With the Federal Election approaching, Horsham Rural City Council is calling for investment in critical projects to enhance community facilities across the Wimmera.
Top of the list is funding to upgrade key freight routes, ensuring safer and more efficient transport for the region's agricultural industry. Another major priority is reopening The Wesley Centre, with a $750,000 pledge from Member for Mallee Anne Webster if the Coalition is elected, bringing the long-awaited project closer to reality.
Council is also seeking support for an alternative truck route to remove heavy vehicles from Horsham's CBD and the duplication of the Western Highway to improve road safety and connectivity.
1. Upgrading Freight Routes
Horsham serves as a key agricultural and grain-producing hub, with heavy vehicles and B-Doubles frequently using local freight routes.
Council has identified essential link roads for upgrade and is seeking leveraged funding from State and Federal Governments to improve safety and efficiency.
Benefits:
- Wider six-meter road seals will allow B-Doubles to pass safely without moving onto gravel shoulders
- Adding four-meter gravel on all farm machinery routes that don't have gravel making them suitable for all weather use (70 km local roads).
- Enhances road safety for all users
- Reduces maintenance costs for vehicles and infrastructure
Status: Investment ready
Project Value: $2.5 million per year
2. Re-opening The Wesley
Once a beloved regional performing arts venue, The Wesley Centre has remained closed since 2017 due to non-compliance with fire safety standards. HRCC is seeking funding to redevelop and re-open The Wesley, transforming it into a modern, multi-purpose venue that meets contemporary safety, accessibility, and inclusion standards.
In a positive development, the Member for Mallee Anne Webster has pledged $750,000 towards The Wesley if the Coalition is elected, bringing the project closer to reality.
Benefits:
- Expected to welcome at least 8,000 patrons annually
- Estimated to inject an additional $1.5 million into the regional economy
- Anticipated to increase annual visitor numbers by over 2,000
Status: Detailed design complete; tender ready when funding is confirmed
Project Value: $2 million
Council and Community Commitment: $1 million
3. Alternative truck route
Detailed route alignment planning to take trucks traveling through Horsham on the Western Highway, Wimmera Highway and Henty Highway out of Horsham's Central Activity District.
An alternative truck route was a key recommendation in Council's Horsham Urban Transport Plan. Removing trucks from the city is also a major priority for the community.
The project would also involve the construction of a second road bridge across the Wimmera River.
Status: Seeking further funding for planning and design
4. Western Highway Duplication
As the key road link between Melbourne and Adelaide, the Western Highway is crucial for farming, grain production, manufacturing, tourism, and access to essential services. Over 6,000 vehicles, including 1,500 trucks, travel this highway west of Ballarat daily. Duplication beyond Ararat is a high priority to improve safety and efficiency.
Benefits:
- Will significantly reduce crash risks (163 crashes recorded between Ballarat and Stawell in the past decade)
- Enhances regional connectivity and economic productivity
- Supports industries reliant on the highway for transport and logistics
Status: Planning stage (part of Victoria's Big Build)
Project Value: To be funded by State and Federal Governments
5. Regional Sports Stadium
A new regional-level indoor and outdoor sports precinct is proposed for development on
Dimboola Road, catering to sports such as netball, basketball, volleyball, and hockey.
The facility will help attract regional and state-level sporting events while increasing local participation in sports.
Benefits:
- Creates a modern, compliant, and accessible sporting facility
- Supports increased participation across various sports
- Enhances Horsham's capability to host major sporting events
Status: Funding needed to start design stage. HRCC has this year applied for funding under the Federal Government's Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program.
