City brings four projects together
Horsham planning will move into a significant new phase during the next six months when municipal leaders explore ways of growing the city’s socio-economic prospects.
Horsham Rural City Council has launched a Transforming Horsham project, an umbrella concept covering four major projects.
The council has opened a consultation period and is inviting people to have their say on the city’s Open Space Strategy as well as Horsham Urban Transport Plan.
A Horsham South Structure Plan and Wimmera River and Central Activity District Visioning Project will also be open for public engagement in the coming weeks.
Council chief executive Sunil Bhalla said the Transforming Horsham brand was designed to build the community’s understanding that the four strategic plans had the same purpose – to transform Horsham.
“Having four concurrent projects sit under one banner helps us co-ordinate our strategic thinking so that we can map out the best version for Horsham we can possibly imagine,” he said.
Mr Bhalla said Transforming Horsham would continue the momentum of public consultation work completed during the past five years.
“While we are open to new ideas, we are not asking the same questions again. Transforming Horsham will take us from the ‘how’ to exactly ‘what’ we need to do as a priority,” he said.
“We will work with key stakeholders to continue the momentum created through the existing strategic work on the river and central Horsham, while also filling gaps in the areas of integrated transport planning and public open space.
“All existing ideas and knowledge will be brought together and new ideas will be captured.
“The resulting concept plans will provide a clear vision with action plans that will be used to secure public and private-sector investment to make the projects happen.”
The first stage of the river and central Horsham project has already started, with the council working with consultants on stakeholder engagement.
Targeted activities have included workshops with a range of community groups and agency representatives.
Horsham mayor Mark Radford said residents, user groups, businesses and visitors needed to be ‘front and centre’ in guiding the discussion about what the future should hold.
“In mid-april we will be out and about to test community responses to project concepts and we look forward to seeing you there to give us your feedback and hearing from you online,” he said.
“The council has the challenging task of accommodating growth and new development in the Wimmera, while creating modern and successful precincts which improve and protect the character of our local area.
“One way we can take on this challenge and plan for the future is by having community-owned, long-term plans in place.
“This project really is a partnership. It is with your help that we will be able to plan for the future.
“I invite all residents to participate in all community engagement activities across the four projects to share their knowledge and ideas.”
People can find out more on website www.hrcc. vic.gov.au/our-council/community-inform ation/have-your-say/transforming-horsham.