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Community facilities | July 31, 2018

The Nationals kickstart bold vision to activate the Wimmera River

The Nationals in government will work with the Horsham community to develop a plan to activate Horsham’s Wimmera River Precinct, boosting tourism and supporting local jobs.

Member for Lowan Emma Kealy was joined by Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Minister for Regional Victoria and Decentralisation Peter Walsh in Horsham today to announce $150,000 will be provided for project planning by a Liberal Nationals Government.

Ms Kealy said The Nationals were proud to kickstart the local community’s bold vision to develop the river precinct to its full potential.

“The Nationals have listened to the local community’s calls for a plan to better utilise and appreciate the Wimmera River to boost tourism, jobs and our region’s local economy,” Ms Kealy said.

“We’re making a commitment to get this project off the ground, working with the community and Horsham Rural City Council to create a plan to maximise the potential of the Wimmera River and in turn deliver benefits for the wider region.

“By activating the Wimmera River Precinct, locals and tourists alike will be able to enjoy a coffee or a bite to eat with a fantastic view of one of our greatest natural assets,” she said.

The Activation Plan will focus on the Wimmera River in the area adjacent to the Horsham Greyhound Racing Track, Horsham Showgrounds and the Western Highway.

Mr Walsh said The Nationals were pleased to help the community’s vision become a reality.

“While city-centric Labor has abandoned Regional Victoria, an elected Liberal Nationals Government will back regional jobs and grow our local economies by investing in community-driven projects like the Wimmera River Activation Plan,” Mr Walsh said.

“This commitment is just one way The Nationals in government will deliver a better deal for tourism and jobs in the Horsham community,” he said.

Ms Kealy said she was looking forward to hearing more from the community and seeing the project progress.

“There’s already some bold ideas coming from the community,” Ms Kealy said.

“I am proud to be part of a Nationals team that is determined to deliver a better deal for Horsham by developing one of our town’s great assets – the Wimmera River,” she said.