Horsham Rural City Council has marked a year of significant achievement— delivering projects and services that support residents now and into the future.
Council embraced 2025 as a year of opportunity and renewal, following the election of a new Council and the employment of a new CEO.
"While there have been many challenges, our overall progress has been very positive," said Horsham Rural City Council Mayor Cr Brian Klowss.
"Our Councillors have played a pivotal role, adopting a Ways of Working Charter that underscores respect, commitment and strong connection to the community.
"Our staff have again put in a massive effort, and I thank them for seeing the year through with such impressive dedication and teamwork.
"Together, Council has accomplished much during 2025."
Advocacy and leadership
Among the year's key advocacy achievements, Council has:
- Joined with six councils across the Wimmera Southern Mallee to form the Wimmera Southern Mallee Councils Alliance, strengthening regional advocacy.
- Called on the State Government to review drought funding eligibility criteria that excluded farmers despite severe conditions.
- Contributed to the Australian Government's National Food Security Strategy, advocating a regional-first approach with targeted investment and long-term planning.
- Joined regional leaders and industry representatives at a high-level forum at Parliament House to collaborate on housing, infrastructure and economic development.
- Condemned the Victorian Government's Emergency Services Levy increase, standing alongside farmers and CFA volunteers in successfully calling for its reconsideration.
- Urged clarification of conditions and environmental safeguards for the proposed Avonbank Mineral Sands Project prior to any mining licence decision.
- Endorsed a submission to VicGrid's Draft Victorian Transmission Plan, calling for farmland protection, fair landholder compensation, transparent approvals and lasting local benefits.
"Significantly, the extra work put in behind the scenes by Council officers has earned recognition from our community," Cr Klowss said.
"In the 2025 Local Government Community Satisfaction Survey, Council's 'Overall Council Direction' score increased from 37 to 61 — the largest improvement recorded among all Victorian councils — and all nine benchmark indices improved."
Culture, arts and events
Council delivered major cultural milestones during the year, including securing a nationally significant exhibition for the Horsham Regional Art Gallery. Artworks from the National Gallery of Australia will be displayed for the next two years in the Highlights from the National Gallery Collection, featuring celebrated regional artists and landmark-inspired works.
Council also committed funding to reopen The Wesley, Horsham's much-loved performing arts venue, closed since 2017. Horsham RegFest 2025 attracted more than 1,000 visitors and launched the new events stage at Horsham City Oval, while youth creativity shone through with Horsham represented at the statewide FReeZa Summit, and the creation of the Skate Bowl Anti-Graffiti Mural.
Community safety, health and wellbeing
Council supported a strong multi-agency response to the Little Desert and Grampians fires, establishing a relief centre to facilitate the evacuation of Dimboola, supporting recovery and keeping the community informed.
New bike patrols were introduced across trails and reserves, the Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026-2029 was updated, and Council continued delivering Supported Playgroup programs for families with children aged 0-5.
Planning for the future
Following extensive community consultation, Council released the Municipal Community Facilities Strategy 2025-2035, providing long-term direction for facility planning and management.
Key strategic documents adopted included the Horsham 2041 Community Vision, Council Plan 2025-2029, Revenue and Rating Plan, Budget 2025-2035, and Annual Report 2024-25. Heritage Amendment C85hors was also prepared to better protect locally significant places.
Growth, planning and building
Planning and Building teams completed the draft Horsham and Natimuk Housing Strategy, assessed 106 planning applications valued at $914 million, and approved major developments including the SEC Solar Farm and Farm Frites.
Building Services maintained a 98.9 per cent inspection rate across 767 pools and spas.
Infrastructure and capital works
Major infrastructure works progressed across the municipality, including reconstructions of Alexander Avenue, Dimboola-Minyip Road and Polkemmet Road, nine bridge defect repairs, and completion of the Riverside Bridge pedestrian attachment.
The City Oval playground and construction of the Netball Pavilion are complete, and the Lukin Park development has delivered new landscaping, irrigation and footpaths. Safety upgrades were completed at multiple sites, while fabrication of the Dadswells Bridge pedestrian bridge is underway following last year's fire.
Environment, waste and assets
Council launched the HRCC Waste App to improve bin reminders and recycling information, continued high-quality oval and wicket maintenance, and invested in new infrastructure equipment.
Aerodrome drainage improvements — supported by GWMWater and government funding — now protect nearby farmland, roads and aviation safety.
Strong organisation and engagement
Council strengthened its organisation through a new HR management system, staff training programs and a new Enterprise Agreement (2025-2028) and recruitment.
Corporate Services delivered extensive community engagement, including weekly eNewsletters, public notices, 162 media releases and strong participation through Have Your Say. Customer Service responded to 6,901 requests, along with complaints, compliments and FOI enquiries.
Cr Klowss said Council's work was guided by its Councillor Ways of Working Charter.
"Being respectful and genuine, doing what we say we will do, staying connected to our community and remaining future-focused and optimistic — these values underpin everything we've delivered this year."
