Council
6 August, 2026
HRCC backs sports funding bid for Natimuk, Laharum and Horsham
THE Horsham Rural City Council has endorsed two significant funding applications aimed at strengthening community recreation facilities, including support for the rebuild of the Natimuk Bowling Club following the 2026 grass flat fire.
At its July 27 meeting, the council approved submitting a funding application to Sport and Recreation Victoria’s Local Sports Infrastructure Fund program to develop master plans for three key recreation sites across the municipality.
The proposed master planning would cover Laharum Recreation Reserve, Quantong Recreation Reserve, and the Central Park Community Sports Precinct, including the netball courts, CFA track, and tennis courts.
Mayor Brian Klowss said the planning would help the council better manage its recreational assets and improve its chances of securing future funding.
“The master planning work helps us properly plan for our recreational assets and puts us in a strong position for future funding opportunities down the track,” he said.
“It’s all about making sure council’s investment delivers the greatest possible benefit for our community, while helping us deliver on the direction set out in our Active Horsham Strategy.”
The council also approved the submission of grant applications to support the rebuilding of the Natimuk Bowling Club, including its pavilion, bowling greens and associated infrastructure, after the facility was destroyed in the grass flat fire earlier this year.
Cr Klowss acknowledged that the bowling club had suffered a significant loss and the council was pleased to support its recovery.
“The Natimuk Bowling Club lost so much in the 2026 grass flat fire, and we’re glad council can play a role in supporting a timely rebuild of this important facility,” he said.
While the bowling club is community-owned and managed, Regional Development Victoria is leading the rebuild project, with primary support from Sport and Recreation Victoria.
The council has been asked to assist by providing project management skills and capability.
As only Victorian councils are eligible to apply for LSIF funding, the Natimuk Bowling Club has asked the Horsham Rural City Council to lodge the application on its behalf.
If successful, the rebuild would be funded through a combination of Victorian government funding programs and the club’s insurance proceeds, with no direct financial contribution proposed from the Horsham Rural City Council.