Horsham's Riverfront Activation project has received a major boost after the Victorian Government announced it would support the development with a $500,000 grant.
The State's commitment means that all three tiers of government will contribute to the project – the first sub-precinct of the City to River Masterplan to be implemented.
Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack last year visited Horsham to announce a $1.65 million contribution from the Federal Government and Horsham Rural City Council (HRCC) will invest $850,000 from its own budget.
Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack announced Commonwealth funding last year.
HRCC Chief Executive Officer Sunil Bhalla said the State Government funding had brought the total project budget to $3 million.
He said the money would be spent on activating the riverfront – which involved making the area more inviting and improving its links with the central activity district.
"The priority focus along the riverfront includes the area between the rowing clubrooms in the west to the east side of the Wimmera Bridge," Mr Bhalla said.
"Concepts for this space will be drawn from public input provided through the initial engagement held in 2019, as well as consultation with groups located in and adjacent to the space," he said.
Mr Bhalla said the Community Reference Group (CRG) would help turn those existing ideas into detailed plans that would be put out for public comment later this year.
"The CRG will ensure concepts and costs are 'road tested' with stakeholders and the public, and that the final design reflects a development that our community will be satisfied with and excited to see delivered," he said.
"Many ideas were put forward through the first phase engagement for the City to River Master plan on how to enhance and improve the riverfront. There is now an opportunity available through Federal and State Government funding to develop this valuable public space so that it can work even better for our community."
Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes announced the state funding this week along with 34 other projects across Victoria delivered through the Regional Infrastructure Fund.
"Regional Victoria is critical to supporting our state's recovery from the impacts of coronavirus and we're backing projects in our regions that will drive jobs and community growth," Ms Symes said.
"While we can't enjoy our halls and parks and other community facilities right now, it's important that we continue investing in them and create jobs."
Online Information Session
An online community information session was hosted by the Community Reference Group on 14 May.
