General News
28 August, 2025
Horsham Council quits WSMD, redirects $238k to local projects
The Horsham Rural City Council passed a motion to announce its intention to withdraw from the Wimmera Southern Mallee Development (WSMD) at its ordinary meeting on Monday, August 25.
This decision, effective Tuesday following a special meeting of the WSMD Board, aligned with several other councils in the region.
The Yarriambiack and Hindmarsh municipalities announced their cessation of WSMD membership on Tuesday, August 26.
The Northern Grampians Shire Council had already resigned in 2024, and the West Wimmera Shire Council has also indicated its intention to withdraw.
The HRCC cited an increasing misalignment between WSMD's strategic direction and council's local strategic priorities, resulting in declining engagement and project delivery effectiveness as the principal reason for the decision to withdraw instead of waiting to review its membership in 12 months.
The council moved that Cr Cameron McDonald, the council's member representative, would formalise the termination of the Memorandum of Understanding, signed initially on December 1, 2021, between the Council and WSMD, by signing the relevant documents at a special board meeting of WSMD on Tuesday.
A spokesperson for HRCC said, "The $238,656 budgeted initially for the 2025-26 WSMD member contribution will now be reinvested into targeted economic development initiatives within Horsham and the region".
"It will be strategically aligned with the emerging priorities identified through ongoing community engagement under the forthcoming 2025–29 Council Plan," the spokesperson said.
Mayor Kylie Zanker said the council had "maintained a longstanding and valued relationship with WSMD" and highlighted its significant contributions to the region, including By Five, housing initiatives, economic development, and drought resilience.
"These efforts have resulted in tangible benefits for our Shire," Cr Zanker said.
"It is acknowledged that the economic, political, and social environment in which WSMD operates has changed over time.
"In the current context, the structure of WSMD may affect its ability to pursue its objectives and implement its Strategic Plan.
"The Council recognises that the strategic objectives of WSMD and those of the member councils may not always be aligned, which can create differing interests among councillor members."
Hindmarsh Shire Council chief executive Monica Revell said she welcomed the new structure and the clarity it brought.
"This shift allows councils to focus on their primary purpose while still supporting regional coordination where it matters.
"The new model helps reduce duplication, clarifies roles, and ensures Council resources are directed where they can have the greatest impact," she said.
"WSM Development continues to play a significant role in representing the priorities of the Wimmera Southern Mallee."
Chair of WSMD, Paul Geyer, acknowledged the leadership of councils in establishing and supporting the organisation.
"Our councils deserve credit for the foundation they've laid," he said.
"Their commitment has enabled WSMD to deliver regional wins in housing investment, early years outcomes through the By Five initiative, and drought resilience preparedness, among other achievements.
"These are not small outcomes; they're the product of deep connections and cooperation at a regional level.
"This is not the end of council involvement; it's the evolution of it."
Mr Geyer said councils remained core partners in WSMD's work.
WSMD described the loss of council memberships as providing an "opening of its doors to a broader membership base, marking a new phase of regional coordination built on the same values that have long defined the region: collaboration, community-first action, and shared investment in the future in a statement released on Wednesday.
WSMD will continue as an independent regional body, open to participation from across business, government, civil society, and the community sector, it said.
CEO Chris Sounness said the shift reflected both practical realities and strategic opportunity.
"Things have changed for everyone. Budgets are tight. Structures need to evolve," he said.
"But the need for shared regional effort hasn't gone away. If anything, it's more important than ever.
"Going forward, WSMD will continue as a practical way for partners to stay involved and contribute meaningfully.
"Community-first has always been our focus. This is a chance to keep that commitment strong while making room for new voices and fresh energy."
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