Horsham Rural City Council has confirmed the selection of members for its Community Reference Group (CRG), marking an important step in shaping Council's understanding of community views on a potential Horsham Bypass.
The CRG will bring together a diverse cross-section of the community, including eight area-based representatives, along with members representing the retail / service sector, agriculture and the transport industry.
The group will work alongside Councillors-chaired by the Mayor-and supported by non-voting Council officers, to ensure a broad range of perspectives are considered as Council begins its consideration of a preferred alignment for a Horsham bypass.
Mayor Cr Brian Klowss said the strong response to the call for nominations highlighted the community's interest in the future of Horsham's transport network.
"Horsham Rural City Council is committed to ensuring community voices are at the centre of any future decision about a potential bypass," the Mayor said.
"We were pleased with the diversity of applications received. The selected members bring valuable local knowledge and lived experience that will help Council better understand the opportunities and challenges associated with a bypass."
The CRG has been established following Council's decision in December to create a structured, community-informed process to explore a potential bypass that could connect the Western, Henty and Wimmera Highways.
Mayor Cr Brian Klowss said Council had not yet formed a position on whether a bypass should proceed, or on a preferred route.
"This is not a foregone conclusion," Cr Klowss said.
"We are at the early stages of this process, and the role of the CRG is to ensure that Council's eventual position is informed by genuine community input and careful consideration of all its impacts."
Community Reference Group members are as below:
- Community East Rural - Jamie Sleep
- Community East Urban - June Liddy
- Community North Rural - Sheridan Clancy
- Community North Urban - Shayne Keenan
- Community South Rural - Leoni Heard
- Community South Urban - Rob Moir
- Community West Rural - Danielle Moore
- Community West Urban - Glenn Ryan
- Industry - Transport - Greg Schultz
- Industry - Agricultural Business - Peter Moore
- Industry - Retail or Service - Brian Watts
The CRG will operate under a framework designed to guide discussions and ensure all relevant factors are considered. In parallel, Council will continue to engage with Government agencies through a separate forum, with the outcomes from these discussions being shared with the CRG to assist in its deliberations.
Final recommendations from the CRG are expected to be presented to Council in early 2027.
Council thanks all community members who expressed interest in participating and encourages residents to stay engaged as the process continues.
