Issues ranging from emerging primary industries to increased traffic and activity confront Wimmera people as the region attempts to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic.

A need for more short and long-term housing to meet demand generated by potential growth is at the regional forefront in development discussions and planning.

In Horsham, community leaders are working to capitalise on opportunities without compromising public sentiment as multi-million-dollar housing and accommodation developments attract mixed views.

Community commentary on social media, albeit far from a reliable gauge, suggests divided public opinion on housing projects, a position reflected in the Horsham Rural City Council chamber.

Council decisions to give the go-ahead for a six-storey apartment building in Baillie Street and a village-style housing project in Horsham’s Oatlands area, have only come after mixed votes and lengthy debate.

On the Baillie Street project, which involves construction of what will be Horsham’s tallest building, councillors have both spoken for and against issuing planning permits. The ‘yes’ votes centred on promoting development and the ‘no’ votes ranged from historic aesthetics to traffic issues.

It followed a similar scenario involving the Alexander Avenue village housing development, which includes one-bedroom houses on land fringing Horsham Public Cemetery.

The Horsham council has also been assessing smaller housing and land projects. 

This includes a four-lot subdivision of a block at 1 Rose Street, which the council also voted in favour of granting a permit for at the meeting.

A Wimmera Southern Mallee Housing Study is underway with Wimmera Development Association presenting a stakeholder briefing on the study on Friday.

The study aims to gain a greater understanding of available housing and land across Horsham, Northern Grampians, Yarriambiack, Hindmarsh and West Wimmera municipalities. 

It is scheduled for public release in late January.

The entire December 23, 2020 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!

The entire December 23, 2020 edition of AgLife is available online. READ IT HERE!