‘Difficult decisions’

Community members have criticised Horsham Rural City councillors for a lack of leadership and governance after they failed to agree on a position regarding a Horsham bypass.

But Horsham chief executive Peter Brown believes the council needs time to go through the process.

“Councillors are faced with a decision,” he said.

“There has been a level of uneasiness in each of the councils dealing with the issue since 2008. No route options are perfect. Every potential route has pros and cons.

“I believe the council reflects the community and like the community, councillors have different views.

“They will continue to talk about it and difficult I imagine at some point, will come to a resolution. But that resolution has to happen naturally and not be forced.”

Mr Brown said councillors would debate the matter further at a public council meeting at Wesley Performing Arts Centre on Monday night at 5.30pm.

“We are a good community and the people involved in this care about the outcome,” he said.

“We need to respect each other as we debate.”

The council’s decision to endorse a Mcbryde Street site for a proposed multi-use indoor sports stadium has also drawn criticism from several community members, particularly those pushing for a Horsham West site.

“The council at this stage has made a decision on the site for the stadium,” Mr Brown said.

“It hasn’t made a decision on whether to proceed at this point.”

Mr Brown said the council had an opportunity to apply for State Government funding this year.

“It is important the community understands for us to have a chance of securing government funds, the community needs to have one voice,” he said.

“One way to ensure we won’t get government funding is if we continue to argue about the site.

“It happened in 1999 when the council looked at an indoor leisure centre and swimming pool and they had to wait another five years.”

People can visit www.hrcc.vic.gov.au/ have-your-say for more information about the indoor stadium and to provide feedback.