A suite of advocacy priorities has been developed to push the case for the Horsham region at the upcoming State Election.
Horsham Rural City Council has advocated for funding priorities based on its strategic planning documents, all of which were shaped by extensive community engagement.
Council has shared the advocacy priorities with Victorian Government as well as the opposition, in an effort to secure funding commitments for projects that will make the municipality a better place.
"It's an exciting time for our community, with a whole range of major projects and initiatives planned for delivery, all of which are vital to allowing us to thrive as a regional city," Mayor Robyn Gulline said.
"All of these initiatives we are pushing for are closely linked to the strategies and policies that our community has helped us put together.
"It's important for us that no matter what we do at Council, we're aligning our initiatives with the vision we have so we can continue to deliver great outcomes for the community.
"The $2.8 million we've already attracted from the State Government for our regional city this year is very welcome and shows strong support for the City Oval/Sawyer Park redevelopment," she said.
Ahead of the state election, Council has advocated for funding for the following projects which are well scoped and ready to progress when funding is received:
Horsham North Rail Corridor Revitalisation
In 2016, a Master Plan was developed to explore how to create better connections across Horsham's rail corridor. This document was designed as a blueprint for new infrastructure, investment and land uses along the rail corridor.
Benefit include the improved perception of Horsham North and re-integration of Horsham North into the wider Horsham community.
HRCC is seeking funding to deliver the revitalisation in three stages.
Horsham City Oval/Sawyer Park Redevelopment
The City Oval and Sawyer Park concept plan was adopted in 2020 meeting. HRCC is now seeking funding from state and federal governments to deliver the plan in stages.
Upgrades required are expansion of the size of the playing field, a new multi-purpose pavilion and clubrooms and covered spectator areas.
A multipurpose events stage, netball pavilion and a second court have already been funded.
Cameron Oval, Laharum Community Facility
Replacement of ageing community infrastructure at the Laharum sporting precinct to support local AFL football, cricket, tennis, school use and the general community. New 350 sqm multi-purpose facility (AFL compliant) with solar panels.
Horsham Aquatic Centre
Council has completed the first stage of the Aquatic Centre Masterplan including significant works to the indoor and outdoor pool.
The following projects are the next two stages of the Masterplan to be delivered:
Hydrotherapy Pool (Masterplan Stage 2)
A publically accessible hydrotherapy pool will provide important health and wellbeing outcomes for all ages, with hydrotherapy used in pain relief and treatments for a range of illnesses and conditions.
Accessible change rooms (ALREADY FUNDED)
Council last year welcomed a $331,000 Commonwealth Government contribution that will deliver new accessible change rooms at Horsham Aquatic Centre. The project has gone to tender and works will begin in the coming months.
Horsham Shade
Project to enhance Horsham Central Activity District streetscapes with increase from 11 per cent to 40 per cent tree canopy cover by 2040.
This project involves the planting and ongoing maintenance of 5000 trees.
Benefit
Increasing the shade cover in Horsham will help to cool our streetscapes and open spaces, offering protection from the sun as tree canopy reflects, rather than absorbs the heat of the sun. An increased canopy cover will reduce energy usage in Horsham and also provide health benefits for the community with greater connection to nature through the increased presence of trees, now and for future generations.
Project Value
$2 million
Enterprise Industrial Estate Stage 1
Horsham is ready for investment to develop the region's available commercial and industrial land.
Council has a plan to develop the Enterprise Industrial Estate on Plumpton Road as a key part of the region's industrial assets.
Securing investment into commercial and industrial land development will assist Horsham with increasing our export market and provide future opportunities for value-adding industries. Investment will enable an increase in the number of high paying jobs as well as enable existing businesses to experiment with value-add options.
External funding will help deliver an industrial area that is ready for market and attractive for potential investors.
Mount Zero/Grampians Peaks Trail access road
The Grampians Peaks Trail, a world-class 14 day trail across the Grampians National Park was completed last year. Mount Zero as the northern gateway requires the provision of trailhead facilities such as shelter, toilet facilities, secure parking and other amenities. It also requires an access road to cater for the increased volume of traffic.
Cr Gulline said that Council's advocacy agenda had come at an important time for the Horsham region.
"We know that the last two and a half years have been challenging for our community, but if we can receive that government support to deliver these major projects, it will go a long way in continuing to make the Wimmera a great place to live, work, play and invest."
