Horsham recently had the privilege of welcoming the Governor, Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, offering a valuable opportunity to showcase the innovation and expertise that continues to shape our region.
A highlight of the visit was the Horsham SmartFarm, home to one of only two major agricultural genebanks in Australia, which plays a critical role in securing genetic resources for future-ready grain crops. Spanning 600 hectares, the SmartFarm is at the forefront of grains research, featuring world-class facilities including the new Plant Protein Hub and leading plant pathology teams focused on disease management. The visit highlighted not only the scale of work happening here, but also the vital role Horsham plays in supporting Australia's agricultural future.
The Governor also explored a number of exciting projects across energy, manufacturing and logistics, reflecting the strong growth underway in our region. At the SEC Renewable Energy Park, the scale of investment was clear, with more than 212,000 solar panels and a new battery storage facility set to power over 50,000 homes by 2027.
The visit continued to the Wimmera Agricultural and Logistics Hub, including the SCT Intermodal Freight Terminal and the soon-to-open Farm Frites processing facility, a major investment for our local economy. A briefing with Council highlighted both the opportunities and challenges ahead, while a visit to Longrenong College showcased the importance of local education in developing future agricultural leaders. Together, these visits reinforced Horsham's position as a hub for innovation, sustainability and regional growth.
