HORSHAM council's chief executive has urged residents to make formal submissions to the council's futures plan.
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The draft City to River master plan is out for community consultation until August 30.
Sunil Bhalla said the plan would outline Horsham Rural City's development for the next 20 years.
"One of the key roles of council is to plan for the future of this community and we believe that Horsham needs to position itself as a regional city. What we do in Horsham is good for Horsham, but the rest of the region also relies on us," he said.
"This is not a done deal. All the consultation, research and evidence we've collected show that this is a workable plan.
"There have been more than 160 engagements with key stakeholders involved with the plan, which was important to start shaping the process. Now we're encouraging everyone to have their say because it does have a community-wide impact."
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Consultancy firm Urban Enterprise created the plan, which cost the council close to $160,000.
The council has already received more than 100 submissions, and has run listening posts and community sessions to allow residents to ask questions.
Mr Bhalla said the council would source funds for projects within the plan from a number of avenues - including state and federal governments and private investors.
He said the council met with affected user groups and agencies during the consultation process.
"There have been detailed workshops with sporting groups and facility users. It's been a very in-depth piece of work looking at the current demand and future demand. There have also been one-on-one discussions with key stakeholders and other groups," he said.
"Once the feedback has come in, we will identify where the common threads are and where there are common issues. We'll refer that information back to the consultants and work with the council to consider how we can address concerns.
"We may need further targeted engagement, depending on what the changes to the plan will be. We wouldn't go back to the community again unless we have a complete rehash of the plan. We've got an open mind and we want a plan that the community supports."
The plan identified a "pressing need" to develop a multi-purpose indoor sporting facility in Horsham, with the McBryde Street stadium site identified as the preferred location. The venue would cater for basketball, table tennis and volleyball, and there would also be external netball courts.
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Mr Bhalla said the sporting precinct would link the multi-user stadium, Horsham City Oval and the Horsham Aquatic Centre.
"As a regional city, we have a basketball stadium that serves the community at this stage - but this plan is about the future. We need to create plans now to make sure we have the facilities for the future," he said.
A government hub precinct was also suggested in the plan, which would include government offices, the Horsham Police Station and the council's chambers.
"What the plan is proposing is in line with the current state government thinking about consolidating government services - local, state and federal - into a precinct. That's happening in Ballarat and Bendigo now," Mr Bhalla said.
"The guidance we have from the state government is that this could also be a possibility in Horsham. Maybe not now, but give it 10 years and perhaps it's a possibility.
"If we do start looking at this seriously, then that's the next level of planning - can you fit the police station, the Country Fire Authority, the council's offices, the court and even the library? That plan doesn't pick up the library, but personally I think it would be good to include it in the precinct."
Read the full draft City to River master plan below
What Horsham council plans are out for consultation?
City to River master plan
What is it?
Outlines a vision for Horsham for the next 20 years.
Closing date?
August 30.
How can I have my say?
Visual display at the council's offices, Horsham Regional Library and Horsham Aquatic Centre; online feedback form; or a paper feedback form at council's offices.
Open Space Strategy
What is it?
Details the priorities for the planning, provision and development of open space across the municipality.
Closing date?
August 30.
How can I have my say?
Email council@hrcc.vic.gov.au or contact project manager Stefanie Jones on 0438 273 347.
Early Years Plan 2019-23
What is it?
Outlines the delivery of early years services for the next four years.
Closing date?
August 25.
How can I have my say?
Email council@hrcc.vic.gov.au or mail PO Box 511, Horsham, VIC, 3202.
Property Strategy
What is it?
Outlines a holistic framework for the management of all property assets.
Closing date?
September 18.
How can I have my say?
Email council@hrcc.vic.gov.au or mail PO Box 511 Horsham Victoria 3402.
Horsham Transport Plan
What is it?
Outlines the directions and priorities for developing the transport system in urban Horsham.
Closing date?
November.
How can I have my say?
Two workshops at council's office on August 22.
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