Horsham Rural City Council (HRCC) has welcomed the opportunity to contribute to the Australian Government's National Food Security Strategy through a formal submission to the recent Discussion Paper.
With deep agricultural roots and a strong role in the national food production landscape, Council has positioned itself as a key voice in the development of a strategy that will influence the future of food security across Australia.
Acting Mayor Cr Brian Klowss said Horsham's submission reflects not only the region's significant contribution to food production, but also its long-standing commitment to ensuring rural and regional voices help shape policies that impact their future.
"Food security starts in the regions, and places like Horsham are where the real work of feeding the nation happens," Cr Klowss said.
"Our community is built on generations of agricultural expertise, innovation, and resilience. If Australia is serious about protecting its food future, then it must recognise and invest in regional food-producing areas like the Wimmera."
The Horsham Rural City municipality covers over 4,200 square kilometres and is home to more than 20,000 people, with Horsham serving as the major regional hub. Known for its broadacre and dryland farming, and with key institutions such as the Grains Innovation Park, the region plays a crucial role in both domestic and export food supply chains.
In its submission, Council called for a regional-first approach to food security—one that empowers food-producing areas through targeted investment, long-term planning, and coordinated action to address systemic barriers.
Recommendations from HRCC include protecting high-value agricultural land from competing land uses, investing in critical infrastructure and housing to support workforce retention, and prioritising strong, well-connected regional cities that serve as economic anchors for food-producing regions.
"To build a secure food future, we need national strategies that recognise regional strengths and challenges," Cr Klowss said.
"That means supporting the local workforce, protecting our productive land, and ensuring the right infrastructure and services are in place. Regional cities like Horsham are the heartbeat of agricultural economies—we need to be at the centre of this conversation."
Council also highlighted the importance of cross-sector collaboration, advocating for stronger integration between all levels of government, industry, and community to ensure the Strategy delivers long-term, practical solutions.
The Australian Government's Feeding Australia: National Food Security Strategy will be informed by submissions to the discussion paper, and Horsham Rural City Council is proud to be among the regional leaders speaking up for sustainable, secure, and inclusive food systems.
