Aquamoves Lakeside Shepparton

Shepparton is in the running to be named Australia’s best walking town, as part of a competition by Prevention magazine in conjunction with Channel 7 Sunrise morning program.

Shepparton has been shortlisted in the Top 10 places to be voted as Australia's best walking town, it was announced this week.

Greater Shepparton Mayor Geoff Dobson is encouraging residents to vote for Shepparton on the Prevention magazine website or using the entry form in the current edition.

"Several months ago Prevention magazine and Sunrise asked viewers and readers to nominate the best walking town and yesterday we were told that Shepparton has been shortlisted in the Top 10 Australia wide," Cr Dobson said.

"I would like to thank everyone who nominated Shepparton - I totally agree with you, as we have some of the best walking tracks around.

"Shepparton's walking tracks along the Broken River, around Jordan's Bend and the beauty of the whole Yanha Gurtji Shared Path Network are a delight.

"I personally get out there almost every day for about an hour - it is definitely a time I look forward to."

Shepparton has some prestigious company, with Canberra, Bright, Launceston, Esperance, Adelaide, Narooma, Port Macquarie, Noosa Heads and Townsville making up the top 10.

"This is great national exposure for Shepparton and the competition will bring both tourism and media coverage to our area," he said.

"Council has invested a lot of money into our shared path network, so it is pleasing to see our residents and visitors value the benefits they bring to the region. 

"The Council has also been actively encouraging resident live a healthy life and to get out and experience the walking paths by organising many great initiatives, including our annual Pedometer Challenge and regular Twilight Strolls.

"As well as encouraging people to get online and vote, most importantly I'd encourage people to get out there and experience the beautiful surrounds of our walking tracks."

People can vote by visiting the following link... Click here to vote! Voting closes Wednesday 30 June 2010.