Council
22 December, 2025
A year of progress, pride and planning for Horsham Rural City Council
Horsham Rural City Council mayor Brian Klowss has taken a look back over 2025, marking the year as one of significant achievement across culture, community safety, infrastructure, planning, and organisational strength, delivering projects and services that supported residents now and into the future.
He said that the council had embraced 2025 as a year of opportunity and renewal, following the election of a new council and the establishment of a refreshed executive team.
“While there have been many challenges, our overall progress has been positive,” he said.
“Our councillors have played a pivotal role, adopting a Ways of Working Charter that underscores respect, commitment, and a strong connection to the community.
“Our staff have again put in a massive effort, and I thank them for seeing the year out with such impressive dedication and teamwork.
“Together, the council has accomplished much during 2025."
The mayor acknowledged the extra work put in behind the scenes by council officers, which had earned recognition from the community, as reflected in a huge jump in satisfaction.
“In the June 2025 Local Government Community Satisfaction Survey, Council’s ‘Overall Council Direction’ score increased from 37 to 61 - the largest improvement recorded among all Victorian councils - and all nine benchmark indices improved," he said.
Cr Klowss said the community response to the parking meter removal had exceeded all expectations, but said he believed it was a turning point with the community realising the council was listening and that they, the community, would be heard.
With advocacy high on the agenda, the council joined with six councils across the Wimmera Southern Mallee to form the Southern Mallee Councils Alliance to strengthen regional advocacy.
He said the council had called on the state government to review drought funding eligibility, contributed to the Australian Government's National Food Security Strategy, and joined with regional leaders and industry representatives at a high-level forum at Parliament House to collaborate on housing, infrastructure, and economic development.
The HRCC also condemned the Victorian Government's Emergency Service levy increases, alongside farmers and CFA volunteers, and successfully called for their reconsideration.
Council urged clarification of conditions and environmental safeguards for the proposed Avonbank Mineral Sands Project before any mining licence decision and endorsed a submission to VicGrid's Draft Victorian Transmission plan, calling for farmland protection, fair landholder compensation, transparent approvals and lasting local benefits, he said.
Cr Klowss said council had delivered major milestones in culture, art, and events in the past year, securing a nationally significant exhibition from the National Gallery of Australia, committed funding to the Wesley, and the successful RegFest.
Horsham's youth were represented at the statewide FreeA\Za Summit and the Skate Bowl Anti Graffiti Mural.
"It is important to acknowledge the work done by council in the strong multi-agency response to the Little Desert and Grampians Fires," Cr Klowss said.
"HRCC established a relief centre to help support recovery and keep the community informed."
The council introduced bike controls across tracks and reserves, updated the domestic animal management plan and continued to support playgroup programs for families.
Cr Klowss said that while reviewing the past year was important, HRCC was intent on planning for the future and among that was the adoption of the Municipal Community Strategy for 2025-2035, and key strategic documents including the 2041 Community Vision, Council Plan 2025-2029, Rating plan, Budget 2025-2026, and the Annual Report 2024-2-25 Heritage Amendment C85hors.
Looking ahead to the region's growth, the mayor said the draft Horsham and Natimuk Housing Strategy was completed, 106 planning applications were assessed, valued at $914 million, and council approved developments including the SEC Solar Farm and Farm Frites Potato chip processing plant.
The inspection rate for building services had been maintained at 98.9 per cent across 767 pools and spas.
Council's infrastructure and capital works had shown progress across the municipality with the Alexander Avenue, Dimboola-Minyip Road, and Polkemmet Road upgrades, nine bridge defect repairs, and the Riverside Bridge attachment completed.
The City Oval playground was completed, and the construction of the Netball pavilion was underway, with the Lukin Park development seeing new landscaping and irrigation, and footpaths completed.
"Safety upgrades were completed at multiple sites, while fabrication of the Dadswells Bridge pedestrian bridge is underway following last year’s fire," Cr Klowss said.
HRCC launched the HRCC Waste App to improve bin reminders and recycling information.
It continued high-quality oval and wicket maintenance and invested in new infrastructure equipment. Aerodrome drainage improvements supported by GWMWater and government funding, now protecting farmland, roads, and aviation safety.
Cr Klowss said the council's performance had been strengthened through a new HR management system, staff training programs, a new Enterprise Agreement (2025-2028), and active recruitment.
"Corporate Services delivered extensive community engagement, including weekly eNewsletters, public notices, 162 media releases, and strong participation through Have Your Say," the mayor said.
"Customer Service responded to 6,901 requests, along with complaints, compliments, and FOI enquiries."
Cr Klowss said Council’s work was guided by its Councillor Ways of Working Charter.
“Being respectful and genuine, doing what we say we will do, staying connected to our community and remaining future-focused and optimistic - these values underpin everything we’ve delivered this year," he said.