MAYOR’S MESSAGE
TO OUR COMMUNITY ...
As Mayor, it is my privilege to serve and lead the community as your social, cultural, political and business ambassador. In our role as a regional city, Horsham continues to develop and strengthen inter-governmental and business relationships with key stakeholders. This is crucial in attracting funding, private investment and business confidence for the growth and prosperity of our region. In partnership with our community, Council continues to facilitate opportunities and initiatives to deliver these outcomes.
It is with great delight that I take the opportunity to highlight and reflect on the many accomplishments of our community and Council during the last 12 months in the contents of this report.
After many years of planning, August 2012 saw the official opening of the Wimmera Intermodal Freight Terminal. The Wimmera is one of the world’s largest grain, pulse and oilseed growing regions, and exports around 60% of total harvest. This $17.75 million national transport initiative will transform the efficiency and capacity of grain handling and transport in the Wimmera. The new terminal is an essential next step in meeting increased global demand for our products. The Wimmera Intermodal Freight Terminal was jointly funded by the three tiers of Government and private investment.
The Horsham Town Hall and Regional Art Gallery redevelopment project aims to meet the long term needs of our community, and indeed the region, through the provision of a state-of-the-art performing arts centre and art gallery complex. In addition to new facilities, this significant project comprises of upgrades and refurbishment of existing facilities with the retention of heritage features of the existing Town Hall. This complex project requires significant planning, community consultation and considered project management to meet our community’s requirements now and well into the future. Council is working hard to deliver this project for our community and within our budget.
Flood recovery projects have been a big component of the past twelve months. This has included building restorations, jetties, pontoons and roads and bridge restoration. A significant project was the restoration and rebuilding of a number of tennis courts damaged by the 2010- 2011 floods across our municipality (see page 23).
4 ANNUAL REPORT 2012 - 2013
I express our appreciation to Victoria’s Governor, His Excellency the Honourable Alex Chernov AC QC and his wife Mrs Elizabeth Chernov, who toured our municipality in May 2013. It was a pleasure to host the Governor and his wife and conduct a Civic Reception in their honour.
During the past year, 32 new residents in our municipality have made the pledge to become Australian Citizens. I personally congratulate all our new citizens, your contribution will enhance the culture and diversity of our community (see page 25).
Once again, we held Australia Day celebrations throughout the municipality. In particular, I congratulate Robyn Lardner and Rebecca Schmidt, recipients of the Citizen Award, and Young Citizens Award, respectively. Congratulations also to “Carols by Candlelight” which was awarded the Community Event of the Year (see page 23).
We are delighted with the construction and subsequent opening of the new Gateway shopping centre complex in Horsham. The transformation of the former contaminated gasworks site into a modern retail development will enhance the western entrance to our central business district.
Over the next few years, we will continue to focus on growing our economy and our role as a municipality in creating a community that attracts people, investment and prosperity. We can all play a role in promoting the benefits of our municipality, Horsham as a city, and the Wimmera as a region.
We have a vibrant, talented and active community that is diverse in nature and we continue to enjoy a safe and friendly environment that offers excellent quality of life. Thank you to all the volunteers, service clubs and emergency services that provide safety, security, harmony and goodwill within our community.
It is a great privilege to serve as Mayor and I am very grateful for the support of my wife Jenny and family Jessica and Josh. I personally acknowledge the work of my fellow Councillors and all Council staff in delivering and maintaining first class facilities and services to you all - OUR COMMUNITY.
Cr David Grimble Mayor
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