Horsham Municipal Community Facilities Strategy

Help Shape the Future of Horsham’s Community Facilities

About the Strategy

Horsham Rural City Council is preparing the Horsham Municipal Community Facilities Strategy 2025–2035—a long-term plan that outlines how we will plan, provide and manage community facilities across the municipality to meet the needs of our residents now and into the future.

Community facilities - such as halls, libraries, sporting pavilions, early years centres and recreation spaces—play a vital role in supporting social connection, health and wellbeing across all life stages. This Strategy aims to ensure that Horsham’s facilities are inclusive, welcoming, fit-for-purpose and accessible for everyone.

The Strategy provides a decision-making framework for Council to better plan, upgrade and manage these facilities while ensuring equitable access and financial sustainability.

What We’ve Found

Consultation and research revealed key challenges and opportunities:

Challenges:

• Many facilities are under-used or outdated

• Booking systems and management vary

• Accessibility and maintenance are inconsistent

• Volunteer and user numbers are declining

Opportunities:

• Better sharing of existing spaces

• Upgrades to improve access and flexibility

• Stronger partnerships and clearer agreements

• Smarter, data-driven planning

• A more connected and promoted network

What Guides the Strategy

The Strategy is built on five key principles:

• A Fair Approach – Facilities that are easy to find, book and use

• Inclusive & Welcoming – Safe and inviting for everyone

• Shared & Thriving Facilities – Encouraging co-use and community connection

• Universal Design and Access – Easy to access for all ages and abilities

• Strategic Planning & Decision Making – Clear, evidence-based decisions

Strategic Priorities

The Strategy identifies four strategic priorities to guide Council’s future actions:

1. Distribution and Location – Ensuring community facilities are fairly distributed and accessible across the municipality.

2. Promotion, Communication and Engagement – Making information easy to access and encouraging broader community participation.

3. Management and Governance – Strengthening how facilities are booked, managed and maintained.

4. Partnerships and Collaboration – Working with other levels of government, community groups and private partners to deliver better outcomes.

Have Your Say

We want to hear from you!

Horsham Rural City Council will be seeking community feedback on the Draft Strategy from 28 May to 28 June 2025.

Your feedback will help shape the final Strategy and ensure our community facilities meet your needs and expectations.

How to get involved:

• Read the full Draft Strategy

• Complete the online survey questions

Let’s work together to create a network of community facilities that are inclusive, sustainable, and responsive to our changing community.