The Horsham municipality straddles two partnerships given its central location. During the June 28 meeting, council decided to continue as a member of the Grampians Tourism and over the next three years be part of the transition to the Western Victoria Economy Partnership.

Horsham Rural City Council voted to sit on both tourism partnerships during the meeting.

Horsham Council will transition to Western Victoria Visitor Economy Partnership and also look to join the North West Victoria Visitor Economy Partnership.

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Horsham mayor Robyn Gulline said the state government is leading the change from the regional tourism boards to visitor economy partnerships.

"This will take over from July 1, but it's still a work in progress," she said.

"Horsham is naturally a part of both. We are currently part of Grampians Tourism and have been since its inception 10 years ago but it makes logical sense for us to be the trail from here to the river, to Mildura as well."

Cr Gulline said the state government wanted to join Horsham into the North West Victoria Visitor Economy Partnership.

"The premise of the motion was until the government works out how this is all going to look and play out, we need to be a part of both organisations," she said.

Council will review the Western Victoria Economy Partnership in 12 months.

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"We have to make a decision before July 1, we wanted to be a part of both in some way but we don't know what that's going to look like," Cr Gulline said.

"We will be constantly monitoring and reassess in 12 months, we may reassess earlier."

Cr Di Bell said she was concerned about finances being a part of the two partnerships.

Grampians Tourism cost ratepayers $50,000 in the 2020-21 financial year. At this time the cost for the partnership and being on the two partnerships is unknown.

Cr Gulline said council were unable to get an answer from the department about those costs.

Cr Gulline also noted being a part of the two partnerships demonstrates how central Horsham is for Western Victoria.

"We really are the capital for Western Victoria," she said.

"People come and use us as a base for their visit, and experience all of the attractions and opportunities that the entire region has to offer."

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