Works to install lighting along Wimmera River walking and cycling tracks will begin next week.
The project will see overhead LED lights added along the river between Menadue Street and the Anzac Bridge, including the Wotonga Basin.
Infrastructure Director John Martin said many Horsham people exercised along the paths during daylight hours and the new lighting would give them reassurance to also use the area when it's dark.
"The Wimmera River is Horsham's greatest natural asset. Additional lighting will enhance the perceived and actual safety for users along key tracks that connect residential areas to the river," Mr Martin said.
"The community should see lights going up by early July and lights being switched on by the end of July," he said.
Horsham Rural City Council (HRCC) last year successfully applied for $173,000 in funding from the Victorian Government's Public Safety Infrastructure Fund.
HRCC has contributed $90,464 from its own budget and local contractors will carry out the installation.
"The project's funding is good news because activating the Wimmera River foreshore through central Horsham is a priority for Council," Mr Martin said.
Mr Martin said landscaping improvements would also be included in the project.
"Pruning of low to mid-height shrubs along particular sections of the track will also improve visibility and enhance people's perception of feeling safe," he said.
Barengi Gadjin Land Council is a key stakeholder and has assisted with the project's planning stage.
Lighting the river tracks has also received support from local groups such as Horsham Bicycle Advisory Committee, Horsham Parkrun group, Horsham Running Group and Horsham Saints Football Netball Club.
PROJECT DETAILS:
- Lighting along Menadue Street (150m)
- Lighting at the Watonga Basin (250m)
- South of the river east of the Western Highway bridge (950m)
- South of the river west of the Western Highway bridge (1.1km)
