Priority projects, actions outlined

H“This is an excellent opportunity for the community to be actively involved in shaping a better future for everyone in the community” – David Bowe

orsham Rural City residents can have their say about priority actions and projects for the coming year.

Horsham Rural City Council has released a 13-page draft Annual Action Plan 2023-24 for public comment.

The draft plan identifies actions to achieve the priorities and initiatives of the Council Plan and defines performance measures and expected timeframes. It lists the actions and measures under five strategic objective themes – community, liveability, sustainability, accessibility and leadership.

The one-year plan is renewed annually, and sits within a broader framework from the council’s four-year Council Plan – including its Health and Wellbeing Plan – and its 20-year Community Vision, which were both developed in 2021.

Councillor David Bowe called for a monthlong community consultation period to allow people time to read the document and provide their feedback.

His motion gained unanimous support at the council’s latest meeting last week.

“The HRCC 12-monthly Annual Action Plan is an important document.

“It outlines the council’s objectives, goals and initiatives for the following year – however, community feedback is crucial for ensuring this plan aligns with its needs and provides for our community.

“This is an excellent opportunity for the community to be actively involved in shaping a better future for everyone in the community.”

Actions relating to community call to increase use of council-owned venues, recreational facilities and open spaces; support the Wesley Performing Arts Centre committee to resume operations; and ensure culture is protected in consultation with Traditional Owners.

With regards to liveability, the council will seek to finalise a master plan for Dudley Cornell Park and review its early years plan among other actions.

Sustainability actions consider town and locality future planning, infrastructure needs, innovation, partnerships and funding; while accessibility actions consider both people and infrastructure planning.

The ‘leadership’ category relates to good governance practices and strategic planning.

Cr Ian Ross called for the action plan to include ‘measurable’ outcomes.

He said his phone had ‘run hot’ with residents wanting an extension of time to provide their feedback.

“I’ve never had that response before from the community, so clearly there’s a need,” he said.

“The action plan is what drives what the municipality does to improve our shire every year.”

Cr Penny Flynn said last year’s action plan consultation received only two submissions during a three-week consultation period.

She said she hoped the council would be ‘inundated’ with submissions, with additional time for people to gather their thoughts.

People can view the draft Annual Action Plan via hrcc.vic.gov.au/have-your-say

The feedback period closes on March 31.