Wimmera River walking and cycling tracks will get new overhead LED lighting as part of a project that starts in Horsham next week.
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Lights will be added along the river between Menadue Street and the Anzac Bridge, including the Wotonga Basin
Areas south of the river west and east of the Western Highway Bridge will also get new lighting. The total project will cover 2.45km.
Horsham Rural City Council Infrastructure Director John Martin said many people exercised along the paths during the day and the new lighting would give them reassurance to also use the area at night.
"The Wimmera River is Horsham's greatest natural asset. Additional lighting will enhance the perceived and actual safety for users along key tracks that connect residential areas to the river," Mr Martin said.
"The community should see lights going up by early July and lights being switched on by the end of July."
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Horsham Rural City Council last year successfully applied for $173,000 in funding from the Victorian Government's Public Safety Infrastructure Fund.
HRCC has contributed $90,464 from its budget and local contractors will carry out the installation.
"The project's funding is good news because activating the Wimmera River foreshore through central Horsham is a priority for council," Mr Martin said.
He said landscaping improvements would also be included in the project.
"Pruning of low to mid-height shrubs along particular sections of the track will also improve visibility and enhance people's perception of feeling safe," Mr Martin said.
Barengi Gadjin Land Council is a key stakeholder and has assisted with the project's planning stage.
Lighting the river tracks has also received support from local groups including the Horsham Bicycle Advisory Committee, Horsham Parkrun group, Horsham Running Group and Horsham Saints Football Netball Club.