General News
17 July, 2026
Planning key to retail growth, says CEO
THE Horsham Rural City Council said there is suitable land available for major retail developments, but attracting new businesses to the municipality depends on more than simply having vacant sites. The response follows a discussion sparked by last week’s coverage in The Wimmera Mail-Times about the perceived shortage of land for major retailers and homemaker centres.
Chief executive officer Gail Gatt said the council’s investment strategy primarily focused on strengthening Horsham’s role as the region’s commercial centre by supporting investment in appropriate locations and ensuring there was enough industrial and commercial land made available for future development.
The CEO said one of the largest challenges was ensuring land was appropriately located, serviced, and ready for development to meet the specific requirements for major retailers.
“Large-format retailers often need significant site areas, extensive car parking, strong transport access and supporting infrastructure,” Ms Gatt said.
She noted that the council had to balance new retail development with the protection of the long-term vitality of the Horsham Central Activity District.
“In some cases, suitable land may exist, but factors such as land ownership, infrastructure requirements, site availability, and commercial feasibility can influence whether a development proceeds,” Ms Gatt added.
A recent council assessment found Horsham still has significant Commercial 2 and industrial-zoned land available.
It identified parts of the Western Highway commercial corridor as the preferred location for large-format retail developments needing large sites, sizable building footprints, and extensive parking.
Ms Gatt said there has also been significant movement in commercial development in recent months, which the Council expects will support investment by major retailers in Horsham.
While the Horsham Rural City Council maintains that suitable land is available, it has confirmed that continued planning and investment would be key to attracting major retailers and supporting Horsham’s long-term economic growth.