Vol. No. Vol. 2618No. 1 27
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Wednesday, January 2016 Wednesday, July13, 5, 2023
PRIDE: Noelene Douglas and Alva Taylor were among a group of Indigenous Elders and respected persons to tour the region’s Silo Art Trail, including Horsham featuring the story of Wotjobaluk warrior Yanggendyinanyuk, as part of NAIDOC Week activities yesterday. A range of events and activities across the region this week, designed to the theme of ‘For our Elders’ will acknowledge the important influence, contributions and legacy of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders. More pictures, page 23. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
Liveability the key A
BY JESSICA GRIMBLE
compelling case for liveability remains one of the biggest opportunities, and challenges, for the region, economic development and business leaders say.
As the Wimmera and southern Mallee prepares for a major transformation – including the possibility of mineral sand mining and renewable energy projects that could attract a surge in population growth – leaders say collaboration, education and a reconsidering of work and social expectations can ensure the region is wellplaced to attract and retain residents.
Wimmera Southern Mallee Development chief executive Chris Sounness said liveability was a vital drawcard and point of difference, but could be challenging to articulate. “A lot of us know why we live where we live, and we love it, but when we try to describe it to others, we find it hard to articulate,” he said. “We are five minutes away from going home for lunch, or taking your kids to an appointment or activity – and employers are understanding of that. You can finish work at 4pm and be on the back of a boat skiing at 4.15pm.
“These are all intangibles and once you start living here, you realise all the advantages including less stress. Is it anything flashy? Probably not. “So then it’s important we get the infrastructure right – the education and the health services – to accommodate population growth and attract people into the region.” Mr Sounness said businesses and organisations were working together in relation to aspects such as attracting employees and housing availability. “Often, what we’re trying to solve is not just one person’s problem,” he said.
He acknowledged Horsham and surrounding towns often required different approaches to solutions-gathering. “They have different dynamics. They are interdependent, but they have different needs and different business models. What might be talked about for Horsham might, or might not, apply to Murtoa or Rainbow or Kaniva,” he said. He said in terms of retail, Horsham, as a central service centre for the region, was poised to capitalise on an option to move from independent businesses to the support and competitiveness of a franchise base.
“If you travel to places of similar size, a lot of them have ‘big-box’ businesses within them and Horsham doesn’t have a lot,” he said. “It will be interesting to see how and where that happens. What is the future of the big-box retailer in Horsham and if so, where – which becomes a planning consideration.” West Vic Business chairman Mark Clyne and ambassador Stacey Taig said considering the region’s natural and environmental assets as a drawcard to attracting and retaining people, and enhancing liveability, was key. Continued page 3
IN THIS ISSUE • MasterChef reveal • Prime Minister visits Horsham • Junior umpires selected Phone: 03 5382 1351 Read it online: www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au
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