Greater Shepparton City Council has picked up an Australian Road Safety Award for its work to transform one of regional Victoria’s most dangerous intersections.
The Council received the Rural and Remote Programs Award for its Poplar Avenue and Orrvale Road Blackspot Intersection Roundabout Upgrade. The intersection had previously been the site of 19 crashes over 20 years including three fatalities and 38 injuries.
Funded through the Federal Government’s Black Spot Program, the upgrade is the result of a four-year, $1.62 million program led by Council in close partnership with Goulburn Murray Water and the Department of Transport and Planning.
The project included replacing open irrigation channels with underground pipework, major drainage improvements, and ultimately constructing a modern roundabout designed to reduce speeds and improve visibility at the high-speed rural intersection.
Council Director Infrastructure, Gary Randhawa said the award was a testament to the impact of strong collaboration and long-term planning.
“This intersection has been the site of extreme trauma for residents and road users. Winning this national award is a powerful recognition of our community’s determination to make meaningful safety improvements,” he said.
“We thank our partners at Goulburn Murray Water and the Department of Transport and Planning, our Manager Engineering and Assets Ben Gannon, and most importantly, the local residents who provided valuable input throughout the life of the project.”
The roundabout upgrade used more than 1,000 tonnes of recycled materials, including crushed concrete, glass and rubber, reflecting Council’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure.
Mayor, Shane Sali, congratulated the team and the community on a well-deserved national win.
“This project was never just about roads, it was about saving lives,” he said.
“I want to thank everyone involved in delivering this critical safety upgrade. Our community has waited a long time for this, and it is incredibly rewarding to now see such meaningful change recognised on a national stage.”
The intersection, located just one kilometre from Orrvale Primary School, is a key route for parents and local families. Council is now building on the success of this upgrade through its recently adopted Greater Shepparton Mobility and Road Safety Strategy, with a long-term vision of zero serious injuries and fatalities by 2050.
For more information about the project, visit the Major Projects page.
