At its meeting on Monday 24 November, Horsham Rural City Council endorsed a proposal to include the construction of a new footpath along a section of Williams Road in its 2026-27 budget planning.
A request for the footpath was first submitted in February 2025. At that time, the assessment found the proposal to be outside Council's normal service standards, primarily due to Weldon Power Court being zoned Rural Living.
In August, residents formally lodged a petition, prompting further investigation and engagement with the local community. A meeting was subsequently held between residents and Council staff, where several key issues and benefits were raised, including:
- Concerns for the safety of local children, who currently face higher risk from Williams Road traffic without a dedicated path.
- Increased traffic volumes associated with the nearby solar farm construction, heightening current safety concerns.
- The mobility needs of grandparents, residents using mobility scooters, and at least one resident who uses a wheelchair, all of whom would benefit from improved accessibility.
- Residents clarified they were not seeking a high-specification concrete path but simply a functional link connecting them to the Horsham urban path network.
- The area is used by recreational cyclists and pedestrians who would also benefit from improved connections.
Although footpaths in new subdivisions are normally the responsibility of developers, Council acknowledged that:
- The development was completed several decades ago.
- The area sits within the former City of Horsham boundary and could reasonably have been expected to include residential-standard infrastructure.
- The proposed gravel-surface path is a modest and cost-effective solution.
On this basis, Council resolved to include provision for the footpath in its 2026-27 budget planning.
Acting Mayor Cr Brian Klowss said this decision reflects Council's commitment to listening to the community and acting when there's clear local demand.
"Residents have been really clear about how much this footpath would help with safety, accessibility and other community benefits, and Council has listened. It's a straightforward project that will improve the area for families, older residents and anyone getting around. Council is happy to take this next step and include it in next year's budget."
