Horsham Rural City Council is preparing to launch a community survey to better understand the factors residents consider most important in relation to a future bypass.
The draft survey was reviewed at the second meeting of Council's Horsham Bypass Community Reference Group (CRG), held last week. Feedback from the group will help refine the survey ahead of its public release.
Mayor Cr Brian Klowss said input from the CRG had played a key role in shaping the survey.
"Feedback from the CRG's first meeting guided the development of the survey, which was presented in draft form last week," Cr Klowss said.
"Members have provided constructive suggestions to improve the clarity and focus of the questions, ensuring the survey will capture meaningful and relevant community input."
Cr Klowss said the survey would be a critical step in the early stages of the bypass planning process.
"This is an opportunity for the community to tell us what matters most to them when it comes to a bypass," he said.
"That feedback will be used to develop a clear set of objective criteria, which will guide how we assess the potential impacts of different bypass options on our community."
He emphasised that potential bypass routes have not yet been identified.
"It's important that we establish these criteria first, so that any future route options can be assessed in a fair, transparent and evidence-based way," Cr Klowss said.
Final refinements to the survey will be completed this week, with CRG members set to undertake a test run before it is released publicly, expected next week. Once open, the survey will remain available for five weeks to allow ample time for community participation.
Cr Klowss said Council was also keen to ensure inclusive engagement across Horsham's diverse community.
"We want to make sure everyone has the opportunity to be heard," he said.
"If there are specific groups or communities that require tailored engagement, we encourage people to contact Council so we can support their involvement."
Council is committed to maintaining transparency throughout the bypass planning process. The project webpage has recently been updated to include background information and the approved minutes from the first CRG meeting.
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