned by Greater Shepparton City Council has deteriorated.
Ms O’Keeffe said “over the years there has been discussions and expressions of interest regarding the future of the Victoria Park Lake Caravan Park.
“Council being able to purchase this extra Crown land, will hopefully create a significant opportunity to look at the future opportunities of the site.
“The time has definitely come to take this space to a new stage of development and hopefully create something really special.
“This is a good example of Crown land sitting dormant that could be used for public space and activation and an extension of the current offering.”
