Having returned to Horsham six months ago after living away for the past decade – for three of those years in Mildura and Gol Gol, the New South Wales side of Mildura – it was a welcome sight to see there had been several upgrades along the Wimmera River.
The new pedestrian bridges, meeting places with food truck spaces, riveredge connections, the nature water play park, upgrades to toilet amenities, the angling and rowing clubs, and improvements to carparks, walking paths, seating and barbecue areas – what’s not to like?
Well, apparently some people don’t like it, and think it was not a wise use of money.
At the Horsham candidates forum last month, riverfront redevelopment was raised and, to my surprise, mostly met with negativity. Like any infrastructure project, there will always be some in the community who don’t agree that it is the best use of public money.
I have reported on opposition to infrastructure projects many times, including a significant community objection to the Horsham Town Hall redevelopment some 14 years ago.
I’ve also written many stories on community opposition that comes too late – where residents have been too late, voicing their opinion well after community consultation took place.
From all reports, feedback to the council in regards to the riverfront redevelopment was the river was ‘underused’, improvements were needed and should complement the natural features of the river.
In all communities, there is always a long list of projects that are needed, and always differing opinions on what should be prioritised first.
But it also comes down to what grants and government funding are available for such projects.
Not all projects fit the various criteria needed to be successful in obtaining government grants.
And a significant amount of government grants were utilised to revamp the riverfront with council funding only about 15 per cent of all three projects – the $3.186-million riverfront redevelopment; $2.481-million nature and water play park; and $2.599-million Hamilton Street pedestrian bridge over the river.
Major projects are not funded by just one level of government – and while the riverfront redevelopment was led by Horsham Rural City Council, council money did not pay for it all.
You only have to look at the success of riverfronts in various regional riverfront towns to realise that governments are willing to spend in this area.
As unfortunate as it is, it’s much more ‘sexy’ to fund an attractive redevelopment than it is potholes.
The same level of funding is just not there for councils to tap into when it comes to roads.
It is the same with creating other community spaces – such as Horsham City Oval – the money for these types of grants comes from a particular government department for a specific type of projects, so why not tap into it?
To me, the riverfront redevelopment was a no-brainer.
It was well overdue for an upgrade and if Horsham wants to not only boost tourism but create enjoyable spaces for residents to regularly use, then making use of the river as a key asset should be a priority.
Whatever comes next in the way of community projects, make sure your voice is heard early in the piece when council is consulting the community.
• What’s your preference for a community project? Email me and let me know your thoughts at lhenry@aceradio.com.au.
The entire October 23, 2024 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!
