Cr Di Bell: It's all happening in Horsham

Published on 30 March 2021

As we move into Easter this week, it is great news to hear that most accommodation in Horsham, is fully booked. 

This is a very positive sign for our local economy with so much regional tourism occurring. 

Council staff and Councillors have a busy time over the next few weeks to work through the draft budget whilst considering and being responsive to the diversity of interests and needs of the whole municipal community. 

Not an easy task, with limited funds available and managing rates at the same time. 

Whilst some things are considered necessary by some community members, we must also remember that safe rural roads for people to travel to and from their homes, other areas like Horsham North and the playgrounds and public toilets, etc also need to be addressed across the municipality, alongside new projects like the City to River.  

This week we will see the registrations close on Monday night, for those in our Community interested in applying to be on the large Community Panel who will work together to create our vision for the future. 

We need community members aged 15 years or older to apply to ensure we have a variety of ages and genders representing the areas of our municipality. Please consider applying and inviting others, including our youth to apply.

I hope many in the community have started having conversations with neighbours and family.

We need everyone to take part in creating our future, so jot down your thoughts, opinion and dreams for our future.  

Whether it’s what you really value, love and want to keep, or about parks, playgrounds, the arts, community services, local roads, crossings, footpaths, facilities our community needs, something that needs upgrading, sport facilities, anything you think no longer services our community, major infrastructure, any other improvement – it’s your chance to help shape the Horsham region’s future.    

Maybe you could also chat to visitors and other family and friends over Easter and ask for their ideas.  Sharing and building on each other’s ideas often brings the best outcomes.

Further information is available on the HRCC website under the have your say section, where you can register for the community panel or submit your feedback for our future. 

For more information on the Community Panel or the Community Vision contact todd@ie.community  

Finally, I wish everyone a wonderful Easter while sharing special time with family and friends.  If travelling, stay safe and take care.  

Happy Easter to all.