Horsham Rural City Council has earmarked five priority projects for which it is seeking State Government funding in the lead-up to next year's Victorian State Election.
These upgrades and revitalisation works represent projects of significance to our community's security, Council's commitment to meeting infrastructure needs, and to transforming community spaces and facilities:
Horsham CBD CCTV Upgrade
The CCTV system in the CBD is ageing, and a replacement like-for-like system is required.
There would be no change to its functionality, and higher quality cameras would ensure the new system has a longer life, and provide increased security for businesses, at public open spaces, and for the community at large.
Council is seeking $600,000 in election funding towards the total cost of $900,000.
The State Government contribution would cover equipment and installation. Council would contribute $300,000 over a five-year period to maintain the system.
Aerodrome Upgrades
The regional significance of Horsham Aerodrome has increased markedly in recent years, in particular in its capabilities to support emergency services.
It is an important local base for air tanker aircraft during the fire season, and supports more than 500 Air Ambulance transports every year. The airfield also hosts two aircraft maintenance businesses and pilot training services.
However, important upgrade work is required to the lighting system and the apron area, at a total cost of $1.06 million.
Council is seeking State Government support of $600,000, with Council contributing the balance of $460,000.
Cameron Oval, Laharum – Community Facility
Cameron Oval supports a very active and strong local community in Laharum, and has served as a key staging area for emergency services during several recent fires in the northern Grampians.
Council is eager to construct a new 350 sqm multipurpose facility to support local AFL football, cricket, tennis, school and general use, transforming the site into a vibrant community hub.
Total cost is $1.7 million. Council is seeking a $1,275,000 commitment from the State Government, representing 75 per cent of the cost.
Council will contribute $425,000, with the potential for some of that to be a local community contribution.
Horsham Railway Corridor Revitalisation
Revitalisation of this area between North Horsham and the city centre will play a major role in connecting our community, with improved pedestrian and bicycle links, parking and landscaping.
The Horsham Rail Corridor Master Plan was prepared to identify how better connections across the rail corridor would improve the image of the area through effective and sustainable urban renewal.
A detailed design, including a new pedestrian underpass, has already been completed.
The total project cost is $11.7 million. Council is seeking State Government funding of $1.75 million towards the $3.5 million cost of landscaping, and a further of $8.2 million for the pedestrian underpass.
A-Double Truck Readiness
The volume of A-Double and B-Triple heavy vehicle combinations is continuing to increase on both state arterial roads and local government roads across the municipality.
Council identifies upgrades to these busy freight routes each year, with both State and Federal Government funding a critical component, and recognises the limited load capacity of some of the region's bridges.
HRCC has identified a cost-effective five-year program of analysis, design and construction works to improve bridge load capacity, with current works at Gross Bridge serving as a forerunner to works that will follow on other bridges, pending funding availability.
Council is seeking $2.5 million in State Government funding to meet 50 per cent of the cost.
"Councils only collect around 3.5 per cent of taxation nationally and need support from other levels of government to provide and maintain local infrastructure and assets," said Acting Mayor Brian Klowss.
"These State Government grants are of critical importance, because they permit local councils to determine where the money is most needed.
"A lot of work has already gone into preparing these submissions, much of which has been informed by ongoing community engagement.
"Successful funding support for these projects will not only help us improve regional infrastructure, they will also benefit our community's overall liveability, security and safety."
For more details of these projects, visit: https://www.hrcc.vic.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/1/document-resources/state-election-2026-priorities-final.pdf
