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Our community. Our voice.

LOU
COSTA

Community Independent
for Shepparton District

I will always listen first, and always put the Goulburn Valley before politics.

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Lou Costa seated outdoors wearing red pants
Putting the Goulburn Valley first.
Lou Costa seated outdoors

I was born and raised in the Goulburn Valley and am now raising my family here.

I have lived, worked and played in the Goulburn Valley all my life. My parents met at SPC after their families made this region home.

For 25 years, I have worked alongside the local construction industry through my landscape design and consultation business. As an active Landcare member and community volunteer, I bring people together to build healthier communities and landscapes.

I want a Goulburn Valley where families have great schools and parks, businesses thrive, and planning happens with communities.

Why I’m standing

Listen to Lou

Lou on One FM.

Lou joins Josh Revens on One FM 98.5 to discuss why she’s standing, her values and her priorities for Shepparton District.

Interview by Josh Revens · One FM 98.5 Shepparton
First aired 16 October 2026 · 13 minutes · Listen on SoundCloud

The embedded player uses SoundCloud cookies. SoundCloud cookie policy.

Lou’s commitment

A healthier, fairer, more hopeful Goulburn Valley.

I will always listen first.

I will make decisions based on evidence and consultation.

I will work constructively with whoever forms government.

I will put our people ahead of political aspiration and vested interests.

Our priorities

What I’m fighting for.

A future where people, agriculture, the environment and small business can thrive.

Shaped by the Voices for Goulburn Valley Community Listening Report and the issues raised by 1,014 people. Select a priority to read more.

01

Meaningful cost of living solutions

  • Lower household energy bills through electrification and energy efficiency.
  • More affordable childcare and housing, protections for renters, and ongoing support for food distribution through Foodshare Shepparton.
02

Better healthcare, closer to home

  • Complete the Integrated Cancer Centre and Cardiac Care Clinics at Goulburn Valley Health.
  • Support preventative healthcare, mental health services, specialist clinics and more bulk-billing options.
03

Prepare for a changing climate

  • Invest in flood resilience, disaster preparation and places of refuge.
  • Coordinate warnings, emergency response and ongoing support for people affected by disasters.
04

Healthy landscapes and waterways

  • Protect and enhance remnant vegetation, waterways and wildlife reserves.
  • Support water efficiency, pest and weed control, and projects that benefit both agriculture and the environment.
05

A community where everyone belongs

  • Support multicultural organisations and celebrate our community’s languages, cultures and stories.
  • Stand against racism and division, and encourage community participation and volunteering.
06

Affordable, efficient housing

  • Support affordable, energy-efficient homes with lower running and maintenance costs.
  • Expand local apprenticeships, traineeships and advanced manufacturing to build the homes of the future.
07

Better roads and transport

  • Coordinate state and local funding to repair roads properly.
  • Provide more regular public transport between smaller towns, Shepparton and beyond, alongside safe cycling connections.
08

Integrity and accountability

  • Strengthen transparency in political donations, lobbying and decision-making.
  • Listen to the community, report regularly on my work, and support stronger measures to prevent corruption.
09

Great public education

  • Protect and expand free GoTAFE, support a modern tech school and improve local education pathways.
  • Invest in public schools, teachers, early learning and education opportunities that reflect our diverse community.
10

Safer homes and communities

  • Support early intervention and better services for victims of crime and domestic violence.
  • Address the causes of harm alongside support for people who feel unsafe or vulnerable.

Across our region

What an independent could work towards.

Explore our region and the priorities Lou would advocate for as a Community Independent. These are goals for the future, shaped by community listening.

Goulburn Valley townsIllustrative regional location map showing Nathalia and Numurkah north of Shepparton, Mooroopna and Tatura. Select a town to view its location on OpenStreetMap.GOULBURN VALLEYNNathalia — explore the town’s locationNathaliaNumurkah — explore the town’s locationNumurkahShepparton — explore the town’s locationSheppartonMooroopna — explore the town’s locationMooroopnaTatura — explore the town’s locationTaturaSelect a town to explore its location ↗

Illustrative town locations. This map does not show electorate boundaries or project sites.

A stronger voice for communities across Shepparton District

Healthcare closer to home

Advocate for the Integrated Cancer Centre and Cardiac Care Clinics at Goulburn Valley Health, alongside mental health and specialist services.

Roads and transport

Work towards properly repaired roads and more regular public transport between smaller towns, Shepparton and beyond.

Flood resilience and healthy waterways

Advocate for disaster preparation, coordinated warnings and support for landscapes, waterways and water efficiency.

Homes, education and opportunity

Support affordable, energy-efficient homes, public education and local apprenticeships and training pathways.

These priorities apply across the district. They are advocacy goals, not completed projects or commitments of secured funding.

Explore all priorities

Community independent

Our people
will be my party.

Accountable to you. Guided by our community.

I am standing as a Community Independent because priorities and decisions should be shaped through listening, consultation and informed debate.

Every vote should be considered on its merits, based on what is best for our community. I will make evidence-based decisions, be transparent about how I make them, and work constructively across political divides.

Be part of the campaign
Lou Costa with a member of the local community

Testimonials

Why people support Lou.

Hear from people in our community.

Read testimonials

Get involved

Let’s build our
future together.

We need to imagine a future that is fulfilling, safe, purposeful and joyful. If we can imagine it, we can build it.

Give your time.

Join the volunteer team and help bring our community’s voice into the campaign.

Volunteer

Come along.

Meet Lou, connect with local people and join a conversation about our region’s future.

Campaign events

Let’s talk.

Have a question or an issue you’d like to share? Get in touch with Lou’s campaign team.

Email the team