New Council campaign to attract industry and investment

Published on 11 May 2022

Horsham Rural City Council has launched a campaign to fulfil the Wimmera’s economic potential by using the region’s untapped advantages to attract investment and new industry.

Mayor Robyn Gulline launched the Destination Horsham – Investment Attraction Strategy(PDF, 4MB)  at the Wimmera Business Centre on Wednesday.

It sets bold targets for the region including the goal of becoming Australia’s most dynamic sustainable energy region.

The campaign also explores the potential for the municipality to become a major nature-based tourism destination.

The dependence on agriculture is also addressed, with increased local processing and export marketing the keys to adding strength to the region’s main industry.

With investment in the right areas, the Horsham region has the potential to achieve the following goals:

• Australia’s largest and most dynamic sustainable energy region and skills centre: We will make efficient use of our large parcels of land and suitable weather conditions to become a key sustainable energy region for Australia
  
  
• A leading regional food and grain hub: We will thrive off our existing specialisation in agriculture and develop a closed regional food economy through food, wine and agritourism
  
  
• Diverse and affordable housing options to attract new residents: A growth management framework will deliver sensible, affordable and diverse housing options to bring students and professionals to the region
  
  
• An expansive, lucrative, and efficient export industry: We will make use of the Wimmera Intermodal Freight Terminal (WIFT) facility and continue to be a hub for exports.

Cr Gulline said in the post-COVID regional boom, the contest for investment opportunities was becoming increasingly competitive.

“It is essential the Wimmera is promoted on a national and international platform to attract companies that will generate new employment opportunities for current and future residents,” she said.

“Horsham is at an exciting point in its development. With emerging agricultural innovation, education and technology, Horsham possesses the perfect platform and facilities that enable the development of new industry.

“We are also in a great position to capitalise on our natural environment by further developing our tourism presence.

“With affordable and available industrial land being supported by a strong agricultural base and a significant freight and logistics terminal, there is no better place to invest in now,” Cr Gulline said.

The strategy includes an implementation plan which outlines the proactive and effective actions that will deliver Destination Horsham’s objectives.

Council’s investment attraction team has developed a new Invest in Horsham digital presence, which shows potential investors opportunities that are available immediately and into the future.

The Investment Attraction Strategy event also included the launch of the Austmine Victorian METS (mining equipment, technology and services) Export Hub in Horsham.

The evening session provided Wimmera industries information on how to access the ever growing global mining supply chain.

Presentations from long-standing Horsham businesses CHS Group and Smallaire were also part of the launch event.