Council
26 December, 2023
A busy, momentous year
Responsible for delivering facilities and infrastructure and over 80 services for our community, 2023 has been a very busy year for Horsham Rural City Council as we strive to achieve the 2041 community vision.
Introduced in March, the new 4-Bin Better Sorted Waste program has been well received.
Thanks to the commitment of our community, by July over 50 per cent of our waste was being diverted away from landfill. This is a substantial achievement in a few months.
Implementation of the 2021 Parking Management Plan involved new meter technology and parking rules.
In September, after listening to community feedback, Council reviewed the rules and made changes including free accessible parking.
It was exciting to see the youth of our community take part in the democratic process and elect our new Youth Council as part of the Young Mayor’s Program.
Your Junior Councillors are working hard to deliver a range of projects in 2024.
Council adopted and implemented a new logo which reflects the colours and shapes of our local environment.
This is Council’s third logo in 29 years and its delivery cost a total of $370,000 across two financial years.
Throughout 2023, community feedback has been sought on a diverse array of plans including the Disability and Inclusion Plan, Natimuk Social and Economic Plan, Flood amendment, Horsham South Structure Plan, Urban Renewal Redevelopment Plan, Play spaces, Early Years, and the Railway Corridor Landscape Plan.
These plans incorporate practical actions that will deliver benefits to our community now and into the future. Thank you to everyone who took the time to provide feedback.
From planning to delivery of major infrastructure projects takes years, so it was momentous to welcome the Prime Minister to Horsham in June to officially open the Nature and Water Play Park and Wimmera River re-development.
Also significant were the delivery of the Hamilton Street Pedestrian Bridge, accessible changerooms at the Aquatic Centre, Quanto ng Oval upgrades, widening of key rural freight routes, and 2022 flood damaged road and bridge repairs completed.
City Oval re-development has commenced with the netball courts, events stage and Hocking Street works underway.
Tenders are being sought for the netball pavilion and government funding applications for the main pavilion are progressing.
After many years of debate, Council resolved on the location and format of the indoor-outdoor multi-sport precincts. Funding for the detailed designs for the Indoor stadium is now being sought.
Thank you to the community members who have provided valuable advice to Council through Community Reference Groups, Advisory Committees, completed surveys, attended the Expo or Community Conversations.
Your time and considered feedback is very much appreciated.
Wishing you a safe and happy Christmas.
Robyn Gulline
Horsham Rural City Council Mayor