Horsham council approve report in housing planning methodology

The housing crisis has been a significant issue across the Wimmera, and planning is vital, the councillors noted.

The report included strategic planning work required to understand and suitably address current and future housing needs, how the Horsham Planning Scheme currently manages supply, growth and demand, and the current availability of land supply for housing development within Horsham.

Councillors fully supported the report from council officers.

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The council acknowledged the ongoing purpose and relevance of the 2013 Horsham Framework for Managing Growth in informing current and future housing subdivisions and development.

Council also passed that more grant opportunities can be sought externally.

Councillor Di Bell said planning was integral given the current demand.

"We need to ensure development is strategically planned to manage housing needs, open space and all other infrastructure to support the developments," Cr Bell said.

"Unclaimed development can lead to challenges that are hard to solve once buildings are established."

Councillor Ian Ross said it was "essential" to plan for a better quality of life in the regional city.

"Planning has been somewhat at ad hoc, and it's so important we have a consistent strategy so we develop this town to a have a better quality of living," Cr Ross said.

Councillor Claudia Haenel raised concerns about more activity "south of the railway line and not so much north."

"I hope to see a better balance, because I believe it is about balance," Cr Haenel said.

"I'm supporting all Horsham betterment."

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Despite being written in 2013, the framework is still relevant, Councillor Penny Flynn said.

"Housing continues to be a problem for our community and those wanting to relocate to our community," Cr Flynn said.

"The Horsham Framework for managing growth is an excellent document...the information in that is still very relevant."

Councillor Les Power noted given COVID-19, more people want to move to regional areas, and it's vital to plan.

"We need to be on top of this," Cr Power said.

"We need to look and plan for the future. We need to start somewhere."

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