Opportunity for riverside café

Mobile café operators keen to establish a café by the Wimmera River can submit an expression of interest to Horsham Rural City Council.

The café would be based near Horsham Soundshell at Sawyer Park.

Council planning and economic director Angela Murphy said attracting patronage and stimulating activity along the river corridor was among the council’s priorities.

“Horsham’s council plan and ongoing community feedback has identified the Wimmera River as being one of the key attributes of the city,” she said.

“Council sees a cafe by the river as one way of increasing activity in the area. It’s also important to ensure commercial activities are compatible with the Wimmera River’s environmental and recreation purposes.”

Ms Murphy said the council would look to run a 12-month trial to gauge patronage.

“We will also assess any site-related issues with a view to informing the council about the nature of the business model, infrastructure and regulatory requirements for the longer term,” she said.

Ms Murphy said interested parties could also submit an alternative proposal.

“Having a hospitality service along the river means we can use the Wimmera River corridor to contribute to Horsham’s economy,” she said.

“Other benefits would be the ability to incorporate and showcase local produce as well as promoting our river as a key community recreational asset.”

People can visit the council’s website, www.hrcc.vic.gov.au or call the council’s contract co-ordinator Michelle Plain on 5382 9745 or email michelle.plain@hrcc.vic.gov.au for more information. People can make submissions online at www.tendersearch. com.au/horsham-rural-city-council by June 18.