At its November 24 meeting, Horsham Rural City Council formally endorsed the Horsham Municipal Community Facilities Strategy 2025-2035, a comprehensive long-term plan aimed at improving how community facilities are planned, provided, and managed across the municipality. This Strategy outlines the framework to ensure that Horsham's community facilities continue to meet the needs of residents now and into the future.
Community facilities, such as halls, libraries, sporting pavilions, early years centres, and recreational spaces are essential for fostering social connection, promoting health and wellbeing, and supporting community life at all stages. The Strategy's goal is to ensure these spaces are inclusive, welcoming, accessible, and fit-for-purpose for everyone in the community.
The Strategy sets out a clear vision for the future of Horsham's community facilities. It provides Council with a decision-making framework that will allow for more effective planning, upgrading, and managing of these important spaces while ensuring equitable access and financial sustainability.
Key priorities include ensuring fair distribution and accessibility of community facilities, improving communication and participation, and strengthening facility management. The Strategy also highlights the importance of partnering with government, community groups, and the private sector to achieve the best outcomes.
Horsham Rural City Council Mayor, Cr Brian Klowss, said that the endorsement of the Strategy was an important milestone for the community.
"This Strategy represents a significant step forward in planning for the future of our community facilities," said Cr Klowss.
"Our facilities are the heart of community connection, and this Strategy ensures that we continue to provide spaces that are accessible, welcoming, and meet the needs of our residents now and into the future."
"We've listened closely to the community, and this plan reflects their priorities, whether it's better access, clearer communication, or ensuring that our facilities are used to their full potential."
"Importantly, the Strategy is about more than just infrastructure-it's about creating a network of community spaces that bring people together, support local organisations, and provide opportunities for everyone to participate in social, cultural, and recreational activities," Cr Klowss added.
With the Strategy now endorsed, Council will begin putting the framework into action.
The next steps include reviewing current management arrangements, promoting available spaces, planning for future upgrades, and making decisions about facilities based on demand, evidence, and long-term sustainability.
Council will continue to consult with the community as upgrades are planned or when changes to facility operations are being considered.
The full Horsham Municipal Community Facilities Strategy 2025-2035 is now available and can be downloaded here.
