05 q Annual Report 2013-2014 MAYOR’S
MESSAGE To Our Community ...
It is with great delight that I present the 2013-2014 Annual Report for the Horsham Rural City Council. It has been a busy year with many significant achievements and highlights.
In January, we suffered the devastating effects of the Grampians Northern Complex Fire. The fire burnt over 55,000 hectares of land and sadly resulted in the loss of a member of our community.
The work of BlazeAid, supported by local Service Clubs, working alongside community members clearing and rebuilding fences, has been outstanding. This unprecedented level of volunteer support over an extended period of time has played a critical role in both the physical and social recovery of our fire affected communities and we sincerely thank them for their efforts (see pages 37-39).
It was a pleasure to welcome Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove and Lady Lynne Cosgrove to our municipality in April. Their visit came at a hectic time, just two days before ANZAC Day and during the Royal Tour (see page 49). In March, Victoria’s Governor, The Honourable Alex Chernov AC QC and Mrs Elizabeth Chernov also made a return visit to Horsham.
The relationship with Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture has strengthened this year. In October I led a delegation to China, to facilitate an agreement between Horsham College and Nujiang National Middle School to commence a cultural education exchange program. An Agreement for Co-operation to run an Agricultural Education Exchange Program between Longerenong College and Lijiang Teachers College has also been signed. This aspect of Council’s economic development work aligns strongly with the push by the Victorian Government for Regional Cities to assist local producers to access markets in China and south east Asia (see page 48).
Work on the Horsham Town Hall and Regional Art Gallery Redevelopment project commenced in January. This complex project required significant planning, community consultation and considered project management. I am confident that it will meet our community’s requirements now and well into the future. (see page 30).
Australia Day was celebrated with special events in Horsham, Natimuk and Dadswells Bridge this year. Congratulations to award recipients – Mr James Heard, Mr Matthew Bray and the Wimmera Machinery Field Days. Racing identity Tony Cavanagh has developed a strong relationship with Horsham in his role as Australia Day Ambassador (see page 34).
Citizenship ceremonies are always a special occasion and eight ceremonies were conducted this year for 73 new Australian citizens. We warmly welcome all our new citizens to the municipality (see page 32).
Growing our economy continues to be a major focus and this year has seen significant investment in our municipality including the Bayer Crop Science $14 million wheat and oilseeds breeding centre at Longerenong, the Nuseed $7 million innovation centre in Horsham and the $6 million Australian Grains Genebank at the Grains Innovation Park. The Horsham Golf Club’s new $5.2 million clubhouse was also officially opened and the State Government made a $10 million commitment to rebuild Horsham College.
In collaboration with the Wimmera Development Association and our neighbouring Councils, we have continued to advocate on behalf of the region at a Federal and State Government level on important issues such as the Western Highway Duplication, Western Highway Realignment (bypass), improved passenger rail services, mobile phone coverage and improved weather forecasting (see page 49).
Horsham is a great place to live and we are fortunate to have a vibrant, inclusive and welcoming community that is diverse in nature. Our city offers a safe and friendly environment and I acknowledge the volunteers, Service Clubs and emergency services that provide safety, security, harmony and goodwill within our community.
It is an honour to serve as Mayor of Horsham Rural City Council for a second term and I am grateful for the support of my wife Jenny and family Jessica and Josh. I personally thank my fellow Councillors for their support over the past year and to all Council staff for their commitment in delivering and maintaining high quality services and facilities to our community.
Cr David Grimble Mayor
A great place to live - vibrant, inclusive, welcoming...
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