Horsham Rural City Council has resolved to give formal notice of its intention to withdraw from Wimmera Southern Mallee Development (WSMD), the economic development organisation for the region, by 30 June 2026.
The decision was made at the June Council Meeting, where Councillors voted to begin the process of exiting the organisation and to reduce Council's financial contribution to WSMD for the 2025–2026 financial year. The contribution will drop to $100,000, down from the $238,656 previously forecast.
Council cited a misalignment between its strategic priorities and those of WSMD as the key reason for its decision to withdraw. WSMD works across the Wimmera and Southern Mallee, representing the municipalities of Horsham, West Wimmera, Hindmarsh, Yarriambiack and Buloke. The organisation focuses on regional growth and development across economic, cultural, social, and environmental areas.
Council's decision includes a transition period during which WSMD will continue to deliver on key priorities relevant to Horsham Rural City Council, including agricultural development, workforce planning, regional leadership, drought resilience and telecommunications improvement.
As part of the shift, Council is exploring options to bring certain economic development responsibilities back in-house, with the aim of aligning those efforts more directly with local goals and strategies.
Council's formal withdrawal from WSMD will take effect on 30 June 2026.
