If spirited community debate over long-term planning for Horsham has told us anything, it is that democracy is alive and well in the Wimmera.
Public passion and opinion surrounding how the regional centre should evolve to meet future needs also consolidates a long-held belief that local governance remains at the forefront of country Victorian society.
Local government is the closest form of government to the people, especially in the regions, which means it is also one of the most important and one of the most challenging to get right.
The nature of this level of governance, where councillors, council officers and staff share the same municipal services and, every day, rub shoulders with people they represent, also means there are high levels of accessibility and accountability.