Horsham Rural City Council is calling for residents to be part of a Community Panel that will play a central role in establishing a 20-year vision for the municipality.
Mayor Robyn Gulline said Council would partner with the community across the next six months to design the future of our region through the Horsham Rural City Talks project.
"A Community Vision will set out the long-term social, economic, cultural and environmental aspirations of the Horsham region. It will capture the community's voice about what is important now and in the future," Cr Gulline said.
Horsham Rural City Talks is a campaign to get everyone talking about the future of our municipality. After a tough year for many last year, we want to make the most of the opportunity a new year and a new Council present, to get people talking about what we value most and what needs to change.
"The Community Vision will be developed and owned by the community with Council facilitating a collaborative process with assistance from skilled independent facilitators. Together, we will explore what we want our municipality to be like 20 years from now, and decide on what we need to prioritise to achieve the outcomes we want."
The Community Vision will be used to guide planning and decision-making - in particular the four-year Council Plan.
Between February and June 2021 there will be opportunities to contribute to Horsham Rural City Talks including surveys, hosted Community Conversations and the new Community Panel.
"We want you to imagine the Horsham region in 2041," Cr Gulline said.
"What do you hope our community will look, feel and be like? What would you change? What do we need to focus on to make Horsham Rural City the best it can be?
"No matter where you live in our municipality, we want to hear your opinions and ideas on these important questions."
Council is currently seeking expressions of interest from residents to be part of the Horsham Rural City Talks Community Panel, and encouraging all members of the community to host a Community Conversation.
The Community Panel will be made up of about 40 people of different ages, backgrounds, locations and interests.
Panel members don't need any special knowledge to take part and will be selected by independent consultants.
Expression of interest close 31 March, 2021.
